Unique Wedding Dessert Ideas to Make Your Special Day Extra Sweet

Posted on May 30, 2023

Wedding desserts are one of the most exciting parts of any wedding reception. They offer a sweet ending to a beautiful celebration and are a great way to show off your personality. If you’re looking for some fun and creative wedding dessert ideas, then pull up a chair (and maybe grab a snack) because we’ve rounded up totally drool-worthy and unique wedding dessert ideas that will make your special day even more memorable.

A Show Stopping Cake

Nothing says “wow” like a big, beautiful wedding cake. Whether you go for a classic or edgy style, keeping the spotlight on a single show-stopping cake can make a big impact. As Jessica of Cronin Cakes & Sweets says, “I love the idea of showcasing a large, tiered cake with ice cream!” (We concur – yum!)

Whether your style is classic or edgy (check out that black cake by Blue House Bakeshop) spotlighting a single show-stopping cake is a stunning choice!

Dessert Displays & Towers

If you’re looking for variety, dessert displays and towers are a great way to go. From towers of cream puff or macarons (loving that ombré design by Friday Harvest Bakery & Goods!) to dessert tables with cupcakes in various flavors, there are endless options to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. Plus, these displays make for some seriously Instagram-worthy photos.

Thematic Dessert Displays

Your dessert table is a great place to really play with your theme and have fun with it! Dessert is inherently fun – why not really go for it with a theme that lights you up?

Check out these whimsical nature-inspired displays by The Goose Chase Cake Designs, featuring meringue mushrooms, butterflies, and other thematic details. “My advice to couples is think about items they love and incorporate them into your cake,” says baker, Sarah. “I like to think of a cake as a blank canvas and sugar as a sculpting medium, which means the sky’s the limit as to what we can do!”

Donut Walls

Who doesn’t love donuts? Donut walls are a unique and trendy way to serve dessert at your wedding. You can choose from a variety of flavors and toppings, and your guests can help themselves to as many as they want. Donut walls make for a great Instagram-worthy photo-op, and they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ice Cream (Or a Full Blown Sundae Bar!)

An ice cream sundae bar is a classic dessert that will never go out of style. This is especially a popular option for steamy summer weddings! Whether you bring in an ice cream truck to scoop and serve (a fun interactive event!) or set up a sundae bar, guests will be delighted to cool off with a sweet treat.

Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream offers a delicious farm-to-spoon taste of Vermont with their premium ice creams. “We either grow or source all of our ingredients from our own berry farm or other VT farm partners – it’s a true taste of Vermont!” They offer both scoops and make-your-own sundae bars with homemade sauces, cookies, and seasonal fresh berries. “The sundae bar is truly experiential and wedding guests have raved about it. Even if you are planning to have a cake, ice cream is the perfect complement!”

Personalized Sugar Cookies

Cookies are the perfect grab and go sweet treat (as you make your way back to the dance floor or catch up with friends). Plus, when they’re as beautiful as the creations by Sweet VT Treats, they double as favors and decorations! “I think decorated sugar cookies are a fun way to have a more personalized dessert item at your wedding,” says baker, Karli. “There are endless amounts of designs to choose from: some popular options being a simple Vermont shape, the newlywed’s name, and their wedding date. Some other popular designs that people are ordering this year are: college alma mater logos, photos of pets, or personal wedding logos.”

Finding a Vermont Wedding Baker to Bring Your Unique Wedding Dessert Ideas to Life

Is your mouth watering yet?! There are so many creative and unique wedding dessert ideas that your Vermont wedding baker can help create. You can pick one or combine a few to create a dessert spread that your guests will love. Get creative and have fun with your dessert choices to add a sweet element to your already sweet day!

Venue Spotlight on Inn at Mountain View Farm

Posted on May 25, 2023

If you are looking for a Vermont wedding venue that inviting all year round, the Inn at Mountain View Farm may be the perfect place for you. Located in the beautiful town of East Burke, this charming inn offers stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and excellent activities just moments away, making it the ideal place to host your special day.

With yoga and an animal sanctuary onsite,and East Burke’s famous 100+ miles of Kingdom Trails right around the corner, there is something for everyone to enjoy during your wedding weekend, providing an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Owner Marilyn recently sat down with us to share more details about this beautiful and one-of-a-kind Vermont property.

The Space: What’s the vibe?

Romantic, historical and beautiful!

Surrounded by pastoral vistas, the Inn at Mountain View Farm is a magical place for a wedding ceremony and reception. You can exchange vows in a jasmine scented garden with a harpist, under an arbor on a grassy hilltop with panoramic views of Willoughby Gap, or in a classic white-steepled chapel in nearby Burke village.

And, in case of rain or inclement weather, we have a barn chapel on site. It’s a dramatic space with soaring ceilings and a cupola that sends rays of light onto the gathering of guests below.

The Amenities: What Do you Include?

Our Inn offers 14 ensuite guest rooms with a full breakfast buffet featuring our own farm to table vegetable dishes along with classic breakfast favorites. There are also two townhouses on the property, complete with jetted tubs and fully outfitted kitchens. All guests staying at the Inn receive complimentary Kingdom Trail passes to explore East Burke’s beauty.

Other amenities include our animal sanctuary, bike storage, free Wi-fi, a fire pit for s’mores, a liquor license for your event – and more.

The Location: What is There to Do in the Local Area?

We are located in the fabled Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Our area is famous for its natural beauty, where outdoor sports abound both in summer and winter.

From our backyard, you can access the acclaimed Kingdom Trails for an invigorating run or an off road mountain bike ride before breakfast. Others might like to stroll up the street on historic Darling Hill Road and get a closer look at the beautiful neo-classical mansion built by Elmer Darling in 1932.

A path off the road takes you up the hillside past an orchard to the front of the estate where you can have a breathtaking view of the Willoughby Gap in the distance and Elmer’s beloved Mountain View Farm.

Back at the Farm, for those “feel good” moments without an adrenaline rush, try a morning yoga stretch in the threshing barn which can be arranged in advance for groups. For relaxation, guests can take a stroll in the vegetable garden or walk over to the paddock and visit with the rescued animals residing at the Mountain View Farm Animal Sanctuary. For additional soothing activities, try kayaking on nearby Newark Pond or Lake Willoughby or just relax into an Adirondack chair, contemplate the scenery or read a book from the Inn’s library

For a quick trip to what feels like France, the Canadian Province of Quebec is just an hour away!

The History: What Is the Venue’s Story?

The Mountain View Farm was one of the great agricultural estates of Vermont in the early 20^th century and has merited a State of Vermont historic marker curbside. The Farm was established in 1883 by Elmer Darling, a native of East Burke who became part owner and manager of the famous Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City. When he retired in 1908, he became a gentleman farmer, raising prize winning Morgan horses and Jersey cattle. The Farm also produced choice Darling brand cheeses.

Any Parting Words?

Couples who choose The Inn at Mountain View Farm are looking for something special and affordable for their wedding venue that offers natural beauty. The want to share an experience with their family and friends that will be remembered long after the weekend.

With our unlimited outdoor space, The Inn provides a big stage can be made personal to each couple. Because of the architectural details of our historic structures, the Farm is both “country” and elegant – a stunning setting for any celebration!

Thank you, Marilyn! Learn more about Inn at Mountain View Farm in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

A Magical Fall Wedding at the Wilburton Inn

Posted on May 23, 2023

Kristen and Ryan celebrated the start of their new life together with a beautiful Vermont fall wedding at the historic Wilburton Inn. Located in Manchester, Vermont, this 30-acre estate provided the perfect backdrop for their special day, with the grand mansion serving as the centerpiece. Guests were able to take in the picturesque, peak fall foliage (while basking in 68 degree weather!) and enjoyed an outdoor ceremony on the grand lawn and cocktail hour at the patio bar.

Peak Foliage For This Fall Wedding at The Wilburton Inn

Kristen shared that the inspiration for the couple’s big day was: intimate, fun, and no stress. And that thanks to the Wilburton staff, “there wasn’t an inkling of stress all weekend.” With many guests traveling from all over the Tri-state area to Vermont, having accommodations for up to 100 guests on site was a huge plus. It streamlined the weekend and allowed their loved ones to celebrate alongside the newlyweds all weekend long.

The couple got engaged in Burlington, Vermont, so they knew they wanted their special day to take place somewhere in the Green Mountain State and be filled with sweeping mountain views. They also dreamed of beautiful foliage so that their friends and families could experience an authentic New England fall wedding – and boy did they luck out! Their wedding was one of the peak foliage days of the season, creating a stunning backdrop for photos.

Catch all the beautiful details from Kristen and Ryan’s wedding below!

(Ps – does the picture of Kristen and her girls look familiar? It was part of our Best of 2022 Champagne Pop moments!)

Vendors:

Venue & Catering: The Wilburton Inn, Flowers: Nancy Bishop Floral, Make Up Artist: Amy Nicholas Makeup, Hair: Amanda Shepard Hair, Dress: Maggie Sottero Designs, Photographer: Laura Swoyer Photography

Your Next Read:

Looking for another Manchester, Vermont wedding celebration? Check out this wedding at Hildene Estate.

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A Summer Wedding in Grand Isle with A Stunning Ground Floral Arch

Posted on May 22, 2023

When it comes to a summer Vermont wedding, there’s nothing quite like a lakeside ceremony! Grace and Daniel’s intimate wedding day at Grand Isle House was made up of many special elements, including a show-stopping ground floral arch by Anaphora. Continue reading to learn more about this romantic lakeside wedding!

A Lakeside Grand Isle Wedding: Anaphora's Ground Floral Arch Takes the Spotlight

Grace and Daniel celebrated their special day surrounded by friends and family, and the stunning backdrop of Vermont’s beautiful Lake Champlain. Grace and Daniel wanted the ground floral arch so that the view of the lake was not blocked by a structure. They contacted Anaphora to bring their vision to life with this stunning display!

The ground floral arch was a core element to their ceremony. They began with an open semi-circle, but later in the ceremony, the couple’s mothers closed the circle around them to symbolize the unity in a marriage.

Elaborating on this further, Grace and Daniel’s officiant, Janet Dunn, told us “The symbolism of the circle represents completeness and a committed love that has no beginning nor end. Closing the circle around this couple was a very moving wedding ceremony ritual!”

Ground floral arches are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who don’t want to obstruct any special views their ceremony space may have (but still want to add florals to their special day) It is also easy to repurpose those florals later on during the reception. For example, Grace and Daniel ended up using the florals on the venue’s porch and the garland on the stairs.

From budding blooms as escort cards, to a typewriter guest book and classic wrap-around porch, Grace and Daniel’s wedding at the Grand Isle House is one we’ll be swooning over for a long time! See all the beautiful details below.

Vendors:

Venue: Grand Isle Lake House, Photographer: Elise Goodman Photography, Wedding Officiant: Weddings by Janet Dunn, Florals: Anaphora.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another wedding with incredible florals? Check out this Maquam Barn Summer Wedding.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Trend Alert: How to Incorporate Flower Walls in Your Wedding Decor

Posted on May 18, 2023

Are you looking to add a touch of beauty to your upcoming wedding, engagement, or party? Want to wow your guests? Look no further than flower walls! Not only are these installations a breathtaking addition to any event, but they also provide a multitude of benefits.

Kaylen, the mastermind behind Day of Rentals, recently launched a rental service to bring these stunning displays to Vermont. (Fun fact: she is also the wedding planner behind Sara Judith Events!) We recently sat down with Kaylen to learn more about this unique and gorgeous wedding trend, and can’t wait to share her tips with you below.

Creating Your Dream Wedding with Flower Walls: Tips from Day of Rentals

First and foremost, flower walls serve as a stunning backdrop for your event. Whether you’re saying your vows or taking photos with friends, these floral displays create an eye-catching and unique scene. With a variety of colors and flower types to choose from, you can customize your wall to perfectly match your event’s theme and ambiance.

“Flower walls can dress up any space!” says Kaylen. “Whether it’s a barn, hotel, or tent, a flower wall will bring that wow factor!”

Where To Use Flower Walls at Your Wedding

Honestly, you could use these just about anywhere… but here are a few of our favorite ideas:

Ceremony Backdrop: Use a flower wall as a backdrop for your wedding ceremony to create a beautiful focal point for you and your partner as you exchange vows.
Photo Booth: Set up a flower wall as a unique and memorable photo booth backdrop.
Escort Card Display: Use a flower wall as a creative display for your escort cards.
Welcome Champagne Toast Display: Welcome your guests with a memorable “ring for champagne” flower wall. (This is sure to start the party on a high note!)
Sweetheart Table: Create a romantic backdrop by placing a flower wall behind your sweetheart table.
Cake Display: Use a flower wall as a backdrop for your wedding cake display. It’ll make your cake stand out and create a beautiful photo opportunity.
Lounge Area: Create a cozy lounge area for guests to relax by placing a flower wall behind some comfortable seating.

Kaylen shared that couples will also book flower walls for proposals (talk about a fun photo opportunity) or showers/engagement parties. The opportunities are endless!

In addition to being visually appealing, floral walls can also serve practical purposes. For outdoor events, they can provide shade and protection from the sun. Additionally, they can be used to hide unsightly areas or create a more intimate atmosphere. Plus, they can serve as a beautiful focal point for guests to gather around and take photos.

With a variety of walls to choose from, and more inventory launching this summer, Day of Rentals is sure to have an option to fit your style. From classic greenery to bolder colors, there are so many ways to add a bit of drama to your event! You can further customize the display with a wooden or neon sign with your family last name or wedding hashtag.

5 Questions We're Always Asking...

Kaylen, how would you describe your style?

As a planner, I love helping to design the pretty details that are personal to each couple!

What inspires your work?

Providing an affordable wow factor for couples!

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding?

The couple seeing their aesthetic vision brought to life!

What’s your favorite thing to do in VT?

Anything outdoors, all seasons!

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I’m obsessed with raccoons- I think they are so cute!

Reserving Flower Walls For Your Wedding or Event

As mentioned, Kaylen, the artist behind the walls, is also a wedding planner. Couples can book floral walls as a standalone service, or as part of the planning services that she provides through Sara Judith Events. Day of Rentals still has some availability for 2023 and is booking 2024 dates now – check out her profile to learn more!

A flower wall installation is a beautiful addition to any celebration. It not only serves a practical purpose, but also creates a memorable and enchanting atmosphere – perfect for a dreamy wedding.

Your Next Read:

Want to learn more about Kaylen? Check out her Meet The Pros interview!

Looking for other stellar vendors for your big day? Browse our Vendor Guide.

Backcountry Ski Elopement in Vermont

Posted on May 16, 2023

This winter elopement, captured by Kate Seymour Photography, has us totally smitten. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by snow-covered trees, enjoying a personal cake, and enjoying your favorite hobby together…Does it really get any better?! We love it when couples incorporate their hobbies into their celebrations, and this couple nailed it with this dreamy backcountry ski elopement. If you’ve been dreaming of a Vermont winter elopement, keep reading for more details!

Why They Chose A Backcountry Ski Elopement

Krysta and Adrian love being outdoors, so they knew that they wanted their laidback, special day to reflect that. The couple chose a trail they often frequent and brought their backcountry skis for a snow-filled adventure.

Photographer Kate is always down for an adventure with couples, and she not only perfectly captured the day’s events, but also officiated it. (Reminder that if you want to keep your elopement as small as possible, an ordained photographer is a great choice!)

And that cake? Krysta is the baker behind Tucker Hill Treats and made the delicious dessert that was enjoyed by both humans and their dog alike. (The couple’s sweet dog, Lulu, was included in the celebration!)

There is something truly special about an intimate elopement with your partner doing what you love!

Vendors:

Photographer: Kate Seymour Photography, Cake: Trucker Hill Treats

Your Next Read:

Looking for more elopement ideas with a Vermont twist? Check out these Unique Vermont Elopement Ideas.

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Unique Wedding Floral Ideas with Anaphora Flowers

Posted on May 11, 2023

We all know that flowers are a key element in creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere that sets the tone for your big day. But what if you want to really take things up a notch? Adriane of Anaphora Flowers is sharing unique wedding floral ideas that will add an element of surprise and elegance to your wedding day, and that will leave your guests in awe. Whether you’re looking for classic, romantic blooms or more modern and edgy options, Adriane’s ideas will inspire you to use florals to reflect your style and personality. Let’s dive in!

Unique Wedding Ceremony Floral Arches

Floral arches are classic, and they instantly add a focal point to your ceremony site. A twist on this timeless trend are ground or freestanding arches. These are particularly great options if your site doesn’t have an arch built in, or if you want to showcase the landscape behind you. As a bonus, these installations can be moved after your ceremony to add color to your reception. (Think: around a sweetheart table, stage or DJ booth, or a sitting area)

Floral Accessories

“We love creating flower crowns or headbands for brides or the little ones!” says Adriane. If a crown doesn’t fit your look, a floral pick could add interest to your hair.

Looking for something unique and boho chic? A floral anklet is an unexpected, lovely accessory! “They’re especially appropriate if you are having a beach or field wedding,” says Adraine.

Floral accessories can also be a fun way to switch up your look for the reception without having to manage a full outfit change!

A Floral Collar for Your Dog

As beautiful as a floral crown can be for you, a floral collars can be equally cute for your pet.In addition to a collar, Adriane’s team creates floral leashes to round out the look.

Can’t bring your dog to your wedding? This is a fun addition to your engagement shoot with your pup!

Stunning Hanging Chandeliers

If you want a statement piece for your wedding, consider a hanging floral chandelier. These installations can be simple with greenery, or lush with colorful flowers. Adriane recommends spacing them over your dance floor, or putting one large one over the sweetheart table (or wherever you want to draw attention).

Adding Drama to Stairwell Railings

To really make an impact with flowers, consider areas that are often used but often overlooked, such as stairwell railings and lofts. Your stairwell may be used for a photo opp for a grand entrance, for instance, and a floral installation can transform a simple space into a stunning backdrop for portraits. Another example is tent poles; with a little extra love these can become part of the decor instead of taking away from it. These little touches will leave a lasting impression!

Welcoming Place Settings

Adding some greenery or flowers to your place settings is a great way to add interest to your tables and make each person feel special. It’s the little details that count, and by adding a these little touches, you can create a stunning table setting that will welcome your guests to their spot and leave them in awe. Whether you go for a more minimalist look with just a sprig of greenery or add a full bloom to each setting, there’s no doubt that flowers and greenery can elevate the look of your tables to the next level.

Boats, Bikes & Unique Installations

The possibilities for incorporating florals into your wedding are endless! With a little creativity, you can create show-stopping installations that will leave your guests in awe.

Adriane suggests starting with something that’s meaningful to you or representative of your hobbies, such as a vintage bike or canoe. These pieces can be transformed into a gorgeous focal point of your reception decor, making for stunning, memorable portraits. (Not only that, but if you’re planning an elopement or engagement shoot, adding these unique installations will take your photos up an extra notch!)

So go ahead and think outside the box when it comes to your wedding decor and florals! These pieces will be instant conversation-starters for your guests and leave a lasting impression!

Why Unique Wedding Floral Ideas Matter

By incorporating unique and luxurious floral ideas, you can elevate the beauty of your wedding day to the next level. The possibilities for floral design are truly endless; so finding a talented floral partner, like Anaphora, that understands your vision and creativity is important! The most important thing is to choose the flowers that reflect your unique style and personality so you can create a celebration that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Your Next Read:

Make your wedding ceremony unique to you with these Modern Ceremony Reading ideas.

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Brewster River Gorge Engagement Shoot

Posted on May 9, 2023

If you and your partner love all the natural beauty Vermont has to offer, then consider taking your engagement photos in one of your favorite adventure spots, like Meg and Austin. Not only does this make a beautiful backdrop, but it’s another way to incorporate your interests.

During their photoshoot with Ben Hudson Photography, the couple enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the Brewster River Gorge with their beloved dog, Wilson, taking in all the beautiful scenery of the outdoors that Jeffersonville, Vermont has to offer. The result was a stunning collection of photos that perfectly captured the couple’s joy and love for each other!

Beautiful Views at Brewster River Gorge

Brewster River Gorge is 2.7 mile trail located near Jeffersonville, Vermont complete with small waterfalls and a beautiful covered bridge. It was the perfect spot for a serene, outdoorsy engagement shoot for this couple and their sweet dog.

Ben says he loves to meet couples before their wedding day with an engagement shoot; it allows him to get a chance to meet them, and it also to helps the couple feel more comfortable around the camera on their wedding day. (We agree!)

Your Next Read:

Looking for another warm weather engagement photoshoot? Check out this golden hour summer engagement shoot.

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How to Respond When A Couple Says Your Prices are Too High

Posted on May 4, 2023

It can be tough to hear a potential client say that your rates are too high. Even as a seasoned pro, these objections can feel like a blow to your confidence and leave you wondering how to respond. That’s why it’s helpful to have a plan for how to respond when a couple says your prices are too high.

Below, I’m sharing a script you can build from when you encounter these sales objectives to respond with both kindness and firmness.

A New Mindset on Sales Objectives

Before we dive into the template, I wanted to take a quick moment to share how I personally handle this feedback in my business. There have been lots and lots of “no’s” along my entrepreneurial journey, and I try to intentionally treat these as moments of growth.

We are not meant to serve everyone. So instead of looking at the “no” as a bad thing, I take it as an opportunity to remind myself of who I want to be as a business and who I want to serve; I remember that this “no” allows me to stay open and better serve more dreamy, aligned clients.

A Step by Step Guide on How to Respond When A Couple Says Your Prices are Too High

Here is a three part template you can use when responding to an inquiry on pricing. Each part reinforces your professionalism and will hopefully leave the couple with a good impression of you, whether or not they decide to move forward!

1. Acknowledge the couple’s concern

Let them know that you understand that wedding planning can be expensive, and that you appreciate them taking the time to consider your services.

This may sound like…

“Thank you for considering our services for your upcoming wedding! I understand that planning a wedding can be expensive, and I appreciate your honesty.”

2. Explain your value

This is where you get to highlight what makes you unique and what your couples can expect from you. Ex. Your attention to detail; years of experience; a highly personalized approach, etc.

This may sound like…

“At [Company Name], we pride ourselves on providing a personalized approach to each wedding that is tailored to your unique needs and vision. Our years of experience in the industry have allowed us to cultivate relationships with the best vendors and venues in the area. For a wedding like this our rate is [xx] to maintain the level of service that our couples deserve and have come to expect from our team.”

3. Offer alternatives or refer to another professional

For example, imagine a couple reaches out to you totally smitten with your desserts after trying them at a friend’s wedding. They dream of a huge dessert display, but their budget is more in line with a simple cake. Their date is open, the location is close by, and you genuinely like them and want to take on the job. Great! Suggest a cake only package. This shows you’re willing to offer solutions that meet their needs.

This may sound like…

“I’d be happy to discuss alternative options that may work better for your budget. For example, we could offer a [smaller package/service] at [x rate]. I’d love to work with you to create something that fits your vision!”

Alternatively, you may decide this couple just isn’t the right fit for you. Rather than try to accommodate them, use it as an opportunity to pass along business and raise up others! Refer the couple to another business whose prices may be better aligned. (Ex. “I’d love to refer you to my colleague, [name]. They’re amazing, and may be a great fit for your wedding!”)

If you don’t know someone specifically, you can always refer them to the Vendor Guide. (“I’m honored you asked us to be a part of your special day! While I won’t be able to accommodate your request, I would recommend checking out my colleagues in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide. Best of luck with your wedding planning!”)

Objections Are Opportunities for Growth

By acknowledging their concern, explaining your value, and offering alternatives, you can respond to a potential client who says your prices are too high with grace and confidence. And, by flipping the script and seeing these moments as opportunities to recommit to your values, you’ll be even more ready for the next, most aligned inquiry!

Looking for More Support?

If you liked this article and are looking for more ways to level up your wedding business, I invite you to explore our personal consulting services!