The croquembouche, is a classic of French and Belgian weddings. Cream puffs, golden caramel, impressive structure, it has reigned supreme on reception tables for decades. But in recent years, another star has been rising on wedding tables: the wedding cupcake.
. More flexible, more personal, often more economical, and frankly, just as beautiful, the cupcake is now a serious alternative to the traditional croquembouche. Here’s why.
The croquembouche, a classic... but not without constraints
Let’s be honest: the croquembouche has some undeniable advantages. It is spectacular, it has real symbolic value, and it leaves a lasting impression. But it also has its limits.
Cutting it is often tedious. It requires staff, takes time, and disrupts the moment. The flavours are imposed on all guests. The logistics are tricky: transport, storage, assembly on site. And for specific dietary requirements, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan... adapting is not always simple.
Couples who choose cupcakes do not give up on elegance. They choose practicality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Why cupcakes are increasingly appealing to brides and grooms
Practicality above all
Each guest receives their own cupcake, already portioned, without cutting or complicated serving. No queues, no uneven edges, no plates to distribute. The cupcake fits in the hand, is eaten in a few bites, and frees up the evening.
For outdoor weddings, standing cocktails or receptions with many guests, this is a considerable logistical advantage.
Unlimited customization
This is where the personalised wedding cupcakes truly shine. Colours matching the dress, the flowers, the room decor - initials of the couple on top - floral patterns, sugar lace, pearlescent beads - each cupcake becomes an edible decorative object.
At Lilicup, we work from your colour chart, your Pinterest inspirations or your decoration file. The result: cupcakes that are an integral part of your wedding decor, not just dessert.
Flavours for all tastes
Where the tiered cake imposes a unique flavour, an order of wedding cupcakes allows for mixing flavours: vanilla, chocolate, lemon, raspberry, salted caramel, red velvet... Each guest chooses what they like. And for guests with intolerances, it is possible to provide a few suitable pieces without revising the entire order.
Discover the flavours of cupcakes
How to present cupcakes at a wedding?
Presentation is essential for the cupcakes to have the same visual impact as a traditional tiered cake. Good news: there are several ways to showcase them elegantly.
The cupcake pyramid
This is the option that is visually closest to the traditional tiered cake. The cupcakes are arranged on a tiered stand, from largest to smallest, creating a vertical and majestic silhouette. Some couples add a small cake on top for the cutting ritual, surrounded by cupcakes for the guests.
The sweet table
The cupcakes fit perfectly into a dessert table (sweet table) alongside macarons, cake pops, decorated biscuits, and assorted treats. It is a very trendy format that invites guests to help themselves, mix, and taste. Visually, a well-executed sweet table is one of the most photographed elements of a wedding.
The individual cupcake on the table
For a more intimate version, each place setting can be accompanied by a personal cupcake placed on a small box or individual stand - with the guest's name, the wedding date, or a little note. An edible place card that makes an impact.
How many cupcakes should be planned for a wedding?
The calculation depends on the format of your reception:
Wedding with a seated meal : 1 to 2 cupcakes per guest are sufficient, served as the main dessert or at the end.
Cocktail or standing reception : plan for 2 to 3 pieces per person, in addition to other sweet treats.
Sweet table with several desserts : 1 cupcake per person is a good base, with guests complementing with the other pieces.
For a wedding of 80 people with a seated meal, count between 80 and 120 cupcakes. Lilicup regularly handles wedding orders between 50 and 300 pieces, each order is planned with you well in advance to ensure freshness and quality.
Key points for ordering your wedding cupcakes
- Anticipate the lead time : A wedding order requires real preparation: discussions on the design, validation of the mock-ups, organisation of production. Contact us at least 6 to 8 weeks before the date. For weddings in peak season (May-October), book even earlier.
- Prepare a visual brief : Share your inspirations: Pinterest photos, colour palette, decoration elements of the venue. The more precise the brief, the closer the result will be to your vision.
- Think about the tasting : Before confirming your order, a tasting can be arranged to choose your flavours. It is also an opportunity to see examples of finishes and validate the aesthetics.
- Plan the transport : The cupcakes are fragile once decorated. If you are organising the collection, plan for a flat and air-conditioned vehicle. For large orders, on-site delivery can be arranged upon quotation.
Lilicup creates your wedding cupcakes in Brussels
For over 10 years, Lilicup has been supporting Brussels couples with custom cupcakes designed for special occasions. Our shops in Uccle, Ixelles and Waterloo regularly welcome future brides and grooms looking for an elegant and personal alternative to the traditional wedding cake.
What makes Lilicup different:
Artisanal know-how : each cupcake is prepared in Brussels, with homemade recipes;
Expertise in customisation : logos, initials, floral patterns, Pantone colours, we reproduce your universe in sugar;
A wide range of flavours to satisfy all tastes and intolerances;
Support from A to Z : from the first contact to delivery on the big day.
