Fresh Dessert Table Inspiration

It’s been a while since I published this post, offering ten gorgeous inspirations for dessert tables and linking them up to SBB colour boards. And in that time, I’ve seen dessert tables evolve, from being highly stylised to maybe just a little bit more relaxed, from being almost entirely cake and candy-based, to having a larger variety of sweet treats, and of course to include dessert table alternatives like pies, cookies or even brunch. But one thing has remained the same – brides love ’em. And it’s no wonder – a candy buffet or dessert table offers a fun, interactive dessert experience for your guests AND it’s a piece of reception decor all on its own, which reinforces your theme or colours and can spark a lot of creativity. What guest doesn’t like seeing a little nook dedicated specifically to sugar, especially when it’s temptingly laid-out. So I thought it was about time I shared some of my new favourite dessert tables, and as before, linked them up with some of our very own inspiration boards to give you a sense of what sort of look and feel each table might suit.

BEAUTIFUL BLUSH

The addition of a floral arch turns a nice feature into a spectacular one – perfect for all you garden wedding and blush-loving brides out there! I’ve paired it with our perennially popular Kraft & Blush inspiration board.

Dessert table: Kiss with Style/Cakes and biscuits by Lisa/Jacqueline Lock Photography via Anders Ruff
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Kraft wrapped favours {Jose Villa/Beth Helmstetter/Laura Hooper}; bridesmaids {Nancy Ray/Rebecca Rose Events}; cake {KT Merry/Nine Cakes/Rock Paper Scissors Events}; Row 2: Envelopes with white calligraphy {Landon Jacob/Jessica Rourke/Lady Letterpress}; bouquet {Megan Dandeles Photography/mStarr Event Styling & Design}; rosé champagne; Row 3: Blush wedding dress {Adam Barnes/Katie Stoops}; table setting {Elizabeth Messina}; gold cutlery {Kate Grewal Photography}; kraft backdrop {Kristyn Hogan/Cedarwood Weddings}.

MODERN MOROCCAN

I love the rich colours and boho vibe of a Moroccan theme, and this table (from queen of dessert tables, Amy Atlas) takes the cake. Or in this case, the macaron tower. Add our radiant orchid Moroccan Boho inspiration board and you have the perfect pairing!

Dessert table: Andrew McCaul/Amy Atlas Events via Amy Atlas
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Boho bride {Ciara Richardson}; bridesmaid with protea bouquet {Sarah Joelle Photography}; boho tent {Jenny Kim Photo/Drew Bennett + Sitting In A Tree}; Row 2: Moroccan lanterns {Sweet Emilia Jane & Sitting in a Tree}; boho dress with lace back detail {Poise by Nadia}; rose wine on brass tray {Mint Photography/Pink Parasol Designs and Coordinating}; Row 3: Bride {Grace Loves Lace}; purple VW camper {Danielle Capito Photography/Taylor Made Events and Design}; protea bouquet {Adam Barnes/Petal}.

ELEGANT GREEN

Who says you have to use a table? I LOVE this cake-in-a-closet in cool mint shades, which goes perfectly with our Parsely, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme inspiration board.

Dessert table: Adrian Jon Photography/Simply Sweet Cakery via Green Wedding Shoes
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Bride (Jose Villa); dried sage (MaryJane Photography); stationery (Elisabeth Millay); windows (Public Image Photography); Row 2: Dried rosemary (MaryJane Photography); flower girls (Elisabeth Millay/Jonathan Young); herbs in wooden box (Public Image Photography); green shoes (K. Holly Photography); keys (39 East Photography); Row 3: Couple (Andrea K Photo); spoons (Hammermann); pie (Michèle M. Waite); table setting (Shoot Lifestyle); bride and groom (Lauren Ross Photography).

WHIMSICAL RUSTIC

Ah, this backdrop! It’s actually a super simple dessert table (although of course you could add whatever you like) but because of the gorgeous custom backdrop, it’s a huge feature for a rustic reception, and goes beautifully with our inspiration board, The New Rustic.

Dessert table: Imago Vita Photography/Ann’s Bakery via Style Me Pretty
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Boho wedding dress {Poise by Nadia}; place setting; wreath invitation; door {Eric Kelley/Shindig Weddings and Events}; Row 2: Poppy pods; boho bridesmaids {Braedon Flynn}; craft beer; flowers in watering can {Yolande Marx}; Row 3: Lanterns {Caroline Tran Photographer/Kelly Oshiro Design}; boho bride {Danelle Bohane}; table decor

ORGANIC BOTANIC

Planning a natural, organic-style wedding? No reason that you can’t have a pretty (if simple) dessert table too. It goes perfectly with our Botanical Blush inspiration board.

Dessert table: We Love Pictures via Miss Moss
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Bride with fern {Heather Roth Photography/Simply & Forever}; fern table arrangements {Erin Grace Photography/Fieldwork Floral Operation}; cake {Heather Roth Photography/Simply & Forever}; bride in blush dress {Landon Jacob/Parkside Wedding Studio}; Row 2: Fern wedding invitation suite {Bailey and Emma of Antiquaria}; blush patent shoes {Aaron Snow Photography/Gibson Events}; table setting {Leo Patrone/Honey of Thousand Flowers}; ferns in vintage vases {Dear Heart Photographer/Function Flowers}; Row 3: Marquee {Birds of a Feather/Amorology}; fern wreaths {Leo Patrone/Honey of Thousand Flowers}; place setting {Anneli Marinovich Photography/Branco Prata -Sofia Ferreira}; chair {Jose Villa /Laurie Arons Special Events}; bouquet {Katie Stoops Photography/Events in the city}.

GLITTERY GOLD

Gold and pink make a beautiful combination, and I especially love the punch of fuschia, Kate Spade style. Once again, a little backdrop goes a long way with this table, but I also love how accessories like candles, flowers and especially a vintage desk have been used to style this simple dessert corner into a real feature. It’s a marriage made in sparkly heaven with our Sugarplum Fairy inspiration board.

Dessert table: Karen Buckle Photography/Green & Bloom/Taart via Polka Dot Bride
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Ballerina {Asian Bees}; rose escort cards {A Bryan Photo/Calder Clark Designs}; blush cocktails {Insight Creative/Carbine Avenue}; centrepiece {A Bryan Photo/Calder Clark Designs}; ballet shoes {Yan Photo/Honey of a Thousand Flowers}; Row 2: Gold cutlery; pink and gold invitation {Fine & Dandy Paperie}; pink and gold ribbons {Insight Creative/Carbine Avenue}; sparkly bouquet tie {Confetti Pop }; aisle {Edyta Szyszlo/lovely little details}; Row 3: Pink ombre cake {Edyta Szyszlo/lovely little details}; place setting with rosebud {Q Weddings/Suzanne Court Catering & Events}; bouquet {nbarrett photography/Lavender Joy Weddings}; pink flower boutonniere {Confetti Pop}; bride and groom {Rebekah Westover Photography/Attention 2 Detail Events}.

RUSTIC RED

I love rustic with a touch of red, and it’s never looked lovelier than on the table below. Of course, you don’t need a snowy backdrop (although it looks lovely, no?) – this table would be just as pretty on the inside, and works for summer as well as winter weddings. It’s matched with our Blossom & Berry inspiration board.

Dessert table: Fab Mood via Simply Peachy
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Bride in blossoms {Tec Petaja/Joy Thigpen}; berry desserts {Danielle Capito}; wooden gate {Tec Petaja/Joy Thigpen}; table with burlap runner {Nikki Meyer Photography/Kraak}; bicycles; Row 2: Bridesmaids with red shoes {Emily Johnston Anderson}; mannequin escort cards {m three studio}; strawberry cocktail; outdoor ceremony {Caroline Tran Photographer/Kelly Oshiro Design}; Row 3: Table with red flower arrangement {Flowerwild/Jose Villa}; groom in braces {Zara Zoo Photography}; farm inspiration suite; bouquet with strawberry {Nikki Meyer Photography/Kraak}; book ring shot.

POPS OF CORAL

Coral and chalk made a gorgeous combo in our inspiration board (and one of your favourites) and the same palette makes for a gorgeous dessert station. I adore the sheer variety here, both in desserts and in containers, but also in heights – it would be super fun to dig into!

Dessert table: Redmoose Photography/Sugar Coated Mama/Get Frosted/Wild Rose Sweets and Styling/My Sweeties/Fifi La’ Femme/Mad Midnite Baker via Kara’s Party Ideas
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Dotty bridesmaid {Sara Lucero}; groom with coral boutonniere {Yvonne Wong Photography}; cocktails {Abby Grace Photography/Capitol Romance}; cake pop macaroons; coral framed chalkboard; Row 2: Single bloom runner {Martha Stewart Weddings}; chalkboard style invitation; chalkboard spice jar {Anthropologie}; boutonnieres {Charmed Events Planning/Vincent Au}; Row 3: Bride with balloons {Alea Lovely}; dessert table backdrop {Elsie Larson}; chalkboard place setting

BLUE BELLE

Most of the dessert tables I’ve seen conform to a pink palette, but of course there’s no reason this has to be the case. This lil’ somethin’ blue combines the pretties treats, from pies to cakes to macarons (and again, I love how vintage furniture is incorporated – pie in a drawer anyone?). If you love this, you’ll love our Wedgwood & Wildflower inspiration board.

Dessert table: Anastasia Belik/Oh Marriage!/Ekaterina Nabirkina via Style Me Pretty
Inspiration board: Top row (l-r): Bouquet {Lisa Vorce/Kate Holt/Jose Villa}; bride {Virgil Bunao/Ooh Events}; monogram handkerchief {Bella Grace Studios/Allure Events}; shoes {Graham Terhune Photography}; Row 2: Wedgwood cookies; bridesmaids {Emily Steffen}; dress with monogram embroidery; Row 3: Invitation suite; wedding table {Carmen & Ingo/Doreen Winking}; flowers.

PERFECT PEACH

Is there anything dreamier than this pretty peach riverside table? I adore everything about it – it manages to look homemade and super stylish all at once. I’ve paired it with Just Peachy, one of our many rustic peach inspiration boards.