Perfect posies aren't just for flower girls. Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, this vanilla cupcake has a bevy of yellow, ivory, and pink Swiss meringue blossoms perched atop a bed of buttercream. Customize their flavors or match the colors to your palette. Either way, this is one bouquet no one will want to toss.

A little decadence goes a long way, especially when the words triple chocolate are involved. Moist, coffee-infused chocolate cake, milk-chocolate mousse, and a creamy chocolate glaze combine for a mocha moment -- complete with a coffee bean -- that's worth the indulgence.

Your guests will learn appearances can be delightfully deceiving as they dive into the ladylike layers of this charming cake. It's actually meringue, split and filled with strawberry-rhubarb compote and cream whipped with creme fraiche.

Who needs finger food when you have the option of sticking your fork into this dessert? This miniature riff on the sophisticated souffle combines a dense, molten chocolate-ganache center with light, airy chocolate cake. Served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and an edible gold-leaf garnish, our cupcake is sure to melt your guests' hearts -- one luscious bite at a time.

With their sugar-brushed flower petals and their fragrant, rose-flavored glaze, these delicate cupcakes are pretty in pink. On the inside, jewels of candied ginger are hidden in a zesty ginger cake that's just sweet enough to make you, well, blush.

Here's a proposal that doesn't require a bended knee: Serve a pint-size pillow of cake with a sweet candy sparkler tucked on top. Moist carrot cake, a cloud of cream-cheese frosting, and a smooth fondant overlay complete the conceit.

If you're craving towering tiers and buttercream, this staggering confection is proof that you can serve cupcakes without sacrificing those classic-cake moments. Inspired by tradition, this vanilla cake is fresh, fun, and meant for sharing.

What's better than digging into a slice of cheesecake? That's easy -- eating the whole thing! Give each guest a tiny version of the classic creamy, graham cracker-crusted treat. These cakes manage to trump the original, thanks to whimsical hearts made from raspberry puree.

Cupcakes imitating baskets are an irresistible treat at a bridal shower. These, from Flour Girl Bakery, came topped with buttercream piped in basket-weave patterns. Festive gold-foil liners enhance the illusion and won't let oil show through. We added paper-ribbon handles. For garlands, string doll-size baskets on gold twine. Secure basket with additional piece of twine tied in a bow. Then tuck a paper-white floret in each.

Divination cupcakes answer yes-or-no questions. Simply ask, select a cupcake, and open the sealed banner for a reply. Each banner is a five-inch strip of quilling paper, notched at one end. Write a response on every strip: yes, no, most definitely, probably not, maybe. Fold in a Z to hide the writing, with the end hanging free. Seal with a sticker. Wrap flat end around a wooden skewer, and glue.

Homespun white cupcakes are crowned with fondant hearts cut with a cookie cutter and imprinted with the bride's and groom's first initials using a new rubber stamp.

These light-as-air meringues are baked in cupcake liners.

Chocolate-iced cupcakes stood in for wedding cakeat Molly and David's wedding. They were made festive with little flags (created by folding paper around short skewers and securing with double-sided tape); each was printed with a monogram, a palm tree, or polka dots.

Fondant wafers, rubber-stamped with hearts, starbursts, monograms, and exclamation points, top each cupcake.

The cupcakes at Gregg and Mark's wedding were displayed on platforms decorated to resemble a traditional tiered wedding cake.

Get the instructions for making the exact replica of the towers shown here. This project is very forgiving, so you may use other sizes of box bases and lids to make towers; however, you may need more or fewer strips of clip art. These towers were made to hold mini cupcakes only.

Glittering cupcakes -- carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, white cake with lemon Swiss-meringue buttercream, all toppped with edible gold dust and leaf -- were served in lieu of a cake at Anna and Mason's wedding.

Surrender yourself to sugar: Miniature chocolate and vanilla cupcakes line the white-fondant tiers of this playful cake. Brown and pink-hued paper flags bearing the newlyweds' names wave from the cupcake perched on top.

Set one cupcake in each little basket. This stand is inexpensive, so you can get several -- one will hold 24 cupcakes, so you'll probably want more than one. If that's too many to keep afterward, send them home with your guest-book attendant and the ladies who served the punch. Available at Crate & Barrel.

The flowers that decorate these stands are decoupaged onto the back of the glass. Think these are lovely? John Derian Company carries several other designs, both floral and geometric. Get one of each size for stacking, as shown, or use them separately. Floral mosaic cake pedestals, John Derian Company.

Known for their beautiful glazes and classic yet charming silhouettes, the folks at Potluck Studios will make you a cake stand similar to this one. The studio also makes cake stands in other styles.

This charming cake stand was created by setting a plate atop a bowl in the same pierced-china pattern. You can create this effect by choosing a plate and a bowl, or perhaps a teacup, in identical or coordinating designs (if you're using a teacup, set it upside down; since the rim is wider, the "pedestal" will be more stable). For the most secure treatment, attach the two pieces with wax or museum wax by dripping several drops from a candle onto the raised edge of the upturned bowls, and set the plate in place while the wax is soft. Let it cool, then test to be sure the bond is secure enough.

This sleek stand by America Retold will hold a lot of cupcakes! Get a retro bakery vibe with this glass and antique nickel display.

The white glaze and sturdy pedestal might make you think this is a utilitarian cake stand, but that gently ruffled edge might change your mind. Available at Crate & Barrel.

Look for vintage finds -- the footed cake plate has been a much-treasured dessert accessory for generations, so there are sure to be many to choose from. And if you stick to a popular china design, like the classic blue and white, you can combine pieces from many different manufacturers and time periods.

Want to cut the cupcake? This sleek stand holds a single cupcake at the top; your guests can admire the confection as you slice it in two. White Wire Cupcake Tree, $29.99, by Martha Stewart Collection, from Macy's.

As the cupcakes are plucked from these stands, the designs on the plate will charm your guests. Even those who are late to dessert will find an eye-pleasing display. From Frances Palmer Pottery.

Cupcakes don't need cushions, and they have their own blankets, so they won't mind the raised floral designs on this gorgeous piece. And even after the cupcakes are gone, your dessert table will look luscious. From Frances Palmer Pottery.

If a cupcake is a good thing (and it is!), serve it in one of these small packages. Wouldn't you be dying to know what's under the bell? Small cupcake stands with bell jars,Whitney Smith Pottery.

Few things are as enticing as a display of cupcakes. But put them under glass and they look even more tempting. "Harriet" medium cake dome and pedestal by Juliska, from Michael C. Fina.