Let’s be honest, dessert is one of the best parts of any wedding. Whether you’re all about the classic elegance of a wedding cake, love the variety of a dessert bar, or want to keep things fun with a donut wall, the trends for 2025 and 2026 are making it harder than ever to choose. At Speakeasy On State, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-planned dessert display can become the highlight of the night (besides the “I dos”, of course).
So, what’s trending, and how does it fit the vibe of our venue? Let’s break it down!
Wedding Cakes: Timeless, but with a Twist
2025 Trends
In 2025, wedding cakes are stepping into artistic, sculptural territory. Think hand-painted details, metallic accents, and textured buttercream, basically, cakes that look like they belong in an art gallery. Since our venue has a rich, vintage feel, I love seeing couples incorporate gold leaf, Art Deco designs, or subtle 1920s patterns into their cake decor.
Flavors: Couples are moving beyond the traditional vanilla or red velvet and experimenting with earl grey lavender, pistachio rose, and black sesame caramel - elegant flavors that fit perfectly with a speakeasy-style reception.
Size & Shape: While tiered cakes are still popular, we’re seeing more asymmetrical designs and single-tier statement cakes, often paired with other small desserts for variety. This works great for intimate weddings at our venue!
2026 Predictions
By 2026, wedding cakes will be simpler, more natural, and focused on sustainability. Expect to see pressed flowers, fresh citrus accents, and organic, hand-painted designs that feel romantic and effortless.
Flavors: More couples will opt for seasonal, botanical flavors like elderflower lemon or fig honey, which happen to pair beautifully with our craft cocktails (coincidence? I think not!).
Size & Shape: Floating cakes (yes, literally suspended cakes) will be a thing, and I can already picture how incredible they’ll look in front of our brick and chandeliers!
Dessert Bars: The Ultimate Guest Pleaser
2025 Trends
If you’re torn between cake and a variety of sweets, a dessert bar is the way to go. In 2025, couples are going all in on interactive stations and unique, themed displays. We’ve seen everything from speakeasy-inspired whiskey and chocolate pairings to retro dessert bars featuring childhood favorites with a gourmet twist.
Popular Treats: Mini pies, brownie bites, macarons, wedding cake shooters - basically, bite-sized everything. Bonus points if it pairs well with a signature cocktail!
Presentation: Couples are getting creative with live dessert experiences - think flambeed tableside treats, make-your-own s’mores stations, or custom ice cream sandwiches. I love how these keep guests engaged throughout the night!
2026 Predictions
By 2026, dessert bars will become more refined and curated. Instead of piling on endless options, couples will focus on high-end, beautifully presented selections that feel intentional.
Popular Treats: Patisserie-style desserts like chocolate-dipped fruits, delicate cream puffs, and hand-piped tarts will take center stage.
Presentation: Minimalist elegance will be the name of the game, with monochromatic setups, vintage glassware, and dessert pairings with espresso, wine, or cocktails - all of which fit seamlessly into our speakeasy vibe.
Donut Walls: Still Trendy or Fading Out?
2025 Trends
Donut walls are still a crowd-pleaser, but in 2025, they’re getting a serious upgrade. Instead of the usual pegboard setup, we’re seeing elevated, more stylized displays like hanging donut garlands, tiered donut towers, or mix-and-match flavor stations.
Flavors: Couples are having fun with flavors like bourbon vanilla bean, Creme Brulee , and chai maple glaze - a little extra, but in the best way.
2026 Predictions
By 2026, donut walls might start evolving into mini gourmet donut stations. Picture a chef frying up fresh donuts right in front of guests, with a variety of custom glazes, fillings, and toppings, kind of like a speakeasy dessert (if that makes sense).
For couples who still love the grab-and-go aspect, donut-and-drink pairings (think mini donuts with whiskey flights or espresso martinis) will be a huge trend and honestly, what could be a better late-night treat.
Which Option Is Right for Your Wedding at Speakeasy On State?
If you love tradition with a stylish twist, a wedding cake with vintage details is the way to go.
If you want variety and an interactive experience, a dessert bar with speakeasy-style pairings will be a hit.
If you’re all about fun and late-night treats, a donut wall or fresh donut station will keep guests coming back for more.
No matter which event sweet trend you decide on, we’re here to help bring your dessert vision to life at Speakeasy On State.
Ready to plan something unforgettable?
Commentaires