Today we have a little cake alternative inspiration in the form of a retro classic that's making quite a comeback at weddings: pavlova and meringue wedding cakes! Once a kitschy, yet delish dessert fave, a new generation has discovered its gorgeous gooiness and is bringing it back to wedding dessert tables everywhere. And we think it would be perfect for those not so much into the classic wedding cake, but still looking for a sweet treat to serve up to your guests. Truly ideal at any time of year, these wedding cake alternatives would be gorgeous in summer topped with berries, with seasonal flavour pairings in spring or autumn, or piled high into a Christmas tree tower for a winter celebration, the possibilities are endless!  Intrigued? Let's take a look...

Pavlova & Meringue Wedding Cakes

Layers upon layers of crispy, chewy and soft pav, layered with vanilla cream by Cake Opera Co. Finished with a cherry on top - delish!

As an alternative to wedding cake this couple instead chose a meringue display topped with fresh strawberries.

This elegant pavlova adorned with a whimsical meringue bow by Butter is a perfect addition to any wedding!

A berry pavlova is the wedding cake you didn’t know you wanted and this delicious berry and chocolate meringue stack by The Cake and I has us wishing we were invited.

Featuring two layers of meringue sandwiched with fresh berries and cream, a chic shell-shaped meringue wedding cake like this one by Mamma Pavlova would be sure to wow guests!

This towering meringue showstopper by Mitzie Wilson with it's frilly cream edges is a brilliant alternative for those who don't want a wedding cake, but still want a wedding dessert with pizzazz!

Like the idea of a meringue wedding cake but also love the look of a traditional cake? This three tier pavlova creation by Butter Digger features the best of both!

Think pavlova and meringues are just a summer wedding dessert? Think again! This autumn meringue wedding cake creation by Andrea Sham was topped with fresh grapes, figs, pears and a sprinkle of gold leaft.

Having a small wedding celebration? A pavlova wedding cake like this one by LUSTR would be the icing on the cake.

Perched on a fun & colourful cake stand and featuring meringue, mascarpone cream and fresh summer strawberries, this meringue masterpiece would surely wow your guests!

Our tummies are rumbling at this meringue wedding cake tower topped with fresh strawberries and a passionfruit curd!

Love this three-tiered pavlova cake covered in fresh petals by Un-Birthday.

Oh my word!  This seriously swoon-worthy meringue dessert display was the talented work of Seasoned Events.

This meringue cake topped with fresh blooms and berries by Mackine Tort would look pretty darn sweet on a wedding dessert table.

This decadent pavlova wedding cake by Patisserie Manufaktur topped with figs, cherries and moody blooms would be perfect for an autumn or winter celebration.

For their al-fresco celebration this couple chose a square-shaped meringue wedding cake by Dish Cornwall which was filled with cream and topped with mini pavlovas, fresh summer berries and flowers.

This couple literally were the icing on their meringue wedding cake - wedding cake cutting doesn't get more fun than this!

What to Know Before Choosing A Pavlova or Meringue Wedding Cake

• What's the difference between pavlova and meringue we hear you ask? Well, not much really but while pavlovas and meringues are both made of whipped egg white; a Pavlova (named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in honor of her Australian and New Zealand tour!) has a delicate crispy exterior with pillowy soft marshmallow inside, while meringue (which is of French origin) is dry and crisp all the way through.
• A pavlova or meringue wedding cake may not be something a cake designer might offer, so this may be something to ask your venue or caterer if it is something they can accommadate.
• These wedding cakes will unfortunaly not go as far as a traditional wedding cake in terms of portion sizes. They would be ideal for smaller celebrations.
• For larger guest lists you could have a gorgeous pavlova or meringue wedding cake displayed on your dessert take for the tradional cake cutting, but serve up plated versions as your dessert option.
• While they make a gorgeous treat to serve in the summer months, they aren't suitable sitting on a cake or dessert table in the heat. Bring out later in the day, closer to when guests arrive or after the meal to prevent melting, or collapsing!

Looking for more wedding cake ideas and trends? You'll find them all here.