Creative Ways to Include Chocolate in Your Wedding

Chocolate has long played an important role in wedding traditions. The Mayans and Aztecs drank a cocoa concoction at their wedding ceremonies, flavored with chilies, vanilla beans, and cornmeal (yum?). In Europe, chocolate is said to have first appeared during the 1615 marriage of Anne of Austria and King Louis XIII of France, when Anne gave her royal hubby chocolate as a wedding present. So, to follow in the footsteps of the chocoholics of old, here are our favorite ways to include this treat in your big day.

Chocolate Mini Cakes

Gone are the days of the traditional (and often untouched) white buttercream-frosted wedding cake. More and more, we see brides opting for unique flavors, shapes, and sizes when it comes to cakes. Instead of one large wedding cake, why not surprise each guest table with a miniature cake of their own? They'll revel in the novelty, and it will also encourage guests to get up and mingle with other tables.

chocolate mini cake
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography / Cake by The Whole Cake

Another fun idea: Use chocolate chocolate cake pops as escort cards!

cake pop escort cards
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

Chicken In Chocolate Mole Sauce

Did you know that chocolate isn’t just for dessert? Try serving a flavorful savory dish with a touch of chocolate in it, like this chicken in chocolate mole sauce. The combination of sweet and savory spices will sure beat any standard wedding fare and will leave your guests saying olé! 

chicken in chocolate mole sauce
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

Chocolate Wine Guestbook

Who doesn’t love wine paired with chocolate? We simply adore this chocolate-infused wine. Instead of a boring guest book, have guests write their congratulatory messages on bottles of chocolate wine. Each bottle can serve as a memorable gift for the couple to be opened and enjoyed on their 1st, 5th, and 10th anniversaries.

chocolate wine guest book
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

chocolate wine guest book
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

A Chocolate Cocktail

Everyone loves a signature cocktail these days. Make yours a sweet treat, and serve your guests chocolate martinis in cocoa-rimmed glasses.

chocolate martinichocolate martini
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

Churros and Chocolate

In place of (or in addition to) a cake, consider offering a unique ethnic dessert, like churros and chocolate. Always a crowd-pleaser, your guests will love dipping these delicious fried pastries in hot chocolate syrup — especially on a cold night.

churros with chocolate dipping sauce
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

A Chocolate Taco

Yes, you read right. Check out this latest wedding trend sweeping the West Coast. A choco taco is an ice cream dessert wrapped in a delicious waffle, which is then dipped in the hot chocolate sauce of your choosing. The tacos are made right in front of guests, who are not only wowed by the taste but also by the exciting show taking place in front of them.

chocolate taco
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

Hot Chocolate

Most weddings feature a coffee and tea station with dessert. Why not warm things up with a cup of hot chocolate instead? And if you’re sticking with the theme of churros and chocolate, spicy Mexican hot chocolate will complement them quite nicely.

hot chocolate
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

churros and hot chocolate
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

Did you know that hot chocolate can also be used as a favor? Check out these blocks of hot chocolate with popsicle sticks. Simply add hot water, and your guests can enjoy their favor and their dessert simultaneously.

hot chocolate on a stick
Photo Credit: Ananda Shorey of Bliss Fotography

—Erica Becks

erica becks
Erica Becks of San Francisco Bay Area-based Erica Events offers expertise in designing, producing, and coordinating events ranging from weddings to corporate expos. A rising star on the Bay Area event planning scene, Erica was featured on The Today Show, Inside Edition, NBC Bay Area, and front pages of Yahoo.com & Daily Mail after planning an all-expenses-paid dream wedding for a Bay Area bride with terminal lung cancer.