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...

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

PHOTO BY ALEX CARLYLE VIA THE WEDDING PLAYBOOK

This five-layer, pink pavlova pretty by Hansel & Gretel Cakes topped with mixed berries, pansies, violets, and macarons was perfect for the couple's wedding dessert table.

Using fresh fruits of the summer season, such as white peach and blueberry paired with coconut-flavored pavlova layers, this delish alternative wedding cake by Tidewater and Tulle looks incredible.

Perfect for a late summer or fall wedding, this amazing pavlova wedding cake by Eat Me, Drink Me with citrus slices and fresh fruits also features a drizzle of sweet caramel.

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

Four tiers of crispy, chewy and soft pav, layered with vanilla cream, summer berries and edible flowers and herbs by Cake & Co. Finished with a touch of gold leaf - delish!

Like the idea of a meringue wedding cake but also love the look of a traditional cake? This chocolate creation a with meringue layer tier by Mackine Tort features the best of both.

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

Featuring layers of meringue sandwiched and topped with fresh berries, passionfruit and pansies, a sweet heart-shaped meringue wedding cake like this one by Nectar and Stone would be sure to wow guests.

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

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.

This meringue cake topped with fresh blooms and berries by Mackine Tort would look pretty 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.

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.