Move over cake – creative local bakers o ering donut walls, macaron towers, and more

Think Outside the (Cake) Box

10 bakers and makers offering creative confections for the centerpiece of your dessert table

By Patty J

There’s nothing like capping off a magical wedding celebration with some superb sweets. Many of these local bakers create traditional multi-tier cakes, but if you want to treat your guests to something a little different, here’s a few ways to put a delicious and delightful spin on the dessert course.

DESSERT BAR

Dessert buffets or bars are a popular twist on the old Italian tradition of having a cookie tray table at the reception. I’m a fan because it’s always nice having options, and the folks at A Piece Of Cake just get it: cake pops, cookies, cupcakes, and how does a mini cherry pie sound? It’s a wonderful way for guests to satisfy their sweet tooth. Warwick, APieceOfCakeRI.com

A donut wall by KNEAD Doughnuts

GOURMET APPLES

How do you like them apples? Very much, thank you – if they’re from Amy’s Apples & Devilish Delights. These are not the messy treats you remember from childhood. Amy’s gourmet caramel apples are covered in chocolate (white, milk, or dark) and decorated to dazzle. For the kids-at-heart couple, there’s also dipped rice krispies, pretzels, Oreos, and more. Smithfield, AmysApples.com

CAKE POPS

Avoid the tradition of cake applied to face with dainty and scrumptious cake pops from Bake. Eat. Love. No fork or plate necessary! You, your significant other, and attendees can savor these bitesized treats on sticks, crafted with love by JWU grad Crystal Sparkman, that taste as incredible as they look. Pawtucket, BakeEatLoveRI.com

Clara’s Cart brings frozen treats to a summer wedding

Can’t part with cake entirely? A small one surrounded by festive cupcakes from Silver Spoon Bakery is a must

FROZEN TREATS

You can now bring the vintage charm of soda fountains to your wedding thanks to Clara’s Cart by Green Line Apothecary. Named for Clara Barton, the nurse who founded the American Red Cross, this fountain on wheels is stocked with their scratch-made ice cream and soda popsicles, motored over in their classic 1949 Chevy delivery van. Wakefield & Providence, GreenLineApothecary.com

DONUT WALL

Though it started as a trend, it sure looks like the donut wall is here to stay. KNEAD Doughnuts and their crew are experts at bringing this eye-catching and delicious grab-and-go display to your big day. Schedule a tasting to create custom flavors – in full-sized, mini, or donut hole varieties – for your big day. Providence, East Greenwich & Westerly, KNEADDoughnuts.com

MACARON TOWER

Have your guests saying “ooh la la!” when they see a colorful (and delectable) macaron tower built by The Perfect Sweet Shoppe. Choose from four different sizes (including a three-tier version with a cake on top) and up to 12 different flavors, or let guests bring home a tasty souvenir of the night with petite macaron favors. Warren, ThePerfectSweet.com

ITALIAN COOKIES

Over 100 years in biz and counting, the iconic Scialo Bros Bakery in Federal Hill is your onestop shop for old-school Italian pastries and cookies. Enlist their expertise when planning your post-ceremony feast, and they’ll put together trays of rainbow, butter, sprinkle, and almond cookies and biscotti that would make anyone’s nonna proud. Providence, Facebook: Scialo Bros Bakery

CUPCAKES

Incorporate the cupcakes you love from Silver Spoon Bakery – the charming cafe and cocktail bar – into your wedding day. Choose from a vast list of flavors, from crowd-pleasing Cookie Dough to celebratory White Champagne (with bubbly icing), or design a menu to complement a theme or color scheme. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. East Greenwich, SilverSpoonBakery.com

ICE CREAM CAKE

Take your love of ice cream cake to the next level with a frozen confection from Udder Delights – a delicious chilly surprise especially for a summer wedding. Their cookies and cream is a customer favorite, but far from the only option, with plenty of flavor combos and designs available, including heart shaped, beach themed, and beyond. Coventry & Cranston, UdderDelightsRI.com

COOKIE STACK

Pretty-in-pink Portuguese bakeshop Victoria’s Sweets & Bakery makes amazing custom wedding cakes, including a mouthwatering one featuring alternating layers of cookie and frosting. Their stacked cookie cake is sure to make all your wedding dessert dreams crumb true. West Warwick, Facebook: Victoria’s Sweets

CULINARY

CULTURE

Photos by Lauren Fair Photography, courtesy Designed by Delsie Watermelon gazpacho shooters infuse a summer cocktail hour with chill vibes and bright color Easy Entertaining's clam cakes and chowder are a winning combo for adding RI flavor

Although Rhode Island may be the smallest state, it packs a big punch as a gastronomic mecca for world class chefs. Noted as the home to Johnson and Wales University, one of the best culinary schools in the nation, there is no shortage of talented food connoisseurs and caterers that will be sure to curate the perfect menu for your special day.

As you begin to design your wedding day menu, consider incorporating quintessential Rhody favorites. Think artful presentations of playful comfort foods, such as Easy Entertaining’s clam cakes and chowder for cocktail hour. Based in Providence, their commitment to purchasing from farms within a 150-mile radius also helps to support local businesses while cultivating sustainability practices – a win-win for your tastebuds, core values, and investment.

“Working with a local maker for favors, catering, a cake, or any number of items that lend a special Rhode Island touch is perfect for the event and terrific for our food economy,” says Lisa Raiola, founder of food business hub, Hope & Main in Warren. “Hope & Main members love these assignments and care deeply about the result as a reflection of their commitment to this market. Their connections and clients are local, and this work is their bread and butter!”

If you prefer a more bold and culturally infused culinary approach, check out Distinguish Catering in PVD. Chef Jessica M. Zeon takes pride in fusing bold flavors of Afro-Caribbean Soul Food with regional favorites, resulting in a memorable dining experience for your guests. Soul food favorites meet Liberian flavor profiles in the menu of chef Jessica M. Zeon’s Distinguish Catering

Furniture from Dez Collective transforms the conservatory at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center

SHOW OFF RHODY

For guests traveling to Rhode Island, consider creating a list of special points of interest for them to experience. If time allows, enjoy playing tour guide.

Begin with a morning in pastoral Little Compton of socializing with goats over yoga at Simmons Farm, followed by brunch and a wine tasting at Newport Vineyards. Perhaps you prefer to soak in the sun on Newport’s Second Beach with stuffies from Flo’s Clam Shack and a side of Del’s, followed by shopping at commercial streets throughout the City by the Sea (Thames, Spring, America’s Cup, Bowen’s and Bannister’s wharfs, and more).

For guests staying in PVD, a leisurely ride with Providence Gondola, shopping for rare finds at Geri’s Bluffing Boutique, followed by dining out on Federal Hill are popular attractions for tourists and locals alike, or wander the exhibit halls of the RISD Museum. For more ideas, visit HeyRhody.com

PRO-TIP: paper

“My biggest piece of advice for anyone planning a wedding is to send a paper invitation, not digital. The invitation is the first interaction your guests have with your wedding day – it should set the tone for the day and build excitement. There is something so special and rare about receiving a beautiful envelope in the mail.”

GRAPHIC DESIGNER RACHEL ROBINSON

Robinson Press Fine Stationery

STUNNING VENUES

The arch at Newport's Castle Hill Inn is ready to be adorned with florals Selecting the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions couples will make during the wedding planning process. The space will set the tone of the experience. Whether you are a wine enthusiast and envision your day in the vineyards of Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown, or perhaps your mutual love for books and European architecture propels you to consider a city-chic wedding at the Providence Public Library or The Ballroom at Providence G, each site has its special unique features that add so much character to the experience.

“Our little state packs a lot into a small space!” says Susanne Day, director of OceanCliff at Newport Experience. “Some of my couples are looking for something unique and personal. I love suggesting a grand entrance by boat at our Regatta Place venue located on the docks of the Goat Island Marina with stunning views of Newport Harbor. This venue is ideal for couples that love a private-feeling space that is also conveniently located to all the fun spots near downtown Newport.”

TREND TALK: color

“Clients are looking for complementary color palettes – dusty blue with creamy yellows and peach, emerald green, rich purple, and ruby red. I’ve also been seeing an early trend of monochrome and ombre color palettes. It can make using whites and neutrals feel very fresh when layering variations and textures.”

WEDDING PLANNER PEARL FARQUHARSON Designed by Delsie

TREND TALK: cakes

“I’m definitely seeing two trends right now with my 2022-2023 couples. On one hand, you have the minimal and modern take on traditional all-white cakes, typically by using subtle textures, square styles instead of circular, and floral placements. On the other hand, one of the more popular trends I’m seeing is non-traditional wedding cakes. It’s so refreshing to see couples not only interested in, but open to experimenting with different shapes, colors, and elements for their special day.”

CAKE DESIGNER NICOLE GOMES

Ninth Cake

Jamal Burley of Jamal and Lashana Photography agrees. “As Rhode Island wedding photographers, we stand firm that this state has a lot to offer for anyone seeking the dreamiest seaside wedding in America. We feel very privileged. People from all over the country seek Rhode Island as their destination wedding location and it’s for good reason! Its rich history and welcoming atmosphere are enough to make you want to stay.”