For Those Who Dislike Whipped Cream: 18 Alternatives to Wedding Cake

Help! I Can't Stand Whipped Cream!

The wedding cake is often considered a symbol of the wedding. There are many traditions associated with the wedding cake, such as the cake cutting and the first bite.

Guests also naturally expect a cake to be served at the reception.

But…

Among couples planning their wedding, there may be one or both partners who dislike cake.

For those who can't stand sweet whipped cream, the wedding cake can be a nightmare.

Nevertheless, the introduction of the wedding cake is a highlight of the reception. To prevent the event from dragging on, we want to come up with an alternative to the cake!

In this article, we will introduce foods that can serve as substitutes for wedding cakes, as utilized by experienced brides.

This is not only for those who dislike whipped cream, but also for those who want to surprise their guests ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #1: Pudding

First, let's introduce desserts that can be a substitute for cake ♩

Giant pudding, which is dozens of times larger than regular pudding, has a stunning visual impact ♡

You can experience the rare occurrence of cutting into the pudding, known as [pudding cutting].

A bucket pudding is available for around 5,000 yen on Rakuten, so it might be a good idea to bring it for the after-party.

➡Check out the bucket pudding on Rakuten

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #2: Donuts

A donut tower, with donuts stacked high and adorned with a cake topper on top, is perfect for a casual wedding party ♡

For the first bite, you can feed each other donuts ♩

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #4: Croquembouche

Croquembouche is a traditional French wedding cake. It consists of small cream puffs stacked high and held together with caramel or sugar.

Its gorgeous appearance makes it a perfect substitute for a wedding cake ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #5: Waffles

A waffle cake made by stacking waffles is a trendy design that is currently popular overseas. It's common to decorate it cutely with fruits and flowers.

Instead of a traditional cake cutting, it's recommended to incorporate the “color drip” performance, where the couple pours maple syrup over the waffles.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #6: Pancakes

For those who dislike whipped cream-laden shortcakes but love pancakes, how about preparing a large pancake as a substitute for the wedding cake? ♡

This unique design features a massive pancake. Some couples even create a tower from regular-sized pancakes＊

Next, let’s share ideas for using fresh fruits as substitutes for the wedding cake.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #7: Fruit Jelly

For summer or resort weddings, refreshing fruit jelly might be a great option ♡

Jelly filled with abundant fruits has a sparkling and luxurious appearance. Serving it as a dessert after the meal would surely delight the guests.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #8: Fruit Punch

A fruit punch presented in a glass bowl filled with lots of fruits ♡beautifully cut fruit looks delicious and abundant＊

The idea of the couple pouring fizzy cider into it to complete the dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #9: Watermelon

When we think of summer fruits, the bright red watermelon comes to mind. Using watermelon as a substitute for the wedding cake is a unique idea!

The couple can delightfully crack open a large watermelon together, creating a fun collaborative activity ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #10: Melon

If there's watermelon, then of course there's melon too! ♡ Melon, a symbol of luxury fruit, is also suitable for weddings.

Since its visual impact is weak on its own, let's decorate it cutely by surrounding it with other fruits ♡

Next, let's move on to ideas for savory options. These might not even be sweet, but they will definitely surprise and delight!

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #11: Hamburger

A gigantic hamburger is likely to elicit cheers from the men ♡ If a hamburger were to appear instead of a wedding cake, it would be exciting. This casual look is perfect for a cozy reception.

Some couples prepare hamburger towers made of little hamburgers stacked together.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #12: Omurice

For grooms who love omurice, how about making a large omurice to cut instead of a wedding cake? ♡

With love, pour ketchup and feed each other a bite. The warm family they will build together can be imagined, making the guests feel warm and fuzzy.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #13: Okonomiyaki

The okonomiyaki cake, popular among couples from Osaka and Hiroshima! It's a super-sized okonomiyaki about the size of a wedding cake.

The cake cutting and first bite are done not with a knife or spoon but with a spatula for okonomiyaki ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #14: Onigiri

The trend of feeding onigiri instead of cake, known as onigiri bite, is also popular ♡ Many brides seem to wear aprons over their dresses or kimonos.

A wonderful performance could be made by having guests shape onigiri right on the spot.

Now, let's introduce foods packed with surprise elements. These are recommended for couples who want to astonish their guests ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #15: Tuna

Cutting a real live tuna in front of guests, known as tuna cutting. Guests will be thrilled to see a whole tuna that is rarely seen at fish markets or sushi restaurants.

After the tuna cutting, they can enjoy the fresh tuna that has been prepared.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #16: Meat

Giant meat that makes you drool is also popular＊

☑ Steak

☑ Raw meat

☑ Prosciutto

It seems couples are preparing various kinds of meat as a substitute for the cake. It sounds like an exciting and lively reception ♡

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #17: Cheese

A cheese tower made by stacking various types of cheese resembling a wedding cake! This is an idea borrowed from overseas weddings.

It’s a surprise to have cheese instead of a simple wedding cake. Serving it to guests will surely accompany a glass of wine ♡

Ideal for stylish adult couples.

Alternative Foods for Wedding Cake #18: Soap

Finally, we present a cake made not from food but from soap! It looks like a wedding cake, but it's actually made of stacked soap.

The soap used is the “Honey Bee” whole soap from the British bath product manufacturer 'LUSH'.

At the end of the event, it is said that it will be cut and given as a small gift to guests.

Which one will you choose as a substitute for the wedding cake? ♡

We have introduced many ideas for alternative wedding cakes. There are so many delicious and unique choices, and it’s hard to decide.

If you don’t like cake, there’s no need to force yourself to have a cake just because it's a tradition.

Delight your guests with surprises and smiles through your unique presentation ♡