Kickass Brides: Cute, Cheap Dessert Buffet Ideas

According to the Bridal Association of America, catering costs $14,179 -- and that's just an average! If you're a bride on a budget, this simply isn't workable. Do you forgo the wedding reception altogether? Of course not. Instead of hosting an elaborate reception, join in on today's hottest reception trend, the dessert buffet. Try this idea for an elegant, delicious solution to hefty catering costs and hungry stomachs.

So What Exactly is a Dessert Buffet?
It looks exactly how it sounds -- a buffet of desserts. Couples today are eschewing the typical five course meal for a simple, delicious dessert buffet, keeping every guest's hunger at bay. Along with being unique, delicious, and simple, it saves you around $6,000 on catering, depending on the guest count. Here are the basics of a dessert buffet:

~ An array of desserts, ranging from cake (but not the wedding cake) to cookies, is displayed on buffet tables. Choose how you want to decorate.

~ The wedding cake is set in the middle of the buffet. Sometimes this is substituted with cheesecake.

~ Arrange a simple stack of plates, forks, and spoons for do-it-yourself eating.

And that's all you need to know about dessert buffets. Yes, it's really that simple! Of course we wouldn't leave you without any cute dessert buffet ideas, so read our next section for ideas and tips.

Dessert Buffet Ideas and Tips
Here are some cute (and cheap) dessert buffet ideas for your next reception:

~ For a summery substitute, try an ice cream dessert buffet instead. Summer receptions are hot, so cool guests' throats with a yummy ice cream buffet. Along with having a variety of ice cream flavors ready to scoop, pair it up with many buffet-safe condiments, such as pecans, warm caramel sauce, rich chocolate fudge, and fresh fruit. Serve cool wedding cheesecake in place of wedding cake.

~ For a elegant substitute for night hours, try a tea buffet instead. It adds an elegant, warm touch to your reception, a perfect end to a night reception. Have cups of tea available, including rich Chai and fresh Green tea. Pair it up with sweet desserts such as light tea crackers, vanilla wafers, English chocolate, and sweet cinnamon sticks.

~ Need a winter substitute? Substitute the tea for hot chocolate. Leave a brew of hot chocolate at each reception table, paired with rich desserts such as cheesecake, creamy holiday cakes, and delicious chocolate fondue.

Ready to sweeten up your wedding reception? Try out these ideas for your next reception, and remember to sweeten up! Elegance doesn't have to be expensive.

Sources:
"The Wedding Report", Bridal Association of America
"How to Save Money by Choosing a Wedding Dessert Buffet Table", Elle Brown, Wedaholic.com