Have your cake or opt for one of these tasty alternatives.

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman

When chef Steve Konopelski isn’t dashing off to participate in another Food Network competition (his record so far is pretty stellar, with one first place title and two runner-up titles), he is busy running Turnbridge Point, a waterfront bed and breakfast in Denton, Md. with his husband Rob Griffith. As a classically trained pastry chef, he “lives dessert,” and believes what you decide to serve at your wedding can leave a good—or bad—taste in your guests’ mouths.

“This is dessert. This is the final thing people will eat,” says Konopelski, who has noticed that in general, couples are not afraid to think outside the box.

“It’s easier for people today if they want to have a doughnut wall—20 years ago that wasn’t a thing,” he says.

When creating a confectionary masterpiece, Konopelski takes many factors into account: what is available, what will hold up, the time of year and of course, what will taste delicious. But no matter what a couple desires, Konopelski believes it is important for wedding experts to always be upfront and honest with couples about their abilities and expectations. “If a couple wants a doughnut wall, then I can find the person to give them that,” he says.

And while many couples are opting for handheld desserts like cupcakes, cookies and doughnuts, Konopelski warns that smaller doesn’t always mean less expensive.

“There is often a set-up fee for [things like] cupcakes, which can end up costing the same amount of money or more than a wedding cake.”

If it were up to Konopelski, his Champagne cake would win every time. “We use real Champagne. It has a strawberry preserve and mascarpone filling and is finished with a vanilla meringue buttercream. It reads beautifully.”

Find inspiration for your own wedding dessert table from some local brides below.

Courtesy of Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com

This couple swapped their cake for doughnuts from Sandy Pony Donuts, which offers fun flavors like salted caramel and dirty banana (a banana glazed doughnut topped with Oreo crumbles). The bakery has locations in Annapolis, Md., Bethany Beach, Del., and Chincoteague, Va.

Courtesy of Jessica Rodgers, jnicolephotographyde.com

Courtesy of Jessica Rodgers, jnicolephotographyde.com

This couple served a traditional wedding cake plus a variety of doughnuts. Some of the flavors were blueberry, Oreo cream-filled and vanilla frosting with sprinkles. All the sweets came from Bay Country Bakery in Cambridge, Md.

Courtesy of Pat Robinson Photography, patrobinsonphotography.com

This couple, who wed at Columbia Station in Phoenixville, Pa., spared no expense when it came to keeping their guests well-fed, especially after the sun went down. There were dessert shot glasses in three different flavors (chocolate/vanilla, strawberry shortcake and Key lime) as well as mini bacon frittatas, cinnamon bun lollipops (pictured) and
mini blueberry pancakes with syrup. The couple also served a decadent wedding cake from The Master’s Baker in West Chester, Pa.

Courtesy of Laura’s Focus Photography, laurasfocus.com

This couple had plenty of decadent desserts to serve because family and friends pitched in to make everything from scratch. This is a great way to save a little dough and give your special day a DIY touch.