Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

Some couples dream of slicing into a white wedding cake as their loved ones ooh and ah on the big day. But all those tiered layers and sometimes not-so-sweet price tags just don’t cut it for other brides and grooms.

Modern couples are doing away with plenty of traditional wedding elements, and towers of elegant white fondant are no exception. Wedding desserts can easily adapt to individual styles and budgets and still satisfy a sweet tooth. One option is to go small — cupcakes are a crowd-pleasing alternative that have boomed in popularity over the last couple of seasons. But other options are turning up at receptions everywhere. Consider these delectable desserts:

CAKE BUFFET

Ok, so this option doesn’t count as a huge departure from tradition, but presentation makes all the difference. Have a smaller, traditional cake made for you and your sweetheart, and let your guests choose from a variety of cakes, say red velvet, chocolate, vanilla, tiramisu, cheesecake or whatever your hearts desire. Label them with cute signs and revel in knowing everyone’s enjoying their favorite flavor.

DESSERT BUFFET

Here’s another self-serve alternative. Put together a smattering of desserts such as cookies, candies, pastries, brownies and doughnuts — pick one or mix them all together — and present them in coordinating containers, such as champagne flutes or silver trays. Try picking goodies in just one or two colors for a polished look, a la Martha Stewart’s black and white dessert bar. Or take a cue from the time of year and serve up seasonal desserts, such as ice cream sundaes in the summer, candy apples in autumn or s’mores for a winter wedding.

PIES

Throw a pie in the face of tradition and give cake’s flaky, eminently fillable cousin a chance to shine. The flavor possibilities are nearly endless, making it a breeze to coordinate with the season, and pies can make for a sweet way to incorporate a family recipe. Top them with white meringue for a sophisticated, more traditional look, or keep a rustic feel with simple golden brown crusts.

CARNIVAL CLASSICS

Surprise your guests with the guilty pleasures of fair food without the Ferris wheels and Tea Cups (unless you’re really going all out with a carnival theme). Watch as the best man tries to eat a funnel cake without covering his suit in powdered sugar, or rent a cotton candy machine and see your grandparents indulge in a childhood favorite. Take it up a notch and serve sophisticated spins on the originals, like deep-friend Toblerone chocolate bars or high-end salt water taffy.