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.

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Photo: Simone Photography

Happy National Donut Day! Just a few years ago, donuts wouldn’t be considered wedding related in the slightest. Now, however, they are a popular treat at 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 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 each picture to see the rest of the celebration, and get more ideas for sweets from our cakes and desserts gallery

National donut day tray with crystals and tower of donuts with glitter gold sparkles doughnut wedding dessert ideas

Photo by Caroline Tran

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

Photo by Jenny Haas Photography

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

Photo by Bryan Miller Photography; Planning & Design by EverAfter Events

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

Acrylic tower of donuts doughnuts at wedding reception dessert table

Photo by Studio This Is

National donut day donut holes and donut bar at wedding reception doughnut

Photo by Eric Kelley; Planning & Design by Kelli Corn Weddings and Events

National donut day fresh donuts at wedding reception doughnut dessert ideas

Photo by David Michael Photography

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

Photo by Simply Splendid

National Donut day maple donuts at wedding reception doughnut

Photo by Jana Williams Photography

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

Photo by Jess + Nate Studios

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

Photo by Vue Photography

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

National donut day donut wall at wedding reception dessert ideas doughnut

Photo by Simone Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

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; Rentals by Revelry Event Designers; Venue: Vibiana

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

Photo by KLK Photography; Planning & Design by Bluebell Events

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

Photo by Peterson Design & Photography

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

Photo by Karlisch Photography

wedding reception cake tier dessert donut doughnut with sprinkles

Photo by Michael Segal Photography

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

Photo by Artisan Events

National donut day wedding reception dessert ideas doughnut favors flower wall

Photo by Katie Stoops Photography; Rentals by Luxe LinenRevelry Event Designers

For more tips and advice, find out why some couples forgo a wedding cake, learn whether a dessert station is right for your big day, and get more cake & dessert ideas here..