The Best Ways to Serve Ice Cream at Your Wedding

Dish up this creamy confection at your wedding using one of these fun ideas.
Brides eating ice cream cones on their wedding day
Tara Beth Photography
andrea fowler the knot wedding planning expert
by
Andrea Fowler
andrea fowler the knot wedding planning expert
Andrea Fowler
Wedding Planning Expert
  • Andrea Fowler is an Editorial Content Manager at Sony Music Entertainment.
  • Andrea is a New York-based content strategist and creative producer.
  • Andrea worked as an Assistant Editor for The Knot from 2015 to 2017.

Haven't you heard? Ice cream and cake make a perfect pair—especially when there's wedding cake. We looked to some beautiful real weddings to uncover the best ice cream–serving inspiration. From waiters passing cones, to throw-back ice cream carts, there are so many ways to get creative with this refreshing dessert.

On a Serving Tray

Vanilla ice cream cone dessert tray
Kate Osborne

Don't limit your passed bites to appetizers—get some dessert in on the action. Not only is it convenient for guests to snag a treat while the attendants are making rounds through the reception, but it keeps energy levels up even toward the end of the night.

From: A Brighton Ski Resort Wedding in Brighton, Utah

On a Sundae Bar

Ice cream topping sundae bar
Maik Dobiey Wedding Photography

A sundae bar guarantees there will be something for everyone. Opt for the traditional toppings like candies and cookie crumbs, but if you really want to impress, set out a few unexpected options like candied bacon, nut brittle or champagne-soaked strawberries.

From: An At-Home Destination Wedding in Lima, Peru

As a Cookie Sandwich

Ice cream sandwich desserts
Tanveer Badal Photography

Not only are ice cream sandwiches a total crowd-pleaser, they're a great treat to source locally. Reach out to your favorite neighborhood baker for a few batches of different types of cookies, and a corner-store creamery for a few flavors of ice cream. Then let guests customize their own cookie sandwich!

From: A Green Building Wedding in Brooklyn, New York

In a Self-Serve Cart

Blue and white old school ice cream cart
Suzuran Photography

That's right, go old school. Load up one of these old-fashioned carts with a few different selections of ice cream favorites (think: chocolate eclairs, Screwballs and ice pops). Guests can choose exactly what they like without the need of an attendant to man the station.

From: A Relaxed Elegant Wedding in Windsor, Ohio

As a Retro Milk Shake

Vanilla and strawberry milk shakes
Tory Williams Photography

What's more fun than a retro strawberry milk shake or an overflowing root beer float? Even better—when they're served in old-fashioned milk bottles with festive straws. Bonus: Guests can sip these sweet treats with one hand.

In Your Cocktails

Sorbet and mint in signature wedding drink
Anthony Vazquez Photography

Don't worry—we didn't forget about the booze. Jazz up your signature sip with a refreshing scoop of sorbet for a unique and delicious cocktail hour treat. Garnish with a sprig of mint and you'll have a show-stopping refreshment.

From: A Classic Ballroom at Intercontinental Cleveland in Cleveland, Ohio

Nestled in Cake

Ice cream cone desserts served on a cake tray
Rachel Pearlman Photography

Okay, we know we already showed ice cream cones being passed on a tray, but this hack is genius. If you can't find serving trays that fit the shape of your cones, sculpt one out of cake.

From: A Classy, Romantic Wedding at Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Up Next
  • Collage of wedding keepsake products including keepsake box, pressed floral portrait, wedding vow art, wedding dress sculpture, custom mezuzah, wedding bouquet embroidery
    Wedding Keepsake Ideas That Bring the Sentimental Vibes