Wedding Dessert Table Planning Guide: Space, Setup, and Table Sizes
Everything you need to know about planning a wedding dessert table that actually works.
When it comes to wedding dessert tables, there’s more to think about than just picking cake flavors and cupcake designs. From venue space to table sizes and setup timing, careful planning ensures your desserts look beautiful and get eaten instead of wasted.
Make Sure You Have a Table Available
Before you order desserts, confirm that your venue has a dedicated table for your dessert display. Most bakeries, including Artisan Bake Shop, do not provide tables or table linens, so this is a key detail often overlooked. A visible dessert table not only showcases your sweet treats but also gives guests a visual cue that desserts are available after dinner.
Best Table Sizes for Wedding Dessert Displays
Choosing the right table size is essential to accommodate all your desserts, plates, and serving tools. Here are our recommended options:
60-inch round table – same size as standard guest tables, works well in most spaces.
30x72-inch banquet table – provides plenty of room for large dessert spreads.
30x60-inch banquet table – slightly smaller but still functional.
10–12 foot tables – ideal for very large dessert spreads.
Remember, the depth of banquet tables is typically 30 inches; length can vary based on your spread and guest count.
Dessert Table for a wedding at The Guild in Pawtucket Rhode Island. Cider donuts, apple crumble mini pies, strawberry shortcake cups, the berry bowl (with whipped cream)!
Best Table Sizes for Wedding Dessert Displays
Choosing the right table size is essential to accommodate all your desserts, plates, and serving tools. Here are our recommended options:
60-inch round table – same size as standard guest tables, works well in most spaces.
30x72-inch banquet table – provides plenty of room for large dessert spreads.
30x60-inch banquet table – slightly smaller but still functional.
10–12 foot tables – ideal for very large dessert spreads.
Remember, the depth of banquet tables is typically 30 inches; length can vary based on your spread and guest count.
Dessert Table at Loon Pond Lodge, Lakeville, Massachusetts. Lemon mousse cups with fresh berries, NY cheescake with strawberries, cannoli with chocolate chips, strawberry shortcake cups, classic chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes
Dessert Table Setup Tips
Set up before the reception starts or as guests are arriving to ensure visibility.
Use food-safe techniques if adding fresh flowers or decor.
Keep it organized and visually appealing; stacked trays and varied heights work beautifully.
Coordinate colors and theme with your wedding décor for a cohesive look.
🍰 Dessert Table 101 🍰
Planning a dessert table for your wedding? Make sure there’s actually a table for it—cake bakeries don’t provide tables, linens, or tablecloths! Pro tip: set it up before the reception starts or as guests walk in so everyone can see (and eat!) those sweet treats. 👀✨
No space in your venue? Don’t panic. We can “flip a table”—use a table for gifts/cards at the start, then discreetly turn it into a dessert table during dinner. Magic, but totally low-key. 🎩✨
Table size matters:
60” round ✅
30x72” banquet ✅
30x60” banquet (smaller but works) ✅
Bigger? Even better! 10–12’ tables are dessert table dreams. 😍
Got questions about wedding cakes or dessert tables? Drop them below ⬇️ and I’ll make a video answering all your burning dessert questions! 🍓🎂
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