Dessert Bar - Publix vs Sam's (or other well-known, affordable options)

I can honestly say the chocolate chip cookies & brownies from Publix are fantastic!

Would assorted desserts work just as well from Publix or Sam's? *Check with your venue

Would we need a membership to get the desserts from Sam's? *Yes

I'm trying to spend as little money as possible, given that this was an unforeseen extra expense.*Wasn't it in the budget with the original caterer?

We're having some cheesecake squares just for us, *No one else? That might be awkward and perceived as rude

People won't know where you got your desserts from as long as it is plated and displayed nicely. Even if you caterer isn't able to do desserts, they could arrange for a display of the ones your provide. I would inquire about that.

GFS (Gordon food service) has delicious frozen mini cheesecake bites, eclairs, cream puffs, etc. Large quantity, reasonably priced. All you have to do is thaw out and display on a pretty dessert display. We are considering this route ourselves

@Rachel, those are so good. I eat them frozen. Right out of the tub. I usually have to buy an extra container because there's not enough after I am done making a pig of myself

@Nonna, our venue is a simple government building that only provides tables and chairs. We bring everything else. Our caterer was including desserts with the menu, which was only $26/pp, so I know there's pretty much no way I can get a menu cheaper than that elsewhere to allow for desserts. That's why I'm aiming for quality but affordability. I figured we'd need a membership for Sam's but wanted to double check. Thanks.

@JustKidding, I haven't contacted any bakers yet but as far as I can tell, a store bakery is going to be cheaper no matter what. I don't want to go with Walmart, and a lot of people on here go with Publix or Sam's/Costco so that's why I'm focusing on those.

@Rachel, thanks for that suggestion! I'll look into them.

@Katie - You actually might be able to shop at Costco for desserts on a day pass. I think they still do that? Costco cake is my favorite.

Sams has these cheese cake bites, omg I could eat 80 of them in one sitting, and they're freaking delicious. They would have to be paired with something else, but still, freaking delicious "members mark mini cheesecake variety pack" is what they're called. even if you don't buy them for your wedding you should buy them to cope with all your wedding crap beforehand.

Um I want a cheesecake square.

Publix all the way. They have amazing desserts and now I miss the living daylights out of them.

@JuicyFruit that's good to know! I'm waiting to hear back from my DOC on any suggestions or recommendations she has. Some coworkers suggested just buying a bunch of donuts - which I'm up for, but I want them to be better quality than Dunkin Donuts (even though i love me some DD). Depending on what the DOC says and what FH and I figure out and get for pricing, we might do Publix and/or Sam's.

Publix!!!

ETA I'm assuming that even though you ditched your caterer... you're still providing a catered meal, correct?

Not sure if you have a Whole Foods in your area but their mini cheesecakes and chocolate mousse shots are the bomb.

ETA: With Costco all you have to do is buy a Costco gift card and it will allow you to shop there without paying an annual fee.

@Chip, yeah, we're meeting with a caterer on Saturday morning that luckily still has our day open; she was actually someone we'd talked to in the spring but decided not to go with.

@Emily, we have been considering getting a wholesale membership anyway, but that's good to know! Does that work for Sam's too, do you know? We do have a Whole Foods, so thanks!

@op You're welcome

I'm not sure about Sam's club (I've a costco membership) but I think they probably have the same offer too. Maybe call and ask them.

Also do go to your local Whole Foods and check their pastry section. Geeze, they're so delicious I might stop by and buy pastries after work today. They have assorted macarons too. Picture below.

Mini cheesecakes

Groupon also has deals sometimes on club memberships.