Your wedding cake is one of the sweetest details of your big day, but it doesn’t have to be a traditional three-tiered confection. Whether you’re looking for a custom showstopper, a budget-friendly option, or an alternative dessert that reflects your personality, there are so many ways to treat your guests!

🍰 Traditional Wedding Cakes

Many couples still opt for a stunning custom wedding cake. Local bakeries can create beautiful, intricate designs, and you can personalize flavors to your taste. If budget is a concern, consider:

• A smaller display cake + sheet cakes – Keep the aesthetic without the high cost.
• Simpler designs – Naked cakes or semi-frosted cakes can be just as elegant!
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🎂 Budget-Friendly Cake Options

If a fully custom cake isn’t a priority, try these:

• Nothing Bundt Cakes – A unique, flavorful option available in different sizes.
• Costco, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, Central Market – These stores offer pre-made wedding cakes at a fraction of the price of a custom bakery.
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🍩 Alternative Desserts

Not a fan of traditional cake? Here are some fun alternatives:

• Donut Tower – A stack of delicious donuts in different flavors.
• Macarons – A beautiful and elegant French treat.
• Pies & Mini Pies – Perfect for a rustic or cozy wedding.
• Dessert Table – A mix of cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and more!
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📸 Capture Every Sweet Moment

No matter what dessert you choose, you’ll want beautiful photos of your cake-cutting moment—or donut toast! If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to capture every special moment of your big day.

What dessert are you thinking about for your wedding? Let me know in the comments below!

View our list of favorite local bakeries and cakes below and FAQs.

🎂 My Favorite Wedding Cakes & Bakeries in Dallas-Fort Worth

As a wedding photographer in Dallas-Fort Worth, I’ve seen some stunning (and delicious!) cakes over the years. Whether you’re looking for a showstopping custom cake or a simple, budget-friendly option, here are some of my personal favorites:

✨ The London Baker

📍 Lewisville & Castle Hills, TX

A bakery known for luxurious, artistic wedding cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. If you want a cake that feels straight out of a fairy tale, The London Baker is a perfect choice.

🍰 Cake-A-Holics

📍 Arlington, TX

This bakery specializes in custom-designed cakes with intricate details and bold flavors. They’re perfect for couples looking for a truly personalized wedding cake.

🍓 Whole Foods Berry Chantilly Cake

📍 Available at Whole Foods locations

A fresh, light, and fruity option made with layers of fluffy cake, mascarpone whipped cream, and fresh berries. It’s an elegant yet budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding cake.

🎂 Nothing Bundt Cakes

📍 Multiple DFW locations

A fun and unique option for weddings! Their bundt cakes come in a variety of flavors and sizes, from a classic tiered bundt cake to mini bundtinis, making them a great choice for couples who want something different.

🏆 Kessler Baking Studio

📍 Dallas, TX – Bishop Arts District

If you love rich, decadent desserts, Kessler Baking Studio is a must-try! While they’re known for their cookies and brownies, my absolute favorite is their chocolate walnut brownie—a perfect addition to a dessert table or as a sweet wedding favor for guests!

🎂 Cake Bar

📍 Dallas, TX

Cake Bar is known for classic, Southern-style cakes with rich flavors and homemade goodness. From red velvet to key lime, their cakes are a great choice for couples who love a nostalgic, home-baked taste for their wedding dessert.

🥧 Uncle Willie’s Pies

📍 Dallas, TX

If you're a pie lover, Uncle Willie’s Pies is a fantastic alternative to traditional wedding cake. Their sweet potato and pecan pies are customer favorites and would make an amazing addition to a dessert table or even as mini pie wedding favors!

💡 Tip: If you’re still deciding on a bakery, I recommend scheduling a few cake tastings—because what’s better than eating cake while planning your wedding?

✅ Schedule a Cake Tasting – It’s a fun part of wedding planning! Try different flavors and textures before making a decision.

✅ Simplify the Design – Intricate sugar flowers and hand-painted designs cost more. Opt for fresh flowers or simpler decorations to save money.

✅ Mix & Match Desserts – You don’t have to stick to just one dessert! A mix of cake, cupcakes, and small treats can please a variety of guests.

✅ Consider Display vs. Serving Cakes – Order a small, beautifully decorated cake for photos and have a sheet cake in the kitchen to serve guests.

✅ Don’t Forget Dietary Restrictions – Offer at least one gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan dessert for guests with allergies.

✅ Make It Personal – Whether it's a favorite flavor, a fun groom’s cake, or a dessert that reflects your heritage, pick something meaningful!

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Cakes & Desserts

Q: How much should I budget for my wedding cake?

A: Wedding cake prices vary widely based on size, design, and bakery, but expect to spend anywhere from $3 to $10 per slice. If you’re on a tight budget, consider a smaller display cake with sheet cakes for guests.

Q: How far in advance should I order my wedding cake?

A: Most bakeries require at least 3-6 months' notice for wedding cakes, especially during peak wedding seasons. If you want a custom design, book earlier to secure your spot.

Q: What are some budget-friendly alternatives to a traditional wedding cake?

A: Some great options include:

• Costco, Sam’s Club, Whole Foods, or Central Market cakes
• Cupcakes or mini cakes – Easier to serve and often cheaper than a tiered cake.
• A small display cake + sheet cakes – Keeps the elegant look without the high cost.
• A simple buttercream cake instead of fondant – Less expensive and still beautiful.

Q: What are the most popular wedding cake flavors?

A: While classic vanilla and chocolate remain favorites, couples are getting more adventurous! Popular choices include:

• Red velvet
• Lemon raspberry
• Almond with Amaretto
• Carrot cake
• Strawberry
• Fruit filled cakes
• Funfetti (for a playful touch!)

Q: How do I choose a cake design that fits my wedding theme?

A: Your cake should complement your overall wedding aesthetic. Here are some ideas:

• Classic & Elegant: White fondant with floral accents.
• Rustic: Semi-naked cake with fresh berries or greenery.
• Modern: Geometric patterns, metallic accents, or a marble effect.
• Boho: Buttercream with a floral cascade or pampas.
• Themed Cakes: For sports lovers (like a Dallas Cowboys groom’s cake!) or pop culture fans. Movie theme, college logo, cultural style and colors.

Q: What are some fun dessert alternatives if I don’t want a wedding cake?

A: Not a fan of traditional cake? Try these:

• Donut towers – A trendy and fun option.
• Macaron displays – Elegant and colorful.
• Mini pies or a pie bar – Perfect for fall or rustic weddings.
• Cookies and milk shots – A crowd-pleaser!
• Dessert table – A mix of treats like cupcakes, brownies, and pastries.

Q: How do I make sure my cake stays fresh during an outdoor wedding?

A: If your wedding is outdoors, especially in warm weather:

• Choose a buttercream cake over fondant (fondant can get sticky in heat).
• Ask your baker about heat-resistant fillings like ganache instead of whipped cream.
• Keep the cake in a cool, shaded area until it’s time to cut.
• Consider a dummy cake for display and serve sheet cake from the kitchen.

Q: Should we have a groom’s cake?

A: Groom’s cakes are a fun way to showcase the groom’s personality with a unique flavor or design. Popular themes include sports teams (like the Dallas Cowboys!), hobbies, or favorite movies.

Q: How do I decide how many servings to order?

A: Most bakeries recommend ordering for 80-90% of your guest count, as not every guest will eat cake. If you’re having other dessert options, you can scale back even more.

Q: Do I need to save the top tier of my wedding cake?

A: Traditionally, couples freeze the top tier to eat on their first anniversary. If you want to follow this tradition, ask your baker for proper storage tips or order a fresh anniversary cake instead.