Great Chocolate Dessert Ideas for Wedding Receptions

Whether your wedding is formal or informal, during the day or at night, cocktail-style or full dinner, desserts are always appropriate and welcomed by all. After a beautiful and heart-touching ceremony, make your guests feel the love even more by providing an assortment of chocolate desserts. Here are five of my favorite goodies.

The "Tuxedo Platter"

This dish is a triple threat! With fresh strawberries, jumbo marshmallows, and pretzel sticks each dipped half in white chocolate and half in milk or dark chocolate, this array of treats will be sure to melt the hearts of your guests. These trays can either be butler-passed after dinner or set out on a buffet table.

Chocolate Fondue

Imagine the beauty of smooth, warm, flowing milk chocolate in a fondue fountain. This dessert is always impressive at a wedding. Serve this treat with coffee or cappuccino and offer your guests cookies, fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries, orange slices, mangos, pineapples) or lady fingers to dip. Pure heaven!

Godiva Chocolate Martinis

This isn't technically a dessert, but it certainly is an indulgence that your guests will enjoy. Made with Godiva chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao, half and half, and vodka, this drink is smooth and absolutely delicious. Add a mint leaf on the side for color, a different taste, and a twist of sophistication!

Vanilla Ice Cream covered with a Chocolate Ganache

If you are planning a summer wedding (especially an outdoor wedding), chocolate-covered ice cream will certainly be well-received by your guests. This is not to be confused with chocolate ice cream. The ganache is made from rich, dark chocolate, cream, and dark rum and spooned onto the ice cream. Be sure to enhance this dessert with toppings such as sprinkles, M & Ms, or nuts.

Decorative Glasses/Votives filled with Hershey's Hugs and Kisses

Hugs and Kisses-what could be more appropriate for a wedding? For this delicacy, fill a martini glass (or any other decorative glass) with a combination of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses and place on the tables where your guests will be seated (or if you are having a standing reception, place the glasses on a table where guests can easily access them). There's even a bonus with this-by enclosing the candy/glasses in clear, decorative wrap, this cute idea not only makes a great dessert, but also makes an adorable, unique wedding favor! To make the favor even more personal, add the couple's name and wedding date to the glasses.

The possibilities for great chocolate desserts are endless. With a little creativity and lots and lots of cacao, your guests are certain to rave about your "chocolate affair."