If you don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the perfect cake (or dessert table) for your Island wedding, you’re in luck. Lucas Alves, the new owner of Sweet Bites, a Brazilian bakery and café in Vineyard Haven, has all the answers. From when to book your baker to cake customization options and how exactly those three-tier-tall cakes get transported to your reception site, Alves discusses all things sweet that you should know for your special day.
You’re the new owner of Sweet Bites. Congratulations! How did that come about?
When Valerio and Sonia [Destefani] decided to retire and sell the business [in 2024], they offered it to me. I was very happy and honored that they thought of me and decided to invest. My family has always loved to cook and to be involved in the food service business.
Sweet Bites offers a variety of custom cakes for weddings and events, but you also make other desserts too, like brigadeiros (bite-sized Brazilian treats that resemble truffles). Have you seen a rise in interest for dessert tables at weddings? If so, what are couples ordering?
Yes, definitely! A lot of couples prefer to have a variety of desserts, such as cupcakes, brownies, pecan bars, individual cheesecakes, mini Key lime pies, and tiny chocolate chip cookies, instead of a cake.
Brigadeiros can also double as favors when boxed individually. What flavors do you offer and how much do they cost?
We have a lot of different flavors, such as chocolate, white chocolate, churro, Nutella, Oreo, pistachio, strawberry, peanut butter, dulce de leche, coconut, two lovers (half chocolate, half vanilla), and more. They are $1.99 each, but the price drops depending on how many you order.
How far in advance should a couple secure you as the baker for their wedding if they want a cake or dessert table?
I would say at least three months in advance. But we do our best to accommodate all couples as much as possible, even if they are looking for something one month or one week in advance. If we have the availability, we will make it happen.
Do you offer tastings?
Not at the moment. But we are working on that, and hopefully we will very soon.
How customized can each cake be? Do couples share photos for inspiration?
Some couples know exactly what they want and tell us in great detail what they expect. When that’s not the case, we like to work with inspiration photos so we can deliver the cake of their dreams.
Brigadeiros come in a variety of different flavors, such as (from left to right) churro, ninho (powdered milk), strawberry, and traditional. | Photographer: Christine Sargologos
What types of cake flavors and fillings do you offer? What are the more popular ones?
The most popular ones for weddings are chocolate or vanilla buttercream and raspberry mascarpone. We also offer red velvet, carrot, lemon, strawberry, Nutella, coconut, caramel, chocolate mousse, cream cheese frosting, and chantininho – a Brazilian version of whipped cream that works great for cakes that have to be on display during high temperatures. And it’s delicious.
Do you offer organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free options?
We offer gluten-free cakes.
What are some of your wedding clients’ most unique requests?
A bride asked us to make a cake that looked like a tree trunk with their initials “carved” on it. A lot of couples asked us for the same one after they saw it on our Instagram (@sweetbitesmv).
What cake trends are the most popular at the moment? Any trends you wish would come back?
We have received a lot of vintage cake requests (decorated with multiple piping styles). As for trends, we love naked cakes (no frosting on the sides). Some people still ask for them, but not as much anymore.
How do you transport a wedding cake? Is that an additional fee?
We have a van for catering. We do offer delivery, and there’s a fee for that service. Delivery fees depend on the order size, location, and date. If it’s a three-tier cake, for example, we need an extra person to help.
What is the price structure for a cake?
It depends on a lot of factors, but the price for a simple three-tier cake with delivery starts at $580.
And for a dessert table?
Again, it depends on the variety of options, number of guests, quantity, etc. But you can have a dessert table for fifty guests for $300.
If adding florals, do you work directly with the couple’s florist?
Yes, we do. We love to use the same flowers as them because we see the cake as part of the décor.
Do you rent cake stands, cake knives, and/or cake toppers?
No rentals. But we do offer personalized toppers and not just for weddings, but for all kinds of parties.
You do more than just “sweet bites” and desserts. Can you tell us a little bit more about your appetizer and full meal offerings for weddings?
Yes, we do. We don’t have an official catering menu because we like to personalize according to our client’s taste. But we offer savory bites, grazing tables, buffets, barbecue fare, and much more.
