Planning a wedding comes with plenty of expenses, and one of the most significant costs is often the cake. While it’s a stunning centrepiece, it’s also an item that can quickly inflate your budget if you’re not careful. As someone who’s been there, I know how easy it is to get swept away by fancy designs and extravagant flavours. But here’s the good news — you don’t have to sacrifice style or taste to keep your wedding cake affordable. In this post, I’ll share some tried-and-tested strategies to help you save money without skimping on the sweet stuff.
Why Wedding Cake Costs Are So High
Understanding Wedding Cake Pricing
When I was planning my wedding at Vogue Ballroom, I was shocked by how quickly the cost of the wedding cake climbed. Wedding cakes are one of the easiest items to overlook when it comes to budgeting, but they can quickly become one of the biggest expenses. The price can range from $300 to $700 for a typical cake, with more elaborate designs easily crossing the $1,000 mark.
The cost of a wedding cake depends on many factors. Cakes are priced by the slice, so the larger your guest list, the more expensive your cake will be. The intricacy of the design — things like fondant, piping, and sugar flowers — also adds to the price. Keep in mind that delivery costs, which can be significant depending on the distance, can also add to the overall price.
What Makes Wedding Cakes Expensive?
The bulk of your wedding cake’s cost comes from the time and expertise required to create it. When I worked with a couple from Camberwell last year, they were surprised to learn that their cake’s price was largely driven by the hours of labour involved. The baker spent several hours crafting and applying fondant, creating intricate designs, and carefully assembling the tiers. If you’re looking to save, it’s important to understand the components that make a cake expensive so you can strategically cut costs.
5 Budget Wedding Cake Ideas That Don’t Sacrifice Style
square cake with minimal decoration, perhaps just a few elegant ribbons or a subtle colour scheme.
When I worked with a couple in Brunswick, they opted for a simple buttercream finish and fresh flowers to decorate. The result was stunning and far less expensive than the intricate fondant design they had initially considered. It’s all about finding the right balance between elegance and practicality.
Creative Cake Style Ideas for Less
To cut costs even further, consider going for a naked or semi-naked cake. These trendy cakes expose some of the layers, leaving minimal frosting on the sides. Not only are they cheaper to make, but they also have a rustic, elegant charm that works beautifully for garden or rustic-style weddings.
Another trick is opting for a design where only the visible side is decorated. This is a great option if your cake will be displayed against a wall. You get the same effect but at a reduced cost because you’re not paying to decorate the sides that no one will see.
How to Get More Wedding Cake for Less Money
Save by Adjusting Cake Size and Portions
It’s tempting to order a cake large enough to feed every single guest, but not everyone will want a slice. If you have a guest list of 120, you may only need a cake that serves 100. Ask your baker to reduce the number of servings by 10 to 25%. The truth is, not every guest will go for a slice, especially if they’re full from the meal or if there are other desserts on offer.
I worked with a couple last year who had 150 guests but only ordered a cake that served 100 people. They ended up saving quite a bit, and no one even noticed the difference. You can also use cake-cutting stations to save money and reduce waste.
Smart Cake Cutting Tips to Save Money
Another trick that helps cut cake costs is reducing the size of each slice. I know it sounds like a small change, but serving smaller slices can save a lot of money. If you cut your cake into smaller pieces, you can stretch your budget while still offering cake to every guest.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, consider ordering a small display cake for the ceremony and supplementing it with a sheet cake in the kitchen. That way, your cake will look beautiful for photos but won’t be too expensive.
Wedding Cake Alternatives That Won’t Break the Bank
Affordable Wedding Cake Alternatives
If you’re really looking to cut costs, there are some great wedding cake alternatives that are equally beautiful and delicious. One of my favourite options is a cupcake tower. Cupcakes are far less expensive than a large tiered cake, and they’re just as eye-catching. Plus, you can offer a variety of flavours, so guests can enjoy a different treat depending on their preference.
Another fun and affordable option is a wedding dessert table. One couple I worked with in St Kilda created a dessert bar featuring a variety of treats like macarons, cookies, and mini pies. Not only did they save money, but their guests loved having a variety of sweets to choose from. It’s a great way to add a personal touch while keeping costs low.
Mini Wedding Cakes: A Sweet and Affordable Trend
Mini wedding cakes are another excellent alternative. These cute, individual cakes can be arranged as part of the wedding display and served to guests, allowing you to skip the large tiered cake altogether. They can be decorated to fit your wedding theme and even personalised for each guest. I’ve seen mini cakes work wonderfully in intimate weddings, and they can save you a lot of money compared to a traditional cake.
DIY Wedding Cake: How to Save Big Without Compromising on Quality
The Pros and Cons of DIY Wedding Cakes
If you have someone in your circle who’s an experienced baker, a DIY wedding cake could be the way to go. When I helped a couple in Richmond, they had a friend who loved to bake, and she offered to make their wedding cake as her gift. They only needed to cover the cost of ingredients, which saved them hundreds.
However, DIY cakes come with risks. If you’re thinking about baking it yourself, it’s essential to factor in the time and effort involved. Also, check with your venue to ensure they’re comfortable with a DIY cake. Many venues require a professional to ensure health and safety standards are met.
How to Decorate Your Wedding Cake Yourself
Another way to save money is by decorating the cake yourself. Instead of paying a professional decorator, you can handle the simple touches yourself — fresh flowers, ribbons, or a custom topper. These personal touches will make your cake unique, and you won’t have to spend a fortune.
I helped a couple in Carlton who decided to decorate their own simple buttercream cake with fresh lavender. The cake looked elegant and cost a fraction of what a professionally designed cake would have.
How to Cut Wedding Cake Costs Even Further
Negotiating with Your Baker and Venue
Don’t forget to negotiate! Many couples assume that the price of the wedding cake is set in stone, but in my experience, it’s always worth asking. I once helped a couple in Fitzroy who were quoted $1,200 for their wedding cake. After a conversation with the baker about their budget, they reduced the cost to $800 by switching to a simpler design.
It’s also worth speaking to your venue about cake-cutting fees. These fees can range from $1 to $8 per guest, and in some cases, they can add up quickly. If you’re using an outside baker, try to negotiate this fee or ask for it to be waived.
Alternative Places to Buy Your Wedding Cake
If you’re on a tight budget, consider buying your wedding cake from a grocery store or a local bakery rather than a high-end wedding specialist. I’ve seen couples save hundreds by choosing a pre-made cake from places like Coles or Woolworths, then adding their own decorations.
For instance, one couple I worked with in Essendon bought a plain cake from a local bakery and decorated it with fresh flowers from their florist. It looked fantastic and cost a fraction of what it would have at a specialty cake shop.
Key Takeaways: How to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake
The Key Strategies for Cutting Wedding Cake Costs
To sum it up, there are several effective ways to reduce your wedding cake expenses without compromising quality. Stick to simple designs, consider alternatives like cupcakes or mini cakes, and don’t shy away from negotiating. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a DIY cake or decorate one yourself.
By being resourceful and smart about your choices, you can have a stunning wedding cake that fits your budget and makes your big day even sweeter.
