Grocery Store Cakes: Wedding-Worthy With Simple Tricks

Wedding cakes can be expensive, with couples spending anywhere between $300 to $700 on their wedding cake. This has led to an increasing trend of people turning to grocery store cakes as a more affordable alternative. With a bit of creativity, you can turn a plain grocery store cake into a wedding-worthy cake. This involves choosing a cake with an interesting texture or pattern and adding decorations such as flowers, fondant, or fresh fruit. You can also opt for a show cake that is displayed and served to guests, while a sheet cake from a grocery store is used to serve the remaining guests.

Choosing a cake: Opt for sheet cakes, single-tiered rounds, or multi-tiered cakes

When it comes to choosing a cake for your wedding, you have several options: sheet cakes, single-tiered rounds, or multi-tiered cakes. Each option has its own advantages and can be dressed up to fit the style of your wedding.

Sheet cakes are a great option if you're looking for something simple and affordable. They are typically baked in a rectangular pan and are about 2" high. Sheet cakes can be decorated for your wedding or left plain. They are also easy to cut and serve, making them a good choice for larger weddings or events where guests will be serving themselves.

Single-tiered round cakes are another option and can be dressed up with fondant, fresh flowers, or other decorations. A small, single-tiered cake can be a good choice if you want a more intimate wedding or if you plan on having additional desserts or sweet treats for your guests.

Multi-tiered cakes are the most traditional option for weddings. They consist of multiple layer cakes of different sizes stacked on top of each other. Tiered cakes can be customised with different flavours and fillings for each layer, ensuring that there is something for everyone. This option is also a good choice if you want to make a grand statement with your cake.

When choosing a cake, consider your budget, the number of guests you need to serve, and the style of your wedding. Sheet cakes are typically the most affordable option, while multi-tiered cakes can be more expensive. If you have a large guest list, you may need to order multiple cakes or opt for a larger sheet cake.

Additionally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You can turn a simple grocery store cake into a beautiful wedding cake with some creativity and decorations. Fresh flowers, fruit, and herbs can be used to dress up a cake, while fondant and edible markers can be used to create more intricate designs.

Customisation: Customise with colours, gold detailing, and fresh flowers

Customising a grocery store cake with colours, gold detailing, and fresh flowers is a great way to make it look special for a wedding. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Colours

Adding a pop of colour to a grocery store cake can be done by using colourful frosting or by adding colourful fresh flowers and other decorations. If you want to create an ombre effect or a specific colour theme, you can divide the fondant into portions and tint them with food colouring. For a minimalist look, use a single variety of delicate flowers in a complementary colour.

Gold Detailing

Gold leaf is an elegant way to add a touch of glamour to your wedding cake. Similar to using fresh flowers, gold leaf should be applied after the crumb coat and exterior frosting have been applied. Gold leaf sheets can be purchased online or from specialty baking stores. Cut the gold leaf into small pieces and apply them carefully to the cake with a soft brush.

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations and can be used to match the wedding's colour palette or theme. When selecting flowers, choose non-toxic varieties such as carnations, mums, roses, and spray roses. Avoid flowers like eucalyptus, ranunculus, and peonies, as they can cause stomach upset if consumed. If using flowers with stems, wrap the stems in plastic or floral tape, or use toothpicks to secure them to the cake, avoiding direct contact with the cake surface.

Combining Elements

Combining colours, gold detailing, and fresh flowers can create a stunning and elegant design. For example, you can use gold leaf to accent the cake tiers and fresh flowers as a focal point, with smaller flowers or greenery trailing down the sides. Another idea is to create a romantic and rustic look by using fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and lavender as greenery, paired with stone fruits and fresh flowers.

Flavours: Select a flavour you know and love, like chocolate or vanilla

Flavour is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a wedding cake. Opting for a grocery store cake means you can select a flavour you know and love, such as chocolate or vanilla. This is a great option if you want a classic flavour that you know your guests will enjoy.

Grocery store cakes are often baked fresh in-store, and you can usually order your desired flavour with as little as 24 hours' notice. However, it's recommended to order your plain cake at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and allow the bakery enough time to prepare.

When choosing a flavour, consider the size of your wedding and the number of guests you'll need to serve. Sheet cakes are a popular choice for weddings, as they come in various sizes and can serve anywhere from 15 to 80 guests. The cost of a sheet cake will depend on the size and flavour you choose, but they typically start at $30 for a 1/4 sheet cake and go up to $90 for a full sheet cake.

If you're looking for a more elaborate flavour or a custom design, you may need to consider a specialty cake designer or devoted cake bakery. These options will likely come with additional costs, but they can create a unique flavour profile and design specifically for your wedding.

However, if you're happy with a classic flavour like chocolate or vanilla, a grocery store cake is a great way to save money without sacrificing taste or quality. You can even order a small "show cake" from a specialty bakery and serve a sheet cake from a grocery store to your guests, saving you a significant amount of money on your wedding dessert.

Costs: Save money by choosing a grocery store cake over a traditional wedding cake

The cost of a traditional, tiered wedding cake is around $500, with most couples spending between $300 to $700. A grocery store wedding cake, on the other hand, will generally cost much less. Smaller cakes from grocery stores range from $20 to $50, while larger, more intricate cakes range from $70 to $300.

For example, a 1/4 sheet cake from a grocery store, which serves 15 to 20 guests, starts at $30. In comparison, a full sheet cake, which serves 75 to 80 guests, starts at $90. This means that you can feed a large number of guests for a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding cake.

If you're looking for a simple cake, a grocery store wedding cake is a great option. It may also be a good choice if you want a particular cake flavor that you already know and love. By choosing a grocery store cake, you can trust a familiar brand and save money at the same time.

While a grocery store cake may be a compromise in cost and customization, it doesn't have to be a compromise in style. With some creativity, you can turn a plain grocery store cake into a beautiful wedding cake. For example, you can add a topper or fresh flowers to dress up the cake.

In addition to the cost of the cake itself, there are other factors to consider when budgeting for a wedding cake. If you want your caterer or another vendor to cut the cake, you'll need to add a cake-cutting fee to your budget, which can range from $1 to $3 per guest. These additional costs can add up quickly, so choosing a grocery store cake can help you save even more money.

Overall, choosing a grocery store cake over a traditional wedding cake can save you a significant amount of money. With some creative decorating, you can have a beautiful and affordable wedding cake that your guests will love.

Ordering: Order your cake at least four months in advance to avoid disappointment

Ordering a cake for your wedding is an important task, and it's essential to plan ahead to ensure you get the cake of your dreams. The earlier you can place your order, the better, as it gives you a better chance of securing your chosen baker and avoiding disappointment. Ideally, you should aim to order your wedding cake at least four to six months in advance. This is especially important if your wedding is during the busy summer or fall seasons, as bakeries tend to be fully booked during these periods.

The lead time for ordering a wedding cake can vary depending on the bakery and the complexity of the cake design. Some bakeries may require a few weeks' notice, while others may need several months. It's always a good idea to check with your chosen bakery about their specific requirements and lead times. It's also worth noting that some bakeries may only accept orders a certain number of months in advance, so it's crucial to inquire early.

When ordering a wedding cake, it's essential to consider the number of guests you'll be serving. The cake size should be based on the number of guests, and it's a good idea to have a final guest count before placing your order. This ensures that you order enough cake to accommodate everyone. Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have and communicate these to the bakery so they can accommodate them.

Ordering your cake in advance also allows you to finalise the design and flavour. During your consultation with the bakery, you can discuss your vision, style preferences, and any customisations you desire. This lead time ensures that the bakery can source any non-edible supplies and create custom sugar work or decorations that align with your theme. It also gives you the opportunity to sample different flavours and fillings to create your perfect cake.

Ordering your wedding cake early is a crucial step in your wedding planning process. It ensures that you have the cake of your dreams and avoids the stress of last-minute scrambling. By ordering at least four months in advance, you can rest assured that your cake will be one less thing to worry about as your special day approaches.

Frequently asked questions