Ice cream and cake dessert options

I like the idea of splitting the two up. It creates an additional fun experience for your guests. If it is going to be warm outside, having it during your outdoor cocktail hour might be a really fun and practical idea that your guests enjoy! I wouldn’t modify the amount of cake you order, however. I would order enough for each person to get one slice of cake. I have found that people reeeealllly enjoy wedding cake and will usually always make room for it.

View Quoted Comment

Awesome! Thanks for your thoughts! I kinda like the cocktail hour idea too, since we don't have any games or activities planned for guests at the moment.

I would serve it alongside the cake. Most people aren't going to want to fill up on ice cream before dinner. As far as quantities, in my experience you're better off overestimating than underestimating.

Are you having dancing during the reception? I would consider rolling out the ice cream after cake is served, and some time during the dancing hours. It will be a surprise and guests can take a break from talking and dancing. Plus, the sugar will keep the energy going through the reception.

Fact: Cake and ice cream are one of the best combinations ever, second only to chocolate and peanut butter.

View Quoted Comment

Serving cake is the traditional etiquette signal that it's OK for guests to leave, so the ice cream may be wasted on guests, many of whom tend to leave after dessert, if the affair goes on much longer. A lot of people opt to serve cake toward the end of the affair for this reason.

View Quoted Comment

Idk. I didn't have anyone leave my reception until the end.

OP, know your crowd if you think many like the elderly will leave earlier. However, if more of a party crowd, jello shots, a dessert table, or your ice cream would be a nice mid-dance surprise. If you serve it with cake and you open up the dancefloor after cake cutting, you run the risk of no one on the dance floor which is awkward.