Cake and dessert bars are certainly having a moment, and for good reason! Not only do they look great in your wedding snaps but they're a guaranteed guest-pleaser too.

Serve up one of these bad boys from our list of wedding cake alternatives if you want something different from the traditional white cake.

You're excited about being engaged, and you're ready to celebrate with an engagement party! You've got a date in mind, a venue or restaurant reserved, and you're feeling good. You might be wondering what comes next in the party planning process or there might be some confusion about how to go about creating an event that you'll love. Who do you invite, what do you serve- these might be questions that pop up as you start to plan. There's no need to get worked up-it doesn't have to be stressful. Planning your engagement party should be fun! It's also a perfect opportunity for you and your partner to start honing in on your budgeting skills which will certainly come in handy as you start to organize the big event. If you're unsure about what you need to do, or are just looking for a little extra guidance, that's where we come in. We've got 5 steps to help you create your best engagement party. Keep reading to see just what we've got in store. Let's be honest- party planning costs money. But exactly how much money depends on you and your forever person's budget. Both of you should come up with a figure that works, so you know what you're working with. Creating a realistic budget will give you guidelines for how much money you'll be able to dedicate to your party. By understanding just how much you can spend, you'll be better able to plan and create an event that works within your means. You might already have an understanding of what you can spend when you book your party venue, but it's also important to keep in mind that there are usually extras- decor, invitations, and possibly outside food or beverages. Even if someone else has graciously offered to host, don't expect them to foot the bill, and talk with them about how much money they have to work with in creating your event. It's a great chance to practice budgeting for when you dive into wedding planning itself, so you'll have an idea of what event planning can really look like. It's important to remember that it's just one of the many parties you'll be having leading up to your special day, so there's no need to break the bank. Photo by Smashing Rain Both you and your partner should sit down together for this step and collaborate on creating your guest list. Figure out who you want there and start writing down names. One important detail to keep in mind- those you invite to your engagement party should also be invited to your wedding. It can be considered rude to do so otherwise and those who discover that they weren't invited to your wedding but to other parties might feel slighted. If you're unsure about just how many people you want to invite to your wedding, keep the guest list for your engagement party to only those you know with 100% certainty you'll be inviting to your wedding. This should also be decided based on your budget and how much you can spend on your soiree. If you're hosting the party at a family member or friends home, your budget might be more flexible, but restaurants and other venues might be more expensive. If you're unsure or just want to keep it small, a close family and friends guest list is a good way to go. Most people will understand if you go with an intimate party or family only event- this can also help your budget stay on track and potentially avoid any hurt feelings. Photo by Mallory Rowan Once you've got your invitees and budget complete, invitations are the next step. Invitations should ideally be sent out anywhere from a month before, or even longer at six weeks from the date you've selected. Guests will need to know all of the details to make sure they can be there and where the party will take place. Those you want to invite who live out of town should also be considered when you're sending out an invite, especially if you know they'll be coming to the wedding. They might not be able to make it, but including them is a nice gesture. Find an invitation that matches the theme or style you've chosen for your engagement party, or use a photo invitation that allows you to put your favorite couple's photo front and center. These invitations can also serve as your engagement announcement if you want to surprise everyone (if you haven't already posted on social media) or just want to have something more official. Engagement party invitations should be fun, and reflect the style or vibe you're both going for. There are plenty of styles and designs to choose from- you're sure to find the one perfect for you. Having trouble finding an invitation or need some ideas? Check out our collection of invites HERE. ADELLA Collection Photo Engagement Invite by Unmeasured Events CADENCE Collection Navy & Blush Engagement Invite by Unmeasured Events You can't have a party without decor, and certainly not one without food & beverage offerings. Decor typically matches the design or theme of your party to reflect both of your styles. For example, if you're having a boho inspired affair, fun and decorative pieces are a good choice, and it's also a way to start thinking about wedding colors. If you're unsure about decor or just can't decide, the simpler the better. You can never go wrong with minimalist pieces like white table linens or delicate floral arrangements. Don't overthink what you'll be decorating with. Just remember- when in doubt, stick to what you love. For food and beverage, the restaurant you picked might already have this taken care of for you with their catering service or menu selections (it never hurts to ask about options, and address any food sensitives ahead of time for guests who have preferences) and bar offerings. If your party is at a loved one's home or any other space, decide what type of food and spirits you'll be offering, also keeping in mind any allergies or limitations. Don't forget dessert as well- there's always a good excuse for sweets. Who doesn't love a nice piece of cake? There's no wrong answer when it comes to food, so have some fun with picking your menu. Photo by Make a Wish Balloons by Victoria Photo by Blissful Cakes 1 This step might seem obvious, but we know how tricky it can be sometimes to fully get into the moment and just enjoy it. You want to make sure everything is perfect, so there could be some stress about making sure guests are enjoying themselves or if the food is delicious. Try not to get so caught up in the details, and if necessary, assign someone to help make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Family members and friends are often more than willing to help if you ask them. If your party is at a restaurant, hotel, or commercial venue, this details should be taken care of for you, allowing everyone to truly focus on having a good time. Remember, it's a party celebrating you and your partner's love for one another, and those in attendance are there to love, support, and yes, celebrate you both. There's no reason it should be anything less than wonderful. Your focus should be on spending time with the ones you love, and soaking it all in. Leave your worries at the door, and make some memories. Photo by Kayla Stag What do you think about our engagement party planning tips? If you had an engagement party, was there anything we left out, or do you have any additional advice for us? We'd love to hear it! Share it with us by reaching out via Instagram or Etsy. Either way, we want to hear from you, and love receiving your thoughts. Recently Engaged and planning your special day? Congratulations! Let us help take the stress out of event planning- For more wedding inspiration, subscribe to the email list, follow us on Pinterest and scroll down below to save 10% on templates. That way, you can focus on what really matters.

With so many things to organise in the lead up to your wedding, it might just be a good idea to keep wedding food and drink uncomplicated. But to ensure your and your guests taste buds are satisfied, choosing seasonal and high quality food are the best things you could do. Mini puddings like these […]

Carrot cakes, fudge, Jell-O, pies, or ice cream, dessert table options are endless. Check out these wedding dessert table ideas.

Jessica and Austin celebrated their love with a classic black tie wedding at The Wool Factory in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Looking for something different for your wedding? Add a special touch with a unique wedding cake that is totally different and totally you.

Ronly and Justin's blush and vine wedding at the Arcadian Court was a glamorous affair that truly brought the outdoors in.

Baking for crowd can seem intimidating. Using a few of my tricks & tools can make baking desserts for a party or holiday attainable!

Before I even start to gush about just how gorgeous this Anthropolgie-inspired wedding is (get ready, it's a doozy of goodness) - I just have to say I am head over heels in love with the way Troy and ...

A list of things any Pinterest fan would have on their dream wedding board.

Planning a party? Here are delicious dessert table ideas on a budget and styling tips you need to know!

We're just about ready day or night, to jump on a plane to gorgeous locations like Greece. THEN you tell us that there will be a giant table filled with

Want to serve cake pops as a dessert at your wedding? Ahead, we showcase fun cake pop designs and arrangement you can use for your nuptial celebration.

Planning a sweet table for a wedding? Here is How To Set Up A Candy Bar At A Wedding Reception to ensure it stands out beautifully.

With so many things to organise in the lead up to your wedding, it might just be a good idea to keep wedding food and drink uncomplicated. But to ensure your and your guests taste buds are satisfied, choosing seasonal and high quality food are the best things you could do. Mini puddings like these […]

This bride and groom incorporated their cultures, lots of pretty flowers, and a few special dance performances into their California celebration. Go inside to see the fun fusion.

Lottie and Rory's traditional and simple Holkham Hall wedding in Norfolk. Their day was utterly stunning with a luxe reception in sage green and pinks.

Learn how to create a stunning dessert table and make it a central decorative statement piece highlighting your theme and color palette. Find some tips here.

Outdoor garden wedding is always the top pick for brides who are planning for a shiny summer big day! Brides love outdoor weddings for very many different reasons: ample space, natural beauty, and natural lighting. It all makes for a magical time and some fantastic pictures! Here we have selected 20 outdoor wedding ideas to transform your back garden or outdoor event into a decor delight. Look below to get inspired!

We're just about ready day or night, to jump on a plane to gorgeous locations like Greece. THEN you tell us that there will be a giant table filled with

Real weddings and styled photoshoots are featured here for inspiration in planning your luxury wedding.

Intimate weddings are becoming the norm now. That does not mean it should be any less special. These intimate weddings give you a chance to take your creativity up a notch and also have a fairy tale ...

Bespoke wedding planners from Toronto

Dessert bars are wildly popular these days. A dessert table is a good idea to amaze your guests as a fun, interactive and delicious addition to the wedding reception. Once you have decided to have a dessert table, you should take the table as a part of your wedding decoration, and this is exactly what[...] READ ARTICLE

Today is National Brownie Day, and to celebrate we thought we’d be put together our Top 10 Brownie Wedding Cakes of all time!

Learn the secrets of planning the ultimate DIY wedding candy bar. As you read this blog, you’ll quickly realize that there is a lot more to consider than simply filling and setting ornate candy jars on a table.

10 Unique Dessert Table Displays to wow your Wedding Guests. Wedding dessert bar decoration. Check out some of these Dessert Table ideas.

Can't decide between cake, pie, or cookies? Have them all! See how to pull off the perfect dessert table with these spreads from real weddings.

Dana & Whit's Middleton Place Plantation Pavilion Wedding Photos Dana & Whit have STYLE - I mean, what else did I expect from a bride who has a

10 Unique Dessert Table Displays to wow your Wedding Guests. Wedding dessert bar decoration. Check out some of these Dessert Table ideas.

We hope you all had an amazing Fourth of July holiday! Going back to work mid week is never fun, so if you're still in a daydreamy #OutOfOffice mood we've got the perfect distraction for you: Temi and Tayo's breathtaking wedding in Cape Town. Suspended florals, hanging backdrops and glittering lighting are all effects made

Cake and dessert bars are certainly having a moment, and for good reason! Not only do they look great in your wedding snaps but they're a guaranteed guest-pleaser too.

Carrot cakes, fudge, Jell-O, pies, or ice cream, dessert table options are endless. Check out these wedding dessert table ideas.

Cake and dessert bars are certainly having a moment, and for good reason! Not only do they look great in your wedding snaps but they're a guaranteed guest-pleaser too.