Planning a summer wedding? Then you’re probably already dreaming about warm evenings, glowing sunsets, and a dessert table your guests won’t stop buzzing about. When it comes to summer desserts, it’s all about balancing sweetness with refreshment. Whether you’re hosting a backyard celebration or a barn bash in the hills of West Virginia, the right treats can turn your dessert display into one of the most memorable parts of the day. Let’s explore a few deliciously simple, guest-approved goodies that are sure to beat the heat — and disappear fast from the table.

Let’s build a Summer desserts table that gets remembered for the right reasons

If you’re planning a summer wedding in West Virginia, you’re likely already dreaming of blooming flowers, golden sunsets, and maybe just a little bit of sweat (it’s a humid beauty we’ve got here!). One thing I’ve learned from countless gorgeous WV weddings? Keeping your guests happy extends all the way to the dessert table. 

We all see those picture-perfect wedding cakes and elaborate dessert displays on Pinterest. They’re stunning, no doubt. But let’s be real – when the July sun is beating down, are your guests craving a towering fondant creation, or something a little more…refreshing? I’ve witnessed enough weddings to know that taste triumphs over trends every single time. It’s those “mmm, what is this?” moments and the empty platters at the end of the night that tell the real story. 

Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand which desserts disappear fastest, which earn the most compliments, and which are still talked about long after the special day. So, ditch the dessert table anxiety! These aren’t just Pinterest pretty – these are guest-approved, no-leftovers summer desserts, tried and true at real West Virginia weddings. 

What Are the most popular desserts for West Virginia Weddings?

1. Cheesecake bars with seasonal fruit topping

Cool, creamy, and endlessly customizable, cheesecake bars are a summer wedding dream come true. They offer that luxurious cheesecake experience in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-eat bar form. While we can use a variety of seasonal fruits, strawberry is consistently the crowd-favorite topping, adding a vibrant burst of sweetness and a pop of color. 

Real wedding moment: At a recent celebration near Shinnston, the strawberry cheesecake bars were an absolute sensation. Guests loved being able to pick up a bar and mingle, and I saw more than a few go back for seconds! 

Pro tip: 

These bars hold up beautifully on a dessert table, especially when kept in a slightly cooler area or on serving trays with ice packs underneath (discreetly, of course!).  

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2. Lemon white chocolate cookies

Embrace the brightness of summer with these zesty and sweet lemon white chocolate cookies! The citrus tang is incredibly refreshing in warm weather, perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. They’re a delightful departure from typical cookie offerings and a fantastic way to brighten up your dessert display. 

Real wedding moment: I remember at an intimate backyard celebration, these cookies were a surprising hit! Not too long into the party there were guests specifically asking, “Where are those amazing lemon cookies?” They were gone in a flash! 

Pro tip: These cookies offer a lovely texture contrast – a slightly crisp edge with a soft, chewy center, making them incredibly satisfying. They also travel well and can be beautifully arranged on tiered platters or in apothecary jars. 

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3. S’mores cookies

What’s more of a summer staple than the nostalgic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow? These s’mores cookies capture all the magic of a campfire classic in a convenient, wedding-friendly bite. They evoke warmth, fun, and a touch of childhood joy, making them instantly appealing to guests of all ages. 

🔥 Real wedding moment: At a rustic barn wedding in Fairmont, we set up a dessert table featuring these cookies and they were devoured. The perfect gooey marshmallow and chocolate kiss nestled atop the graham cracker cookie is simply irresistible. 

Pro tip: For an extra touch of “campfire” appeal, a light toast of the marshmallow adds a beautiful golden hue. Also, these pair wonderfully with a late-night coffee. 

4. Tropical delight shooters

Light, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavor, our Tropical Delight shooters are pure sunshine in a cup. Featuring layers of airy angel food cake with bright orange, pineapple, and delicate vanilla, these individual desserts are ideal for beating the summer heat. They’re a uniquely sophisticated option that guests can easily grab and enjoy while mingling or breaking it down on the dance floor. 
 
🌴 Real wedding moment: No matter the town, venue, or event, our dessert shooters are always the first thing to disappear from the dessert table. Take it from Kearstin: “We had the absolute pleasure of having our wedding desserts catered by Sweet Events and everything was pure perfection! The dessert shooters were a huge hit and went faster than lightning. Our guests are still raving about the desserts.” 
 
Pro tip: 
Serving these chilled is ideal. The angel food cake soaks up just enough of the tropical flavors, creating an utterly delicious bite without being heavy. 

5. Iced sugar cookies (yes, really!)

They’re not just pretty – they’re delicious! Often underestimated, sugar cookies are a fantastic addition to any summer wedding dessert table, offering both classic flavor and endless customization. They’re a wonderful way to add a personal touch and a pop of color to your spread. 

If you’re a bride-to-be looking for a universally loved treat, our Iced Soft Sugar Cookie is a must! This isn’t your average crisp sugar cookie; it’s a wonderfully pillow-y soft sugar cookie topped with a beautiful rosette of our signature buttercream. It offers a very classic flavor that everyone loves, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to add color to your dessert display with the frosting. Imagine a table bursting with soft pastels, all thanks to these incredibly delicious cookies! 

While we specialize in the delectable soft sugar cookies, we know some couples dream of intricate, custom-decorated sugar cookies that truly tell their story. Good news! We’ve partnered with several incredibly talented local bakers who create gorgeous, custom-decorated cookies. They can craft edible art that perfectly matches your wedding theme, colors, or even your unique love story. 

And for my fellow bakers out there – if you’re looking for that perfect, reliable base for your own decorating masterpieces, look no further! Achieving a beautiful, no-spread sugar cookie can be tricky, especially in the summer heat. My tried-and-true recipe ensures your designs stay crisp and your cookies hold their shape every time. You can find my exact recipe and method right here: Baking the Perfect Sugar Cookie

Struggling to bake sugar cookies that hold their shape or taste amazing? My signature online class is your solution! Learn at your own pace with step-by-step videos and detailed instructions that take the guesswork out of cookie making. Learn more here >> https://sweeteventswv.com/baking-the-perfect-sugar-cookie/

Want a dessert table that tastes as good as it looks? Start here.

Dessert tables that get remembered

Ultimately, your wedding dessert table is more than just a sweet ending to the meal. It’s another opportunity to showcase your personalities as a couple and leave your guests with a lasting impression of your gratitude. Don’t feel pressured to follow every trend you see. Focus on what you love and what your guests will truly enjoy. 

Remember, you don’t have to navigate the world of wedding desserts alone! I’m here to help, with plenty of experience, a well-loved spatula, and a big smile. 😊 

If you’re planning a wedding in North Central West Virginia and want to create a dessert table that will have your guests raving, I’d love to chat! 😊 Learn more here.

Ready to create a sweet ending that’s just right for you and your guests? Let’s chat!