Easy Dessert Table Ideas
Candy buffets and dessert table displays have become extremely popular over the years.
I am a big fan of dessert table displays at weddings and most guests tend to love and appreciate them.
They bring out the decor element perfectly and tie into the overall feel of the wedding.
If you have a unique wedding theme, you can absolutely use these dessert table ideas to bring out that theme even more.
In the past few years, dessert table displays have become more and more elegant as time passes by.
Couples are definitely using their imagination to come up with creative ways to easily display their desserts for their big day.
We wanted to share 15 of the best and most unique dessert table displays we have ever come across.
We urge you to try out some of these dessert table ideas for your own wedding.
There is nothing wrong with mixing and matching some of the ideas below to come up with something even more unique.
We really took the time to share a few dessert table ideas on a budget that you can do for your own wedding.
Our couples had the following questions about setting up their own dessert table displays:
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What do you put on a dessert table?
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How do you make a dessert table?
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How many items should be on a dessert table?
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How many desserts do I need for a wedding dessert table?
We are happy to address these questions below as well as to show you a few easy dessert table ideas that we simply love!
Don’t forget that these can also double as wedding favours.
If you are on a budget or you are not sure if you can afford to have these elegant dessert table displays at your wedding, I suggest working on your wedding budget first.
Before any wedding planning can take place, be sure to have a solid budget in place.
Lucky for you, you can grab a budget planner for FREE right here.
For those not sure how to create a budget for your wedding that works, read this post.
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Check out these dessert table decoration ideas below!
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Simple dessert table wedding ideas
Dessert Table Food Ideas – What goes on it?
I get this question a lot.
What do you put on a dessert table?
Or how many items should be on a dessert table?
These are all amazing questions.
I will go ahead and start with the first frequently asked question which is what goes on a dessert table.
For those that are looking for wedding dessert buffet ideas or easy mini desserts for weddings, I suggest sitting down and considering first what you truly love as a couple.
This is really easy for couples that love desserts in general.
I am not a huge sweet tooth person but my partner is.
Apart from your wedding cake, a few simple dessert table ideas are:
- Cake pops
- Mini cheesecake squares
- Macaroons
- Mini Cupcakes
- Some candy
- Donuts
- Cookies
- Ice cream
- S’mores
- Popcorn
- Flan
- Dessert shots
- Waffles
- Fruits such as strawberries
- Pies
- Mini cakes
And the list can go on and on.
So how many desserts should you have?
I like the fact that dessert tables or candy tables can typically double as wedding favours.
So your guests can take them to go (definitely have bags or mini boxes available).
As I mentioned earlier, not everyone likes desserts.
I definitely recommend having approximately 3 to 4 mini desserts per person and only about 2-3 dessert options per dessert choice.
Decorating your Dessert Table Displays with Style
With the rise of dessert tables, a lot of couples are choosing to have small cakes and serving unique dessert samples instead.
Dessert table displays are so much more elegant and unique depending on how they are displayed and styled.
Definitely pick a theme and work around that theme.
Once you have a theme going or even a colour scheme you wish to have, find ways to bring it to life.
You can use simple backdrops, fabrics, table cloths, flowers or even a unique wall behind your display.
Using different elements such as plates, bowls or cake toppers can make things stand out.
Don’t lay things completely flat on the table, find ways to elevate them ideally with different heights to give them dimension.
And don’t be shy with using props to make your dessert tables pop!
Use desserts and candy that are mostly colour coordinated as well to keep the theme coherent.
Check out the wedding dessert table ideas below to help you come up with your own unique display.
Elegant Wedding Dessert Table Ideas:
Dessert Display On A Cart
I absolutely love this gorgeous dessert display.
If you can rent a simple cart and decorate it with some flowers or greenery if you are on a budget, you can absolutely wow your guests.
This is perfect for brides that are having an outdoor wedding and are looking for something interactive for their guests.
Source via By Woops
Elegant Dessert Table Display On A Budget
I totally love simple elegant dessert table displays such as this one below.
The backdrop is simple with a little greenery and they used little to no decor.
This is perfect for any budget.
For those looking for cute dessert table ideas on a budget, this one right here might just work perfectly.
Source: The Wedding Playbook
Classy Dessert Table
If you are looking for classy dessert table ideas for weddings this could be it.
This one might be a little pricy due to all the flowers included in the styling but it’s absolutely gorgeous.
You can opt to simply use greenery.
Photography: Darina Stoda Photography
The Royal Wedding Dessert Table
Perfect for a wedding in a castle or an extremely formal wedding.
If you are hosting a rustic wedding, I wouldn’t go with this style.
Couples that are having an upscale wedding should consider this look and style when it comes to displaying your dessert table.
Dessert Table Full of Balloons
We decided to showcase a few simple dessert table ideas for weddings to help inspire you.
Although we love simple, we also need them to stand out.
It’s a great idea to make it a focal part of your wedding to guide guests to it.
There is no point in having it hidden as you will have a lot of desserts to take back with you at the end of the day.
A great way to make it stand out is to use props that are big and visual to the eye.
That’s why I love this balloon arrangement.
Source: Lilian Hope Designs
Cakes & Dessert Table
This is a perfect example of an elegant wedding dessert table that uses props, drapes and different heights and angles to help build a stylish look and allows easy access to all the desserts.
I am also loving the greenery and the candles on the table.
Don’t be afraid to also use a variety of plate and cup shapes to make your wedding dessert table stand out.
Source: Margo and Bees
Donuts & Other Desserts
If you are looking for more dessert table display ideas that consist of donuts!
Doughnut walls are a fun alternative to typical wedding dessert tables.
So having only donuts displays can do the trick just as well.
But I am also loving this simple dessert buffet display featuring other desserts such as cakes, cupcakes and cookies.
Donut Display Ideas
Can you tell that I am obsessed with donuts?
They will make any elegant wedding dessert table a talk of the event.
If you don’t want to do a donut wall like the suggestion above, you can look up donut display ideas on Pinterest.
Donut wedding favours are fun and for the most part, you have a lot of options available to you.
You can give your wedding guests full-size donut favours, miniature donuts, or bite-size donut holes.
You can have them covered in cinnamon or powdered sugar or colourful sprinkles.
Honestly, so many options.
Pinterest has more donut dessert table display ideas that you can also check out if you need more ideas.
Credit: Wedd Magz
Forest Full of Desserts
If you are having an outdoor wedding, use your natural setting to add to the decor element.
It will definitely give it a more wow focal point that your guests can use to interact.
Source: Found Rentals
Wedding Brunch Dessert Display
I loved this amazing dessert table display for couples that are hosting a brunch-style wedding event.
There is just something so unique about it.
If you are looking for more dessert table display ideas, we have a few more below for you to check out.
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Simply Elegant Desserts
If you are looking for something simple in terms of how to set up your dessert table display, this is really it.
A nice table in your wedding colours, your wedding cake, one or two desserts and some accessories to complete the look.
I love the simple use of the lace fabric on the table as well as the pearls on the cake.
It’s all about the little details.
Source: Style Me Pretty
Classy Rustic Dessert Table
I love rustic weddings, I am not going to play that down.
And this amazing setup is just perfect for the theme.
Source: Wedding Chicks
Vintage Theme Dessert Display
For an ultra-chic wedding or party, a stylish sweet table or dessert table is needed to complete the look and feel of the day.
You can search your local flea market or rental shops for a gilded table or antique dresser to display your desserts.
Don’t forget to check out our wedding printable store to get cute wedding signage that you can print and display in unique vintage frames.
Via: Wedding Chics
Draws Full of Desserts
I love telling my couples to add a taste of flair to an elegant or rustic wedding reception with a dessert table that tantalizes guests while reflecting your unique personality.
For those looking for more outdoor wedding dessert table ideas, this is for you.
Source: Wedding Bells
Rustic Wedding Dessert Table Ideas
More rustic love dessert table ideas.
I love rustic weddings, especially in the fall.
This simple dessert table display is perfect for my rustic planning couples.
Source: Ruffled
What do you think of these dessert table displays?
As you can see, these wedding dessert table displays are simply gorgeous.
The more creative your display is the better. Are you planning to have a dessert table at your wedding?
We would love to hear from you.
Read these next:
- Elegant Wedding Cake trends for brides
- Alternative to a Candy Buffet
- How to style your Candy Buffet at your wedding
Which of these dessert table display ideas did you like?
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Hello…love this article! Could you please help me by clarifying exactly what you mean by “approximately 3 to 4 mini desserts per person” (I get that part, but not the next) ,”and only about 2-3 dessert options per dessert choice”). Does that mean if I choose mini cupcakes as one dessert choice, I should only have 2-3 flavors of cupcakes?
I’m planning on having 5 entirely desserts – mini chocolate cupcakes, mini banana pudding cake bites, mini hand pies mini key lime pie bites, and chocolate chip/brownie cookies.
Any help you give will be appreciated!
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comment.
Basically, I am saying don’t have too many options for dessert as this can get expensive and overwhelm guests that they might not eat.
Instead, when it comes to your wedding dessert table displays, offer about 2 to 3 dessert options.
So:
– MiniCheesecake – 3 to 4 pieces per person
– Macaroons – 3- 4 pieces per person
– Mini Cupcakes – 3-4 pieces per person
And then you have your wedding cake.
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Thanks great article. The variety of dessert look tasty. I would love to try.