Beyond the Cake: Creative Wedding Dessert Options

At Blackstone Rivers Ranch, we’ve seen weddings that lean into tradition and others that reinvent it altogether... especially when it comes to desserts. While a classic tiered wedding cake will always hold a special place in the hearts (and photos) of many couples, there are so many other options that can add a personal, playful twist to your celebration.

For those ready to break the (cake) mold, here are some beloved alternatives:

• Mini dessert bars: Think bite-sized brownies, macarons, fruit tarts, or cream puffs. Guests love the variety, and it’s easy to mix in your favorite flavors.

• Donut walls: A hit with all ages and visually fun. You can even personalize the glaze colors to match your wedding palette.

• Ice cream carts or gelato stations: Ideal for summer wedding - especially with Colorado’s warm mountain sun - these offer sweet, refreshing relief post-dinner.

• Pie tables: Rustic, cozy, and full of charm. Serve up a selection like cherry, pecan, or key lime. Bonus: They photograph beautifully on vintage cake stands.

• S’mores bars: A perfect fit for our riverside setting, and a nostalgic, hands-on treat that encourages mingling.

So why stick with a traditional wedding cake?

For many couples, the cake isn’t just about dessert - it’s about ritual. The cutting of a multi-tiered cake is a symbolic moment, representing unity and celebration. The tiers themselves can be a nod to family traditions, or a grand finale to your dining experience. Plus, nothing quite captures the elegance of a formal wedding like a beautifully decorated, tall cake centerpiece.

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” choice - just the one that feels most like you. Whether you lean traditional, modern, or a blend of both, your dessert moment should be as sweet and memorable as your love story.

Photo: Dani Cowan Photography Florist: Layers of Lovely

Dessert: A Cake Come True (permanently closed)