Do you have to have dessert added to your reception? Well, besides the cake. Like miniature Italian pastries, etc. I would think everybody would be full by the time they were done with the cake?
I don't think you have to do anything you don't want to..that said, some places throw in an extra desert besides the cake as you move up the menu scale - that's the only reason we are getting an additional desert, plus cookies on the table, plus cake - we went for the more expensive menu - but not for that reason...personally if all the guest got was cake, I would be o.k. with that...hopefully they will be stuffed by then! Do what you are comfortable with and enjoy your day!!
Personally, I've never seen a good pastry I could say NO to, no matter how full I was! :-)
However, I don't think it's necessary. I never saw it at weddings in the Midwest where I grew up. If anything, there was an ice cream dish, like a small peach melba or chocolate sundae in addition to the cake - something light.
If you haven't signed your contract, you could try to negotiate for it as an extra for no extra charge. We confirmed a per/plate cost, and when we asked about adding espresso, and the 'modified viennese' of pastries and cookies, they threw it in for the same price, just to entice us to book.
Or you could ask about a dish of ice cream or sherbet to go with the cake.
At my reception hall, they include along with the cake a piece of cheesecake and a fruit tart. I thought that was fine, since it is more than just cake but not too much.
