Over the last while in our real weddings, we've noticed more and more couples opting for a wedding bake-off. This is essentially a DIY dessert table assembled from cakes and treats baked by your wedding guests - the competitive judging element is optional! While we're all about a traditional wedding cake - see our list of recommended bakers here - asking the skilled bakers among your family and friends to, quite literally, bring something to the table, is a really nice way to get them involved in your day. And, of course, there's no reason why you can't have a professionally-baked sweet treat as a back-up - the more cake, the merrier the guests, right? Without further ado, here are our top tips on how to plan a wedding bake-off, including a handy checklist.

How to Organise a DIY Dessert Table

1. Chat to your venue and ensure they're happy for homemade treats to be served on the day - check out our tips below for more on this!
2. Recruit some bakers! The easiest way to do this is to add a small paragraph on your wedding invitations or wedding website asking guests to bake something for your day. Let them know it's not expected, it's more of an invitation for those who are keen bakers and would really love to bring something along. It's a good idea to have a few confirmed bakers though, so you're not leaving it entirely to chance on the day!
3. Be clear in your instructions, particularly if you want guests to let you know in advance what they're baking, if you need them to deliver the bakes to a certain person or place, and if there are any requirements (egg-free, coeliac-friendly etc). Try not to give too many directions though, you want your bake-off to be as fun and accessible for everyone as possible.
4. Make a plan with your venue coordinator for receiving the cakes on the day and assign someone to set up the dessert table.
5. Now all that's left is to plan a gorgeous way to display your cakes!

What you need for a DIY Cake Table

• Cake stands in various heights and sizes
• Flags or cards to indicate what the cakes are, and list allergy-friendly options
• Sharpies to write with
• Cake slices or other suitable knives
• Plates
• Forks
• Napkins
• A sign thanking the bakers and letting guests know they can help themselves
• A long table with enough room for lots of cakes

Tips for Having a Wedding Bake-Off

• If you're getting married during the Covid-19 pandemic, be sure to ask your venue if this kind of cake table set-up will be suitable, and whether it aligns with the restrictions they need to follow. They'll be able to keep you up to date on the hospitality guidance around buffet-style food and serving homemade treats.
• Your dessert table doesn't have to replace at traditional wedding cake! You can swap in the goodies instead of a dessert course, as an addition to a small wedding cake, or serve them up for Day Two. Most couples opt for a professionally-baked cake, then create a dessert table around it.
• Don't forget to talk to your venue before you plan your dessert table. Some will have rules about swapping out a dessert course on a set menu, others may have an issue with you bringing homemade food.
• Some venues will have additional costs around serving, plates, cutlery and clean-up so make sure to double check this and factor them in.
• Plant one or two bakers to make something for those with allergies and intolerances, and make sure these bakes are signposted clearly on the day.

• Your cakes might be sitting out for some time, so ask your guests to avoid cakes with cream, ice cream or anything too melty or perishable!
• Tray bakes, buns and sweets look great on a dessert table, so let your guests know they don't just have to bake cakes. The simple stuff goes down a storm, too!
• If you're worried about having too much of the same thing, ask your guests to let you know in advance what they're making.
• Designate someone to receive the cakes as guests arrive and write the flags. Make sure they ask the bakers what the cake is called, what's in it, and if it needs any care or serving instructions.

• It won't always be possible, but try to remember who baked each treat, so you can thank them, or be sure to thank the bakers collectively in your speeches.
• Before you buy, ask around for cake plates and stands, you may be able to borrow some from your friends and family. Look to car boot sales and charity shops for a mix of styles at affordable prices, while places like Tiger and Søstrene Grene often have budget-friendly options.
• A DIY dessert table is a great way to get guests mingling, so, if possible serve it buffet style, and encourage guests to let the bakers know that they loved their cakes.
• If you want to include a bake-off option (Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood style!), include voting cards in each place setting, or assign a panel of judges - however you decide to do it, it'll make a fun addition to your evening!

• If you love the look, feel, and delicious choice of a cake table, but don't want to ask your guests to bake, lots of professional bakers offer beautiful dessert table options, with artfully created cookies, macaroons, brownies and cakes. Check out our recommended Irish wedding cake bakers here.

Get more unique wedding cake ideas here!