You’ve probably heard the expression, “Life is short, eat dessert first!” If you’re not familiar with the phrase, we highly recommend adopting it as your new mantra. The words serve as a reminder to go ahead and savor whatever sweet experiences, literal or figurative, cross our paths.

It might never have occurred to you to research the origins of the traditional wedding cake, so we will save you the trouble and give a brief history! Some sources date the inclusion of a wedding “cake” as early as ancient Roman times and theorize that Julius Caesar brought the tradition to Britain. Apparently the custom was to have a biscuit-like or small loaf of bread from which the groom took a bite and then crumbled over his bride’s head symbolizing his dominance over her. We in modernity don’t really like this idea, though, do we? But, we really love how the wedding cake meaning morphed into what it is today, a symbol of unity— one of the first acts the couple does together being the ceremonial cutting of the cake.

Traditional wedding confectionaries have undergone quite an evolution including a phase that featured pies filled with various animal parts. To spare the more sensitive readers, we will not disclose those ingredients. The chronology of the bride’s cake seems to indicate that it was first a biscuit or loaf, then a pastry or pie, then sweet buns, then simple fruit cakes, and THEN the beginnings of modern wedding cakes. Tiered cakes were a showy display of wealth with only the richest people able to afford a snow-white icing since that required excessively refined sugar, a lengthy and expensive process.

Obviously cakes are more accessible these days. We at Ramble Creek LOVE the beautiful centerpiece a large cake affords at the reception, but after decades of seeing a magnificent cake on display, many couples are opting for something a little less traditional.

While we still see *mostly* wedding cakes with floral accents as a focal point in weddings, often modern couples opt to have another sweet treat for their guests. Some people are just tired of cake after seeing them at weddings for so many generations. Let’s face it, we have all had subpar wedding cake experiences, too. Couples are consistently choosing a variety of desert options that can suit broader taste buds.

Here are some of our favorite dessert Table ideas:

Cupcakes galore– Instead of one big cake that might or might not have differently flavored layers, dozens of couples each year choose their favorite cupcake flavors so they can have more than one. Cupcakes can make an impressive display when arranged properly on a dessert table. They are also much easier to serve than a wedding cake!
The dessert bar– This is becoming more and more popular with our couples. Offering variety to guests ensures that there is something for every palate. This can be anything from brownies and blondies to cookies or lemon bars!
Donut Stacks– These can also come in a variety of flavors, and when stacked high on platters, they resemble a wedding cake. We have seen the occasional donut wall, but if you choose this, keep in mind it works best for lighter donuts like the simple glazed donut. Cake donuts can be too heavy for the pegs. Serving individual portions of donut holes can be a super cute display too!
Cheesecake Bar– Cheesecakes can be served in small ramekins or in cupcake wraps and the options for toppings are endless… caramel, chocolate, fruit compotes, pralines. Have fun with it!
Cookies– Whether you offer piles of cookies on platters, or cookies on shot glasses of milk, there will be something every person loves.
Ice Cream Bar– Especially during the warmer months, this has been a huge hit! You can keep it simple with vanilla and chocolate flavors, then offer an assortment of toppings. It brings out the kid in us.
S’mores Bar– You can do more with a s’more than just add Hershey’s chocolate. We love the addition of Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter, and caramel. But prepare to have your mind blown… You can sandwich a gooey marshmallow between chocolate chip cookies, rice krispies treats, and Oreos. How about adding a short strip of candied bacon? You can thank us later!
Pies and Cobblers– Especially in the cooler months, pies seem to be more popular. When you vary the height of cake stands, pies create a very interesting display. Fruit cobbler and ice cream is another comfortingly warm but also delightfully cool dessert.
Chocolate Covered Everything– You can chocolate dip just about anything, from fruits to pretzels to cookies. Another variation is the chocolate fountain which seems to be making a comeback.
Croquembouche– If you have never had croquembouche before, add it to your bucket list. It is simply amazing. This French dessert is featured in the photo gallery above and consists of tiny little cream puffs piled high and connected by a caramel sauce that hardens like a thin candy crust and binds the whole creation together. The display is impressive too!
Macarons- The tiny little colorful treats are always a hit and are a sweet way to incorporate your color palette on the dessert table. Our tip is to order two to three times as many as your total guest count!
Cake Pops- This is another great way to add a “pop” of color. You can incorporate your wedding theme and have multiple flavors. We recommend two/person.

Uniquely ramble creek

One of the things our couples love about the one-stop-shop experience at Ramble Creek is the ability to totally customize the dessert and have it made in-house. Having our pastry chef, Eva, onsite ensures that there will be no shipping mishaps with the cake or dessert. Not only is Eva skilled in creating the most delicious AND beautiful cakes you’ve ever seen, she also has an incredibly varied dessert repertoire to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether it is a custom-designed groom’s cake in the likeness of Neyland Stadium or an expertly designed cupcake display, we’ve got you covered. As part of the wedding planning process, our couples get the opportunity to come sample a variety of cake flavors and desserts as well as discuss their custom design ideas. Then, when it’s time to put the dessert plan into action, our skilled team will assemble your selections in a beautiful display. Whatever you choose— A 5 tiered wedding cake, a cupcake spread, or dessert bar, it will always be an eye-catching exhibit.