Weddings are special occasions with many traditional elements; one of the most anticipated is the wedding cake. However, when couples start planning, the price of a wedding cake can be a significant shock. A classic, multi-tiered wedding cake from a reputable bakery can easily cost over A$3,200. For many, this is a steep price to pay for a dessert.
If you’re among those who believe A$3,200 is too much for a cake, it’s time to explore some creative ways to save money. Below are some practical tips on how to cut costs on your wedding cake without compromising on taste or presentation. Additionally, considering the costs early in your planning can help you allocate your budget more effectively across other wedding elements.
Summary
To save money on your wedding cake, consider choosing simpler designs, using fresh flowers instead of intricate sugar decorations, and exploring alternative desserts like sheet cakes or dessert bars. Skipping the traditional groom’s cake, serving smaller slices, and renting cake accessories can also help reduce costs. Also, choose buttercream over fondant or a “naked cake” with minimal frosting. Supporting local bakeries and using the cake as wedding favours are other cost-effective strategies. Ultimately, you can have a beautiful, tasty cake that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Choose Simple Designs
The cost of a wedding cake is often driven by its complexity. Elaborate decorations such as metallic details, hand-painted elements, fondant flowers, and unique shapes require more time and effort, which increases the price. To save money, consider opting for a simpler design. A smaller cake with buttercream icing or a “naked cake” with minimal frosting can be as beautiful but less expensive.
Alternative Decoration Ideas: Instead of intricate designs, consider minimalist decorations like a simple monogram, a subtle watercolour effect, or a single colour theme that matches your wedding palette. Geometric patterns created with buttercream can add a modern touch without the hefty price tag.
Add Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers can be a cost-effective option to enhance a simple cake. A buttercream-iced cake adorned with real flowers is both elegant and trendy. This approach allows you to maintain a sophisticated look without the high cost of intricate sugar flowers or other detailed decorations.
Seasonal Flowers: To cut down on costs, choose flowers that are in season during your wedding. Seasonal flowers are not only fresher but also more affordable. Consider local wildflowers or greenery for a rustic and natural look.
Skip The Groom’s Cake
In some regions, particularly in the South, a groom’s cake is a traditional extra. These cakes are often personalised to reflect the groom’s hobbies or favourite colours, making them costly. If you’re working with a tight budget, consider dropping the groom’s cake and choosing one large cake instead.
Alternative Groom’s Cake Ideas: If the groom still wants something personalised, consider a smaller, simpler cake or cupcakes that reflect his interests. Another idea is to incorporate the groom’s favourite flavours into the main cake or dessert offerings.
Consider A Sheet Cake
One of the most effective ways to reduce wedding cake costs is to order a smaller, tiered display cake and serve guests from a sheet cake stored in the kitchen. This allows you to have the traditional cake-cutting ceremony without the high expense of a large, multi-tiered cake. Guests won’t know the difference, as the sheet cake will be served plated.
Mix and Match Flavors: A sheet cake offers flavours different from those of your display cakes. This allows you to cater to various guest preferences, potentially enhancing the dining experience without extra cost.
Pre-Cut Sheet Cake: Ask your baker to pre-cut the sheet cake to save time and money. This reduces labour for the venue staff, which could lower your overall catering costs.
Serve Smaller Slices
Another way to stretch your cake budget is by serving smaller slices. Ask your baker to prepare slices about half or three-quarters the standard size. This method is particularly useful if you’re planning to offer a dessert bar in addition to the cake. Smaller slices mean you can serve more guests without purchasing a larger cake.
Cake Buffet: Instead of serving everyone at once, consider a cake buffet where guests can serve themselves. This can naturally encourage smaller portions as guests may want to sample multiple dessert options.
Ask About Extras
When discussing your cake with potential bakers, inquire about accessories such as cake stands, toppers, and serving utensils. These extras can add to the overall cost, so factoring them into your budget is essential. If the bakery doesn’t provide these items, they may be able to recommend affordable sources.
Renting Cake Accessories: Consider renting cake stands and other accessories instead of purchasing them. This can be a cost-effective solution, especially for items you won’t use again after the wedding.
Opt For Real Flowers Or Simple Designs
If you want flowers on your cake, real flowers are more affordable than intricate sugar flowers. Sugar flowers are time-consuming to make, and the cost reflects this. A simple design with a few large fresh flowers or a painted floral motif can look stunning without the added expense.
Floral Arrangements: Work with your florist to incorporate the same flowers used in your bouquets or centrepieces. Buying flowers in bulk can create a cohesive look across your wedding decor while keeping costs down.
Choose Buttercream Over Fondant
Buttercream is generally a more affordable option than fondant. Fondant is more expensive because it requires more time and skill to apply. However, achieving a flawless finish with buttercream can also be time-consuming, so discussing the cost with your baker is important. Be sure to clarify any additional charges if you’re considering a custom design.
Textured Buttercream: Consider a textured buttercream design, like ruffles or rustic swirls, which can look sophisticated without the high cost of smooth fondant. These designs are visually appealing and can be paired with fresh flowers or fruits for added elegance.
Flavored Buttercream: Enhance the experience by choosing a flavoured buttercream that complements your cake. Options like chocolate, lemon, or raspberry can add a gourmet touch while decreasing the overall cost.
Go For A Naked Cake
A “naked cake,” with minimal or no frosting on the outside, is a trendy and cost-effective option. Naked cakes require less buttercream and less time to decorate, which can result in significant savings. You can enhance the flavour with creative fillings like lemon curd, champagne buttercream, or chocolate ganache.
Decorate with Seasonal Fruits: Adding fresh, seasonal fruits like berries, figs, or citrus slices can enhance the visual appeal and flavour of a naked cake. This approach looks beautiful and checks costs by using readily available ingredients.
Use Cake As Wedding Favours
Consider using your wedding cake instead of purchasing additional favours for your guests. Serve the cake early and provide individually packaged slices for guests to take home. This way, you’ll get more value from your cake and avoid the cost of separate favours.
Personalised Packaging: Invest in personalised boxes or bags for the cake slices that match your wedding theme. This adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness without breaking the bank.
Pre-Packaged Desserts: If you opt for a smaller cake, consider pre-packaged mini cakes or cupcakes as favours. This simplifies serving and allows guests to enjoy the treat at their leisure.
Consider Local, Independent Bakeries
If you have a favourite local bakery that isn’t typically known for wedding cakes, it may be worth asking if they can make your cake. Independent bakeries often have lower prices than those specialising in wedding cakes. You may have fewer decoration options, but the savings could be substantial.
Taste Test Sessions: Visit local bakeries and request taste test sessions. Sometimes, a smaller, independent bakery might offer flavours or combinations you still need to consider, providing both quality and savings.
Support Local Businesses: By choosing a local bakery, you support small businesses in your community. Often, these bakers are more flexible and willing to work with your budget while still delivering a delicious product.
Explore Alternative Desserts
Modern couples are increasingly opting for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake. Dessert bars featuring a variety of treats, such as cupcakes, doughnuts, pies, or even pancakes, can be a fun and cost-effective way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. These options are often more affordable and can be just as memorable.
Skip The Cake Altogether
If you prefer something else, you’re the cake or find the cost unjustifiable, consider skipping the wedding cake entirely. No rule says that a wedding must have a cake. You can offer a range of other desserts instead, which can be more affordable and just as satisfying for your guests. For example, doughnuts can be a fun and trendy option, with a dozen costing around A$25, meaning you could feed 150 guests for just under A$315.
Conclusion
A beautiful and delicious wedding cake doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Enjoy a stunning cake that fits your budget by considering simpler designs, choosing fresh flowers, and exploring alternative desserts. Whether you choose a traditional cake or something unique, these tips will help you save money without compromising on your special day.
FAQs About Wedding Cakes
How Long Does a Wedding Cake Typically Last?
Approximately three days. Cakes for weddings are notoriously time-consuming to prepare. Ideally, the cake should be served no more than three days after it has been cooked so that it remains fresh.
Does It Make Sense to Make Your Own Cake?
Act ethically and with good intentions. For the proper reasons only, prepare your own wedding cake. You can either do without a cake (no one will object, and many won’t even notice!) or make your own to save money on a more expensive bakery’s version. You may bake a cake from scratch, or buy a simple cake from the shop and decorate it.
For a Wedding With One Hundred Attendees, How Many Cupcakes Would You Need to Bake?
The number of cupcakes required to serve one hundred people. The recommended number of cupcakes for a wedding with 100 guests is 100-125. However, you’ll also want to think about the size of the cupcakes and whether or not you’ll be having a wedding cake. If you are having a cake, you might get away with spending less on the main course.
When It Comes to Weddings, What Kind of Cake Is Typically Used?
The most common choice for a wedding cake in the United States is white, however a variety of fillings can be used to enhance flavour. A number of other well-liked flavours include chocolate, carrot, Italian Rum, and Italian Cream. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are the most popular flavours for wedding cakes.
How Much Time Must Be Allotted to Bake a Wedding Cake?
It can take anywhere from 8-12 hours to bake a 3- to 4-tier wedding cake, depending on how many flavours you’re making, the type of ingredients you’re using, and the amount of extra preparation that needs to be done before you start baking.
