As you and your fiancée are checking things off your wedding planning list, do you get stuck at the wedding cake? If one or both of you aren’t fans of cake, do you have to serve it at your wedding? In short, the answer is no. Oaks Manor has some suggestions for great alternatives to a traditional wedding cake that will leave your guests asking for seconds! Note that while some of these say “cake” in their names, they are not cakes at all.
Macaron Cake
Macarons are pure elegance. Ask your pastry chef to make them in the colors of your wedding and to arrange them on a platter in the shape of a wedding cake or tower. Choose your favorite flavors, and serve these light, airy confections to delight your guests.
Donut Walls
Who doesn’t like donuts? Donut walls are easy to purchase online and can be customized with your names, wedding date, or monogram. When you order your donuts, coordinate icing colors with your wedding theme for this delicious combination of dessert and dècor.
Savory Cheese Tower
No sweet tooth? We have an option for that. Stacked wheels of savory cheeses, dressed up with flowers, fruits, and greenery are a delightful alternative to a sweet cake.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake decorated with gorgeous wedding-inspired florals is another great option for those who don’t care for traditional wedding cakes. Cheesecakes can be sweet or savory, so you have plenty of options to choose from!
Croquembouche
Composed of cream-filled profiteroles surrounded by spun sugar, a croquembouche adds a dramatic flair to your dessert table. For a wedding twist, add edible flowers and decorations in colors that complement your wedding.
Cookies
Whimsical wedding cookies are an enchanting change of pace. As your baker to personalize your cookie selections with colors, monograms, and more wedding-inspired designs.
Whatever you choose to serve, Oaks Manor will be happy to help. Call us at 585-468-6257 to book your wedding, reception, and rehearsal at our venue!
How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch
To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:
- Caterers and bartenders
- Florists and decorators
- Musicians or DJs
- Photographers and videographers
- Officiants
- Hair and makeup teams
- Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor
You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.
Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding
Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget.
Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.
Best Practices for a Vendor List
As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.
- Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
- Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
- Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
- Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.
FAQ’s
Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!
Why is a vendor list important?
A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact.
When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.
What is a Vendor List?
A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event.
How to Create a Vendor List?
This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.
Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor
At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.
