Strategies To Save Money On Your Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and the cake is no exception. The good news is that there are several ways to cut costs on this sweet treat without sacrificing taste or presentation. Here are some tips to get you started:

- Order fewer slices than the number of guests. Not everyone will eat cake, so you can comfortably order less than your guest count.

- Ask for smaller slices. Smaller portions mean you can order a smaller cake overall, reducing the cost.

- Have a sheet cake in the back. Have a small display cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, and a sheet cake in the kitchen to serve to guests.

- Opt for a naked cake with minimal frosting. The most expensive part of the cake is often the labour spent on decorating it.

- Use fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers. Sugar flowers are very labour-intensive, so using fresh flowers can save money.

- Choose buttercream over fondant. Fondant is more expensive because it is more time-consuming and difficult to work with.

- Negotiate the cake-cutting fee. Many venues charge a cake-cutting fee, but you may be able to negotiate this out of your agreement.

- Choose an alternative dessert. Cupcakes, pies, or doughnuts can be cheaper options than a traditional wedding cake.

- Ask a friend to bake the cake. If you have a friend who enjoys baking and is skilled at it, enlist their help.

Opt for a naked cake

Opting for a naked cake is a great way to cut costs on your wedding cake. Naked cakes are cakes with zero to minimal frosting on the outside, exposing the cake layers and fillings. This style of cake has gained popularity in recent years, with many couples choosing it for their weddings.

• Reduced labour costs: The most expensive part of a cake is often the labour spent on decorating it. By opting for a naked cake, you eliminate the need for intricate icing designs and fondant work, which can significantly reduce the cost.
• Simpler design: Naked cakes have a rustic and chic look, which can be achieved with minimal decoration. This simplicity means you can save money on elaborate cake toppers, fondant details, and sugar flowers.
• Fewer ingredients: With a naked cake, you will use less frosting, which can lead to cost savings. Additionally, you can choose to decorate the cake with fresh flowers, fruits, or other simple garnishes, which can be more affordable than intricate sugar decorations.
• Ease of preparation: Naked cakes are often easier to prepare than fully iced cakes. They require fewer steps and can be assembled closer to the wedding day, reducing the need for lengthy refrigeration or freezing. This can save you money on cake preparation costs.
• Alternative to traditional wedding cakes: If you are not a big fan of traditional wedding cakes or are looking for a more unique option, a naked cake can be a perfect choice. It adds a modern and rustic touch to your wedding while keeping costs down.

• Use fresh flowers: Fresh flowers can be a cost-effective way to decorate your naked cake. Choose flowers that are in season and source them from a local florist or even your own garden. Just make sure to wrap the stems in plastic wrap to prevent any contamination.
• Keep it simple: Opt for a simple design with minimal decorations. A naked cake is already eye-catching, so you don't need to overload it with toppings. A few well-placed flowers or berries can be enough to create a stunning effect.
• Choose the right cake stand: A simple cake stand can elevate the look of your naked cake. Opt for a wooden slice, a white cake stand, or a marble cake stand to showcase your cake beautifully.
• Prepare your cake layers in advance: Baking and freezing your cake layers ahead of time can make the assembly process easier and less stressful. It also gives you the option to decorate the cake closer to the wedding, ensuring it looks and tastes fresh.
• Discuss with your baker: If you are hiring a baker, be sure to discuss your budget and design preferences. They may have additional suggestions for cost-saving measures or simple decorations that align with your vision.

By opting for a naked cake and following these tips, you can have a beautiful and affordable wedding cake that your guests will surely enjoy!

Choose 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 with basic, affordable ingredients such as milk, butter, sugar, and sometimes egg whites. Fondant, on the other hand, requires additional steps and materials, which can increase its cost. It is made from confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, water, and sometimes gelatin or marshmallows.

Buttercream is also a more popular choice among guests due to its rich and soft texture and flavour. Its high-fat content makes it a tasty option, and its ability to be piped means it can be used to create a variety of patterns and decorations. Fondant, on the other hand, cannot be piped and has a harder, candy-like texture that some may find less appealing.

Another advantage of buttercream is its simplicity. It can be spread by hand, saving time and labour costs. Fondant, however, requires more skill and time to work with, increasing the overall cost of the cake. Additionally, fondant dries quickly, which can cause cracks in the exterior of the cake, leading to potential waste and additional costs.

While buttercream may not be suitable for intricate designs or warm climates due to its tendency to melt, it is a more cost-effective option for couples looking for a simple, elegant, and delicious wedding cake. By choosing buttercream, couples can save money on their wedding cake without sacrificing taste and aesthetic.

To summarise, buttercream is the preferred choice for couples looking to cut costs on their wedding cake. Its simplicity, affordability, and popularity make it a budget-friendly option without compromising on taste and design.

Ask for smaller slices

Asking for smaller slices of cake is a great way to cut costs on your wedding cake. Wedding cakes are typically priced by the number of slices, so reducing the slice size can significantly reduce the overall cost.

When deciding on the slice size, consider whether the cake will be served as the main dessert or as an extra treat after the meal. If it's the main dessert, opt for larger slices, such as 2x2 inches. However, if it's an additional treat, smaller slices, such as 1x2 or 1x1 inches, will be sufficient. Keep in mind that not everyone will eat cake, especially if they are too full from the meal or if they leave before the cake is served.

To ensure you order enough cake, it's a good idea to estimate the number of guests who will want cake. As a rule of thumb, you can comfortably order a cake for about 80% of your guest list, as usually about one out of five guests will not eat cake. For example, if you have 100 guests, you can order a cake for 80 people and then further reduce the size of the slices if you want to save more money.

When discussing slice sizes with your baker, ask to see a typical slice compared to a half or three-quarter slice. This will give you a better idea of the size and help you determine if you need to adjust your order. Smaller slices mean you can order a smaller cake overall, resulting in cost savings.

By asking for smaller slices, you can strike a balance between providing a delicious treat for your guests and staying within your budget. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in the overall cost of your wedding cake.

Use fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers

Using fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers on your wedding cake is a great way to cut costs. Sugar flowers are highly technical to create and therefore come with a high price tag. Fresh flowers, on the other hand, are a more cost-effective option.

Firstly, fresh flowers are a good choice if you're after a more relaxed, natural look. The foliage flows in a very random way, giving your cake a unique, liberal touch. Fresh flowers are also a simple way to tie your wedding together. They can be matched to your wedding bouquet, assuming you get them from the same florist, or you can opt for organic flowers.

However, it's important to be aware that fresh flowers provided by florists are not grown, chosen or prepared with food safety in mind. They may have been sprayed with pesticides, or may contain dirt or insects if they've been organically grown. If you do opt for fresh flowers, be sure to source pesticide-free and food-safe buds. Many popular flowers and foliage are actually poisonous or an irritant, including peonies, anemones, hydrangeas and baby's breath.

Sugar flowers, on the other hand, are made from edible materials and are food safe. They can be customised to any colour, shade, size and style, and can be made to match your wedding theme. They also last forever and are extremely shelf-stable. However, they are very delicate and breakable, and a proficient cake designer is required to create and safely arrange them on your cake.

If you're looking to cut costs, fresh flowers are a beautiful and inexpensive way to elevate a simple cake.

Have a sheet cake in the back

One way to cut costs on your wedding cake is to have a small display cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, while having a sheet cake in the back to serve to the guests. This gives you and your partner your picture-perfect moment of serving cake to each other, without the need for an elaborately decorated cake.

The sheet cake in the back can be cut and served by staff in the kitchen, and guests will be none the wiser. It is a common practice and one that can save you a lot of money. The sheet cake will be the same type of cake as the display cake, just without the glamour. It can be cut in advance and served quickly, and guests will be happy to receive free cake, regardless of whether it is a sheet cake or not.

Some venues even offer a fake, decorated styrofoam cake for the display and cake-cutting ceremony, which is then wheeled away and replaced with sheet cake to be served to the guests. This is a good option if you want a large, show-stopping cake as the centrepiece without the large cost.

However, it is important to note that some bakeries may not allow this, as they want to ensure the taste and quality of the cake served. It is also worth considering that some bakers may charge more for this option, as it requires more work and supplies.

If you do decide to go with a sheet cake in the back, be sure to ask your baker if they can provide both cakes. This ensures that the cakes will be the same flavour and that your guests will not notice any difference.

Frequently asked questions