Wedding Cakes: Wasteful Or Worthwhile?

Wedding cakes are a long-standing tradition, but they can also be a source of waste. With the average cost of a wedding cake in the United States being $500, and some couples spending upwards of $1000, it is a costly centerpiece that many couples choose to preserve. However, with the number of cakes that end up getting wasted, it is also a huge waste of money and food. Some couples choose to serve their wedding cake as dessert, while others opt for additional sweets like donut walls and brownie towers, leading to an excess of food that often goes to waste. To avoid waste, couples can choose to freeze leftover cake, give it away as wedding favors, or incorporate fake tiers into their cake design.

Wedding cakes as dessert

Wedding cakes are a stunning centerpiece that enhances the overall aesthetic of the reception. They are also a delicious treat for the guests. If you are looking to reduce waste, you can serve your wedding cake as dessert. This works well if you are bringing in caterers that provide only one course, or if you are having more relaxed dining in the form of platters, street food vendors, or similar.

Your cake could be served with cream and berries in the summer or custard in the winter. You could also serve it on platters as a dessert buffet so guests can help themselves. If you are serving a three-course meal, it is worth thinking carefully and realistically about how much your guests can eat.

If you want a tall cake without a lot of leftovers, you can opt for fake tiers. They will add height and a wow factor to your cake while not giving you too many portions that will be left over at the end of the day. However, the cost of fake tiers is not necessarily much lower than that of real cake tiers, depending on the decoration.

If you do have leftover cake, you can freeze it and store it for up to three months until you have another party or occasion.

Cost-saving measures

The cost of a wedding cake can vary significantly, but there are ways to save money without sacrificing style or taste. Here are some cost-saving measures to consider:

• Opt for a simpler design: Avoid intricate details as they are time-consuming and more expensive to create. A minimalist buttercream cake can be just as beautiful as an intricate fondant creation. If you had your heart set on a cake with sugar flowers, consider one large statement flower instead of a heavily flowered cake.
• Single-tier display cake: Choose a smaller display cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and serve guests from sheet cakes of the same flavour. Sheet cakes are less expensive and can be easily cut into slices for your guests.
• Choose seasonal flavours: Select flavours that are in season and readily available to avoid the extra cost of out-of-season ingredients.
• Limit your flavour options: Stick to one or two flavours rather than offering multiple choices to decrease costs. Having multiple flavours can also slow down service, as it takes longer to cut and distribute among servers.
• Reduce your guest list: The easiest way to save money on the wedding cake is to have fewer guests. A smaller guest list means you can order a smaller cake, which will cost less.
• Add your own decorations: If you have a creative streak, consider adding your own decorations, like fresh flowers or a personalised cake topper. This can add a unique touch to your cake without increasing the cost.
• Order in advance: Ordering your cake at least six months in advance gives you time to compare prices and find a baker who fits your budget. It's also a good idea to sample cakes before making your final decision.
• Save the top tier: It's a tradition to save and freeze the top tier of the wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary. This way, you get to enjoy your cake again, and it's one less cake you have to buy for a future celebration.

Cake size and number of tiers

The size of your wedding cake and the number of tiers will depend on several factors. Firstly, the number of guests you plan on having is crucial. You want to ensure you have enough cake for your guests, but you also don't want to be left with a lot of fresh cake going to waste.

A good rule of thumb is to cater to 90% of your total guest count. This ensures that the majority of people will get a slice, and you also reduce any wastage. For example, if you have 80 guests, you would need a three-tier cake to cater to around 70 guests.

The time of day you plan on serving your wedding cake will also determine the number of guests you need to cater for. If serving during the daytime, you'll want to cater to 100% of your guests, taking into consideration any dietary requirements. If serving in the evening, you only need to cater to around 90% of your guests, as not everyone will want a slice.

The type of cake slice you plan on serving will also impact the size of your cake. There are two types of wedding cake slices: finger portions and dessert portions. Finger portions are typically 1 x 1 x 4 inches, a delicious sample of your cake to be enjoyed casually, usually later in the evening. Dessert portions are larger at 2 x 1 x 4 inches and are often served as dessert at the wedding breakfast.

Round Cakes:

• 6-inch cake: About 10-12 portions (round) or 18 portions (square)
• 8-inch cake: About 20-24 portions (round) or 32 portions (square)
• 10-inch cake: About 30-38 portions (round) or 50 portions (square)
• 12-inch cake: About 40-50 portions (round) or 72 portions (square)
• 14-inch cake: About 78 portions (round) or 98 portions (square)
• 16-inch cake: About 100 portions (round) or 128 portions (square)

Multi-Tier Cakes:

The number of tiers you'll need will depend on the number of guests you have:

• Two-tier cake: 40-60 guests
• Three-tier cake: 70-90 guests
• Four-tier cake: 100-150 guests
• Five-tier cake: 170-210 guests
• Six or seven-tier cake: 220+ guests

If you're looking for a statement cake but only have a small number of guests, you can use dummy tiers or separators to create a larger cake design. You can also opt for taller, slimmer cakes for each tier to add height without adding extra cake.

Remember, it's always better to have more cake than less, and any leftovers can be enjoyed the next day or frozen for a later date.

Cake design and decoration

Wedding cakes have been a tradition since ancient Rome, and today's couples have the freedom to choose a dessert that reflects their unique style and tastes. The design and decoration of the cake can be a fun and creative part of the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to consider:

• Match your wedding aesthetic: While it's tempting to choose a cake based solely on its appearance, it's important to consider your wedding's overall aesthetic. Choose a cake design that complements your invitations, tablescapes, dress, or other décor elements. This will create a cohesive and stylish look for your special day.
• Consider the season: The time of year can influence your cake's design. For example, a cascade of bright flowers may not be suitable for a winter wedding, and certain blooms may not be in season. Additionally, consider the weather conditions when selecting your cake. A buttercream cake, for instance, may melt at an outdoor summer wedding if not properly refrigerated and displayed.
• Be creative: Your wedding cake is a chance to enhance your overall vision and wow your guests. Think beyond a classic cake and explore unique designs. Sprinkle spill cakes, tinted layers, or a cake in the shape of your pet can be fun and unexpected choices.
• Colour: Most couples opt for a traditional white cake, but playing with colour can make your cake stand out. Consider a coloured cake that fits your wedding aesthetic or add pops of colour with floral accents, piping, or a cake topper.
• Size and number of tiers: The size and number of tiers will depend on your guest count. A large, multi-tiered cake may be impressive but could result in a lot of wasted dessert if you have a small gathering. On the other hand, a single-tier cake may not be sufficient for a large wedding. Consider your guest list and order enough cake to serve 75-85% of your guests.
• Flavour: With so many unique flavours available, it can be tempting to offer a variety. However, too many flavours can slow down service. Selecting two flavours at most will ensure efficiency and provide a bit of variety for your guests.
• Dietary restrictions: Don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Supplement with an allergy-friendly cake or provide clear labelling for guests with special dietary needs.
• Display: Your cake is a show-stopping moment, so don't hide it in a corner! Place it near the head table, create a floral arch, or use a specialty table to showcase your cake. This will also ensure that your cake photos turn out beautifully.
• Fresh flowers: Fresh flowers can be a beautiful addition to your cake, but be cautious if you plan to freeze and eat the cake later. Remove the flowers before freezing, as certain flowers can leech oil and chemicals into the cake over time.
• Cake topper: While not necessary, a cake topper can be a fun way to personalise your cake. From traditional bride and groom figurines to custom designs featuring your favourite characters or pets, the possibilities are endless.
• Fake tiers: If you want a tall, impressive cake but are concerned about waste, consider using fake tiers. They add height and drama to your cake while reducing the number of actual cake tiers. However, the cost of fake tiers may not be much lower than real cake tiers, depending on the chosen decoration.

Cake alternatives

If you're not a fan of cake, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding cake that will wow your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a great way to offer a variety of flavours and colours that your guests can choose from. You can even create a tower of cupcakes to resemble a traditional tiered cake.
• Doughnuts: A doughnut wall or tower is a fun and interactive way to display your wedding treats. You can offer a range of flavours and icings to match your colour scheme.
• Macarons: These delicate French pastries are a elegant alternative to cake. They can be displayed in a custom stand to create a unique and colourful display.
• Pies: Whether you opt for mini pies or a large pie, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Consider offering a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes.
• Cheesecake: For a versatile option, choose cheesecake. It can be filled with just about anything, from fresh fruit to chocolate or even savoury options.
• Ice Cream: Serve up a few flavours of ice cream from your favourite parlor, or opt for ice cream sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Cannolis: These Italian treats are a perfect way to pay homage to your heritage. They can be filled with custard or chocolate and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Cake Pops: Portable and customizable, cake pops can be crafted to match any colour scheme and are a great addition to a dessert table.
• Cookies: Stack your favourite type of cookie in a wedding cake-inspired tower. Oreo cookies, for example, can be a fun and unexpected option.
• Crepes: Delicate and sophisticated, crepes can be displayed on a lace-inspired cake stand for a refined look.
• Cheese Wheels: For something savoury, skip the sugar altogether and opt for a cake-inspired display of cheese wheels. This unique option will surely be a conversation starter.

Frequently asked questions