Grocery Stores: Your Wedding Cake Destination?

Wedding cakes are a quintessential part of the big day, but they can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding cake is around $500, with couples spending between $300 to $700, and sometimes up to $1000. However, a more affordable option is to buy a wedding cake from a grocery store. Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Publix, Costco, and Walmart offer wedding cakes, and they can be customised to your liking. They are also likely to be more affordable than a traditional wedding cake, with some cakes costing as little as $8 for a 5-inch round cake. So if you're looking for a wedding cake that won't break the bank, a grocery store might be your best bet!

Wedding cake costs

Wedding cakes are a wonderful tradition, but they can be expensive. The average wedding cake in 2023 costs $540, but this price can vary depending on the number of tiers, ingredients, decorations, and location. For example, in 2022, the average cost of a wedding cake was $510, and some couples spent upwards of $700 to $1,000.

Grocery store wedding cakes can be a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 for smaller cakes, and $70 to $300 for larger, more intricate cakes. Some popular grocery stores that offer wedding cakes include:

• Whole Foods: Offers a variety of predesigned and custom cakes, with prices ranging from $8 for a 5-inch round cake to $119 for a full-sized sheet cake.
• Publix: Provides custom cakes with the help of a decorator to determine the right size, flavor, and decor. Prices vary depending on the number of guests and the design.
• Wegmans: Offers standard sheet cakes that serve 72 people for $54.
• Walmart: Offers a variety of one and two-tier cakes, as well as larger sheet cakes. Their hand-decorated custom cakes range from $24.96 to $74.
• Safeway: Offers a wide range of one and two-tier cakes, as well as sheet cakes starting at $50 and costing over $700 depending on the design.
• Costco: Known for their sheet cakes, they also offer a half-sheet cake that serves 48 people for $18.99.
• Sam's Club: Sells traditional two and three-tier wedding cakes for $41.98 and $72.98, respectively, as well as sheet cakes and double-layer cakes.

When considering a grocery store wedding cake, it's important to remember that they may not be able to accommodate very elaborate designs, but they can still be stunning and allow you to choose a flavor you know and love. Ordering in advance, typically at least four months, is crucial to ensure the bakery has all the necessary materials and can accommodate your request.

Customisation options

Firstly, you can choose the size of your cake. This will depend on the number of guests you'll need to feed, so it's important to have a rough idea of your guest list before placing your order. Grocery stores typically offer single-tier, two-tier, or three-tier cakes, as well as sheet cakes. The size of the cake will also determine the cost, with smaller cakes ranging from $20 to $50, and larger, more intricate cakes costing between $70 and $300.

Secondly, you'll be able to select the flavour of your cake. Most grocery stores offer a variety of flavours, including chocolate, vanilla, marble, strawberry, confetti, and even vegan and gluten-free options. You may also be able to choose a filling flavour and frosting type to further customise your cake.

Thirdly, you can decide on the decorations for your wedding cake. Some grocery stores have a lookbook of designs to choose from, or you can work with the decorator to create a unique look. Simple designs, such as a plain frosted cake or a cake with a hint of texture, are usually the easiest to customise. You can also add your own decorations, such as a cake topper or fresh flowers, to make the cake more personalised.

Additionally, some grocery stores offer customisation options for dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan cakes. However, these options may be limited, and it's important to call ahead to check on availability.

Overall, while grocery stores may not offer the same level of customisation as a dedicated bakery, there are still plenty of options to create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake that fits your budget and style.

Flavour and texture

Grocery store wedding cakes are a great option for couples looking to save money without compromising on taste and quality. While the level of customisation may be limited compared to specialised bakeries, grocery stores can still offer a wide range of designs and flavours, textures, and designs to suit different preferences and dietary needs.

The flavour and texture of a wedding cake are essential elements that contribute to the overall experience and enjoyment of the dessert. When it comes to flavour, couples can choose from a variety of options, including traditional flavours like chocolate and vanilla, as well as more unique choices such as lemon raspberry, peanut butter chocolate, strawberry, confetti, and even vegan and gluten-free selections. By opting for a grocery store wedding cake, couples can often select a flavour they already know and love, ensuring their guests will enjoy it too.

In terms of texture, grocery store wedding cakes can range from light and fluffy to dense and moist. Some cakes may have uneven or lopsided layers, while others offer thick and beautiful layers. The frosting, an integral component of the cake's texture, can vary from silky smooth to excessively sweet. It's important to note that some frostings may have an off-putting flavour or an excessively buttery taste. However, certain grocery stores, like Publix, are known for using real butter in their frosting, which can be a differentiating factor.

When it comes to customisation, grocery stores may offer limited options for fillings and frostings. For example, Walmart offers customisation options for fillings and frostings, while Kroger provides the choice of chocolate frosting for their cakes. While some grocery stores may not be able to accommodate highly elaborate designs, they often have lookbooks or pre-designed cakes that customers can choose from. These designs can be dressed up further with fresh flowers, cake toppers, or additional decorations to match the wedding's colour palette or theme.

In summary, grocery store wedding cakes offer a variety of flavour and texture options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. By selecting a familiar flavour and customising the design, couples can create a wedding cake that is not only affordable but also delightful for their guests to enjoy.

Design and decoration

Wedding cakes from grocery stores are a great way to save money without compromising on taste and design. While they may not be able to accommodate highly elaborate designs, there are still plenty of stunning options to choose from. Here are some tips and ideas for designing and decorating your grocery store wedding cake:

• Keep it simple: Grocery store wedding cakes tend to work best when the design is kept relatively simple. Choose a design from the bakery's lookbook, as decorators are specifically trained for those designs. A plain, frosted cake or a cake with a hint of texture can be easily dressed up with additional decorations.
• Add a personal touch: If you want to make your grocery store wedding cake more personalised, consider adding a cake topper or fresh flowers that match your wedding colour palette. You can even bring in colour swatches to ensure the cake complements your wedding theme.
• Tiered cakes: For a more traditional wedding cake look, consider creating a tiered cake using multiple single-tier cakes. This can be easily achieved by stacking two or more grocery store cakes with the help of straws or other supports. Just be sure to ask for cakes with the same dimensions to ensure a stable structure.
• Dress it up: If you want to elevate the design of your grocery store wedding cake, consider adding some extra decorations. For example, you could add colourful frosting, gold detailing, or fresh flowers to make it look more luxurious.
• Show cake: If you're not comfortable with the idea of displaying a sheet cake, you can opt for a smaller "show cake" to display while serving your guests slices of sheet cake. This option still saves you money while allowing for a more elegant presentation.
• Customisation: Some grocery stores offer customisation options, allowing you to choose your cake's flavour, filling, and frosting. This can include chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter chocolate, lemon raspberry, marble, strawberry, and even confetti flavours. You may also have the option to add a cheesecake mousse filling or choose from various frosting types, such as buttercream or chantilly frosting.
• Size and shape: Consider the size of your wedding and the number of guests you'll need to feed when selecting your cake. Grocery stores typically offer round cakes, single-tiered cakes, and even multi-tiered cakes. Sheet cakes are also a great option, providing a large number of servings at a lower cost.
• Advance ordering: Remember to order your wedding cake well in advance, preferably at least four months ahead of your wedding. This will give the grocery store bakery enough time to ensure they have all the necessary materials and accommodate your request.

Saving money

Grocery store wedding cakes can be a great way to save money without compromising on taste or appearance. Here are some tips to help you save even more:

Compare Prices

Different grocery stores will have different price ranges for their wedding cakes. It's worth shopping around to find the best deal. Some stores, like Whole Foods, offer a wide range of options, from pre-designed round and sheet cakes to custom creations. Others, like Publix, offer decorator services to help you figure out the right size, flavour, and decor for your cake.

Opt for a Sheet Cake

A sheet cake from a grocery store can serve a large number of guests at a fraction of the cost of a traditional tiered wedding cake. For example, an average grocery store sheet cake that serves 117 people typically costs around $50, compared to a traditional tiered cake, which can cost upwards of $500.

Keep it Simple

Grocery stores may have limited options for customization, but this can work to your advantage if you're looking to save money. Opting for a simple design with minimal decorations can help keep costs down. Additionally, choosing a cake flavour that the store already offers can also save you money, as custom flavours may incur additional charges.

DIY Decorations

While grocery stores may offer basic decoration options, you can save money by adding your own decorations. Fresh flowers, cake toppers, or even gold detailing can elevate the look of your cake without breaking the bank. Get creative and make it your own!

Order in Advance

Ordering your wedding cake in advance is crucial, especially if you're looking to save money. Giving the grocery store bakery enough notice will ensure they have all the necessary materials and can accommodate your request without any rush charges. It's recommended to order at least four months in advance to secure the best price.

Combine Cakes

If you're looking for a larger or more elaborate cake, consider combining two or more cakes from the grocery store. By adding your own decorations and perhaps a small "show cake" for display, you can create a stunning wedding cake without spending a fortune.

Frequently asked questions