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More and more couples are ditching the classic white wedding cake, opting for other nontraditional yet still delectable desserts like homemade pies, cupcakes, cake pops, and even giant Rice Krispies treats stacked like a cake. The latest wedding dessert trend? The doughnut wall. That’s right—because nothing is sweeter than an entire wall decked out with doughnuts.
Meet the Expert
John and Kate Emmets are the husband and wife team behind Off The Wall Donuts in New Jersey. The pair have been building and delivering custom doughnut walls since 2018.
The doughy treats are affordable, easy to serve, and you can offer guests a variety of flavors (glazed, old-fashioned, sprinkles, etc.). Not to mention, doughnuts are simply downright adorable. And while you can certainly serve doughnuts instead of cake altogether, you could also offer doughnuts as a part of a larger dessert-table spread. (Hey, where dessert’s concerned, we say the more the merrier.)
Ahead, check out 20 of our favorite doughnut wall variations to inspire your own.
Bigger Isn't Always Better
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Photography: Peter Gubernat Photography; Styling: Big City Bride
Having an intimate ceremony with a smaller guest list? This wooden doughnut holder is the perfect size for displaying a few dozen doughnuts. Throw in a clear lucite sign and pretty white blooms, and we think we're sold.
"Donut Want This Night To End"
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Why not incorporate a brunch element to your wedding reception? This scrumptious doughnut wall had a little something to satisfy every palate. Guests were able to choose from key lime, cinnamon vanilla, chocolate sprinkle, lemon blueberry, and maple bacon-flavored doughnuts.
Gigantic Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Sam and Sola Studio
Go big or go home with the doughnut wall of your dreams. Featuring six tasty flavors (vanilla coconut, vanilla Oreos, fruity pebbles, strawberry sprinkle, maple, and chocolate), this couple's 8' x 8' white melamine wall was adorned with greenery and the words "A Hole New Beginning" for a classic and contemporary twist.
“Donuts Are Our Love Language”
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Courtesy of Rebecca Ciacchi
To make your doughnut wall stand out, decorate your display with garlands and helium-filled balloons attached to greenery vines. Final step: Be sure to snap photos of guests (like this lovely flower girl) admiring the wall in all of its glory. Calories don't count at weddings, right?
Rustic Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Jamie Jones Photography
If you’re getting married in a more rustic venue like a farm or barn, then DIY a similar plywood doughnut wall and leave it unfinished for a rough-hewn look. Hang your favorite doughnut varieties from rows of pegs and don’t forget the gold alphabet balloons.
The Best of Both Worlds
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Photo by The Everlasting Photo
Think outside the box with an epic candy bar featuring all your favorite sweets, cupcakes, and doughnuts. To replicate this picture-perfect setup, all you'll need is a grazing table, a doughnut wall, and jars stocked with gummy bears and sour ropes.
Apple Cinnamon Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Shelby Rae Photographs
Usher in a fall elopement with none other than apple cinnamon doughnuts. Coupled with punny signage ("donut mind if I do") and apple décor, this doughnut wall is giving us all the fall feels.
Minimalist Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Bird On The Wall Photography
For a quick pick-me-up during the reception, a sugar rush from everyone's favorite doughnut chain will hit the spot. Here, a sampling of Krispy Kreme's most popular flavors—from chocolate glazed to strawberry icing with sprinkles—is displayed on a board and wooden easel.
Brunch Wedding Reception Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Abigail Miles
Having a brunch wedding reception? Guests with a sweet tooth won't be able to resist this decadent mid-morning treat. DO provide to-go boxes for attendees who plan to take a doughnut (or two) for the road.
To avoid letting doughnuts go to waste, the Emmets advise having your doughnut wall vendor package up any leftovers for an after-party treat. "Our couples love that the doughnuts are not wasted and the after-party goers love the sweet snack," they said.
DIY Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Shelby Rae Photographs
This doughnut wall was a labor of love. If you have the resources to do so, we can't think of anything more special than building your own wall from scratch. To accommodate a larger guest list, you may also consider putting out clear jars filled with doughnut holes for attendees who just want a small bite.
Ombré Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Sara Hasstedt Photography
Turn your doughnut wall into a modern work of art by opting for glazed doughnuts in a gradient of subtle ombré shades. "If you are planning on using the doughnut wall for decor or photos, ask your vendor to incorporate coordinating colors and florals into the design. This looks GREAT in pictures," the Emmets said.
Mix and Match Doughnut Wall
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Photography: MoscaStudio.com; Styling: BridalBliss
Variety is the spice of life. If you're worried about guests getting bored with classic cinnamon sugar and glazed doughnuts, don't hesitate to throw some more gourmet flavors like maple bacon or raspberry glaze into the mix. To keep doughnuts fresh, the Emmets suggest "working closely with a doughnut shop to ensure the doughnuts are made the same day as the wedding and as late as possible in the day." Additionally, they prefer using cake-style doughnuts with a "flat" frosting and simple toppings.
Old-Fashioned Doughnut Wall
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Photo by Morgan McCanne Photo
If you and your spouse-to-be are doughnut connoisseurs, Dunkin' and Krispy won't do. However, you can tap a local family-owned doughnut shop to make housemade cake doughnuts in your choice of flavors. Not sure how many doughnuts to order? The Emmets share, "We typically recommend ordering 30 to 50 doughnuts less than the number of guests attending the wedding."
If the doughnut wall is the main dessert or part of a limited spread at your reception, you should plan on ordering one doughnut per guest.
Treat Yourself
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Give wedding guests something to talk about with an attention-grabbing red doughnut wall and red frosted doughnuts that will have everyone feeling the love. On that note, the Emmets share, "Our tip to couples would be to make your doughnut wall as unique as your relationship, bring lots of inspiration to the design table, and let the experts create something your guests will be raving about."
"Love Is Sweet" Doughnut Wall Display
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Leah Marie Photography
This shabby-chic doughnut wall has it all. A panache-packed display is accompanied by an assortment of sweets including a naked cake and trays of cookies. From the playful hand-lettered signage to the wooden wine barrels, no detail goes unnoticed.