It's National Donut Day! 20 Ways to Serve Donuts at Your Wedding

See one of the biggest trends for dessert at your reception!

Though largely viewed as a simple confection, there are a variety of ways donuts can be offered and displayed at a wedding.

wedding-trend-donut-wall-at-reception-donut-wall-instead-of-wedding-cake
Photo: Simone Photography

Happy National Doughnut Day! Donuts weren't always considered wedding related in the slightest; however, they are now a popular treat at wedding receptions – whether for the main dessert, favors, or for a fun late-night snack. Though largely viewed as a simple confection, there are a variety of ways donuts can be offered and displayed at a wedding.

Gourmet flavors can add a luxurious touch, while a classic glazed version provides a level of comfort and nostalgia. Simple plates and tiered stands can showcase donuts among the other desserts provided to your guests, or a trendy wall with donuts hanging on pegs will make for both a delicious snack and a great Instagram post for your attendees. 

Even if you don’t think donuts are the right fit for your big day – perhaps you’re simply a traditionalist who loves wedding cake – there are still plenty of ways to include the sweet treats in your celebration. They are a perfect fit for your morning-after brunch, or even pre-wedding events such as a bridal shower or engagement party.

Get inspiration from the photos below, which showcase donuts from real weddings. Click the link below each photo to see the rest of the celebration, and get more ideas for sweets from our cakes and desserts wedding photo gallery

National donut day Nick Bateman & Maria Corrigan with Donut Wall at wedding doughnut wedding dessert ideas

Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography; Bridal Salon: Panache Bridals of Beverly Hills; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Actor + Model Nick Bateman & Maria Corrigan's Malibu Wedding on 11th Anniversary

Detroit Lions nfl football player Taylor Decker wedding reception doughnut donut acrylic stand display

Photo by Jenny Haas Photography; From Real Wedding: Detroit Lions' Taylor Decker's Timeless Wedding at the Ohio Statehouse

National donut day tower of donuts on dessert and snack table outdoor wedding doughnut

Photo by Bryan Miller Photography; From Real Wedding: Dreamy Alfresco Wedding with Textured Florals and Lavender Accents

National donut day small shooter of coffee or milk with donut on top mini doughnut dessert ideas

Photo by Cooper Carras Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events; From Real Wedding: A Classic Winter White Wedding in Wine Country

Acrylic tower of donuts doughnuts at wedding reception dessert table

Photo by Studio This Is; From Real Wedding: A Glamorous City-Style Real Wedding at a Luxury Hotel in Chicago

National donut day fresh donuts at wedding reception doughnut dessert ideas

Photo by David Michael Photography; From Real Wedding: Cool, Classic California Wedding with a Unique Guestbook

los angeles rams nfl player brandin cooks wedding donut doughnut wedding dessert

Photo by Simply Splendid; From Real Wedding: Los Angeles Rams NFL Player Brandin Cooks' Backyard Wedding

National Donut day maple donuts at wedding reception doughnut

Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Ivory, Gold & Blush Lakefront New Hampshire Wedding

National donut day wedding guest with donut and coffee thermos wedding ideas after party doughnut

Photo by Jess + Nate Studios; From Real Wedding: Museum Wedding with a Gorgeous Rooftop Ceremony in Washington, DC

wedding reception dessert late night snack mini apple cider donuts doughnut on little mug

Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Wedding: Destination Rustic Fall Wedding at a Farm in North Carolina

National donut day wedding reception personal tray of four donut flavors wedding ideas doughnut

Photo by John Solano & Nadine Froger; Planning & Design by International Event Company; From Real Wedding: Opulent Gold Wedding in Beverly Hills, California

National donut day donut wall at wedding reception dessert ideas doughnut

Photo by Simone Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Tropical Destination Wedding at a Beach House in Cabo San Lucas

wedding reception donuts on donut wall doughnut marble wall vibiana wedding reception

Photo by Laura Grier of Beautiful Day PhotographyPlanning & Design by Linda Howard Events; From Real Wedding: Glamorous Art Deco-Inspired Wedding in Downtown Los Angeles

National donut day huge display of different donut flavors at wedding reception dessert table doughnut

Photo by KLK Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events; From Real Wedding: Nature-Inspired Alfresco Ceremony & Tent Reception at a Malibu Ranch

National donut day three tier tray cake stand with donuts and donut holes doughnut

Photo by Peterson Design & Photography; From Real Wedding: Traditional Catholic Ceremony & Sweet Reception in California

National donut day donuts and donut holes in paper cone sprinkles wedding ideas

Photo by Karlisch Photography; From Real Wedding: Modern-Rustic Wedding Full of Flowers and Geometric Details

wedding reception cake tier dessert donut doughnut with sprinkles

Photo by Michael Segal Photography; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Elegant Wedding in Ojai Valley, California

National donut day wedding dessert ideas donuts with glass of milk and caramel apple

Photo by Artisan Events; From Real Wedding: Refined Casual Wedding at a Private Residence in Illinois

National donut day wedding reception dessert ideas doughnut favors flower wall

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography; Rentals by Luxe Linen; From Real Wedding: Bright, Playful Oceanfront Wedding with Delectable Four-Course Menu

For more tips and advice, find out why some couples don't have a wedding cake, learn whether a dessert station is right for your big day, and get more cake and dessert ideas!