Affordable Wedding Cakes: Tips For A Budget-Friendly Celebration

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and the cake is often one of the most costly elements. However, there are several ways to save money on your wedding cake without sacrificing taste or aesthetics. One option is to opt for a cake from a grocery store bakery, which can offer significant savings compared to niche bakeries. For example, Walmart offers a two-tier wedding cake starting at $68, while Sam's Club has a three-tier option for around $73. Costco provides affordable custom cakes that can be cut up in the kitchen, with a 10-inch cake for $15.99 and half-sheet cakes for $18.99. Another way to reduce costs is to have a small tiered cake for display and photos, while serving a sheet cake from the kitchen to your guests. This can be a more economical option, as you only need to decorate a small portion of the cake. You can also save money by choosing buttercream instead of fondant, using fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers, and avoiding elaborate cake stands. Additionally, consider other dessert options that may be more affordable, such as cookies, pies, or a dessert bar. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can have a delicious and beautiful wedding cake without breaking the bank.

Choose a grocery store wedding cake

If you're looking for a wedding cake that's both delicious and affordable, a grocery store wedding cake is a great option. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect grocery store wedding cake:

Flavour and Filling

Grocery stores typically offer a range of classic flavours such as chocolate and vanilla, and may also provide additional options for fillings and frostings. If you have a particular flavour in mind, it's worth checking with the store to see what they can accommodate.

Design and Customisation

While grocery stores may not be able to create highly elaborate designs, they often have lookbooks with a variety of beautiful and elegant designs to choose from. You can also discuss customisation options with the bakery department, such as combining styles or changing colours to create a unique look.

Size and Cost

The size of the cake will depend on the number of guests you plan to serve. Grocery stores offer a range of options, from small cakes for intimate weddings to larger, more intricate cakes. The cost will generally be lower than a custom cake designer, with smaller cakes ranging from $20 to $50, and larger cakes ranging from $70 to $300.

Timing and Advance Orders

It's important to order your wedding cake in advance, typically at least four months ahead of your wedding. This ensures the bakery has all the necessary materials and can accommodate your request.

Flowers and Decorations

If you're looking to add flowers to your cake, it's best to source food-safe and pesticide-free blooms from your florist. You can also add your own topper or fresh blooms to a plain, frosted cake to dress it up.

Popular Grocery Stores for Wedding Cakes

Several grocery stores are known for their wedding cakes, including Whole Foods, Safeway, Publix, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club. Each store offers a range of options, from single-tiered to multi-tiered cakes, and some stores allow for customisation and online ordering.

Opt for cupcakes

If you're looking for a cheap wedding cake, cupcakes are a great option. Here are some reasons why:

Variety

Cupcakes offer a variety of flavours and colours to choose from, ensuring there's something for everyone. You can even have multiple flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, and more, all at an affordable price.

Convenience

Cupcakes are easy to serve and eat. There's no need to cut slices or worry about serving sizes. Your guests can simply grab a cupcake and enjoy, making it a convenient option for both you and your guests.

Cost-effective

Cupcakes are generally more affordable than a large tiered cake. You can save money by opting for cupcakes from grocery stores or bakeries, such as Walmart, Costco, or local bakeries, which often offer delicious cupcakes at a lower cost.

Decoration

Cupcakes can be beautifully decorated to match your wedding theme. You can add your own fresh flowers, toppers, or edible decorations to create a personalised touch. They can also be arranged on tiered stands or displayed as centrepieces on tables, adding to the overall aesthetics of your wedding.

Portion Control

With cupcakes, you know exactly how much cake each guest is getting. This helps with portion control and reduces waste. It also eliminates the need for additional dessert options, as cupcakes can serve as a complete dessert on their own.

Flexibility

Cupcakes offer flexibility in terms of design and presentation. You can have a small cake for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and then serve cupcakes to your guests. This combination provides the best of both worlds and can be a cost-effective way to have a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Overall, opting for cupcakes for your wedding cake is a great way to save money without sacrificing taste, presentation, or convenience. They offer variety, ease of serving, and flexibility in design, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious couples.

Pick up the cake yourself

Picking up the cake yourself is a great way to save money on your wedding cake. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your cake arrives safely and stays fresh. Here are some tips for picking up your wedding cake:

• Check the distance: Consider the distance between the bakery, your accommodation, and the wedding venue. If the bakery is on the way to the venue, picking up the cake yourself may be a convenient option. However, if it is out of the way, it may be more hassle than it's worth.
• Timing is key: Aim to pick up the cake as close to the wedding as possible to ensure freshness. Most cakes are best kept refrigerated, so if you pick it up too early, you'll need to find a way to store it safely.
• Assign a trusted person: Delegate the task of picking up the cake to a trusted friend or family member who can handle the responsibility. Make sure they have reliable transportation and feel comfortable handling the cake during transit.
• Check with the bakery: Discuss the pick-up time with the bakery and confirm if the cake will be freshly made. Some bakeries may prepare cakes days in advance, so it's important to know when your cake will be ready.
• Refrigeration is key: Most bakery cakes need to be refrigerated, so plan accordingly. Ask the bakery about specific storage requirements and follow their instructions to ensure the cake stays fresh.
• Be early: When picking up the cake, it's better to be early than rushed. Give yourself ample time to collect the cake and transport it safely to the venue, especially if you have a long distance to travel.
• Handle with care: Wedding cakes are delicate, so handle them with care during transport. Place the cake on a flat surface in your vehicle and drive slowly to avoid any damage.

Go for buttercream over fondant

When it comes to choosing between buttercream and fondant for your wedding cake, there are several reasons why buttercream is the more cost-effective option.

Firstly, buttercream is made from basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, and milk, whereas fondant requires additional steps and materials, making it more expensive. Fondant is made from confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, water, and sometimes gelatin or marshmallows. It dries quickly, making it time-consuming to work with, and any tears or wrinkles mean starting again from scratch. This labour-intensive process increases the cost.

Buttercream, on the other hand, is much easier to prepare due to its creamy texture. It can be easily spread by hand, and any flaws or uneven layers can be fixed by adding more icing to a specific section. This also makes it a more cost-effective option.

Secondly, buttercream is generally preferred by guests. While fondant creates a flawless, airbrushed effect and can be used to create intricate designs, many people choose not to eat it due to its extremely sweet and gummy texture. Buttercream, with its rich and soft consistency, is a guest favourite and is much more enjoyable to eat.

Additionally, buttercream is more versatile when it comes to flavours. While fondant has an intense sweetness that can be overpowering, buttercream can be infused with complementary flavours such as light citrus or tangy cream cheese. It also pairs well with the cake, providing a creamy texture that complements the crumb.

Lastly, buttercream is lightweight, allowing for thick spreading and layering without compromising the cake's texture. Fondant, on the other hand, can sit heavily on a cake, limiting the types of cake that can be used underneath. A denser cake, such as a Madeira sponge, is usually required to support the weight of fondant.

In summary, choosing buttercream over fondant for your wedding cake can save you money, provide a more enjoyable experience for your guests, offer more flavour options, and give your cake a lighter texture.

Ask about delivery costs upfront

Delivery and setup charges from your cake baker are important to consider when budgeting for a wedding cake. Discuss these costs during your first consultation to factor them into your total wedding budget. There may also be additional fees from your venue or caterer for special requests, such as refrigerating the cake or cutting and plating slices during the reception. Be sure to check in with any other vendors who might be involved in the logistical process, such as your wedding planner.

It's also worth noting that some bakeries offer free curbside pickup, while others may charge an extra fee for delivery or Instacart services, depending on your location. To save money, consider picking up the cake yourself if it's a feasible option.

Additionally, some bakeries may require a certain amount of notice for orders, typically ranging from 48 hours to several weeks in advance. Be sure to ask about this upfront to ensure your cake is ready in time for your special day.

Finally, don't forget to inquire about potential price changes. Factors such as guest count increases, design changes, and delivery time requests may impact the final cost. By asking about delivery costs and being transparent about your needs, you can make an informed decision and stay within your budget.

Frequently asked questions