Wedding cakes can be small or large, simple or elaborate, but they're an important part of the wedding day. Sometimes the cost isn't much of a factor; some venues throw in a free wedding cake with the venue booking. But most times we have to pay for our wedding cakes, so I'll give you ideas for how you can save.
Wedding cakes are an interesting part of the wedding tradition. They share the spotlight with the bride and groom for a good five to ten minutes during the cake-cutting, so they have to look good. Then they're sent out for the guests to consume, so they have to taste good.
The most economical idea is to have two separate cakes: a 'show' cake and a 'tasting' cake. Here we'll look at how to find inexpensive versions of both.
Your 'show' cake is all about appearances. It can be small since it's not meant to serve everyone. If your cake has a few layers, spread them out so they take up more space and look bigger. Be creative with the design and find a unique way to display them. Go a step further with a show cake that doesn't serve anyone at all. Some bakeries offer an elaborate rental cake that you cut into for the photographer. Afterwards, the cake is taken back to the kitchen and dispatched to the bakery to be fixed up for the next reception. Or take it to the next level with a fake cake with styrofoam or another inexpensive filler underneath. As long as it looks good on the outside, no one will be the wiser.
For the "eating" part, here are options for you to consider. Sheet cake is good enough, it does not have to look good, just taste good. The frosting and decoration can be simple also. Check with catering schools to see if they can make cheaper sheet cake for you (and even a cheap show cake). The filling in the cake does not have to be fancy either. Simple sweet filling instead of liqueur filling or an expensive filling will cut down your costs. Order a "regular" cake without the word "wedding" attached.
Finally, consider alternatives to wedding cakes.
Modern weddings are more and more often about showcasing the wedding couple's personality, and the cakes reflect that. I've seen some fun cupcake 'wedding cakes' and brownie 'wedding cakes'. Take inspiration from these or find something else completely original.
Hopefully you can use these tips to help you find a good wedding cake that will suit your reception needs and save you money.
Wedding cakes are an interesting part of the wedding tradition. They share the spotlight with the bride and groom for a good five to ten minutes during the cake-cutting, so they have to look good. Then they're sent out for the guests to consume, so they have to taste good.
The most economical idea is to have two separate cakes: a 'show' cake and a 'tasting' cake. Here we'll look at how to find inexpensive versions of both.
Your 'show' cake is all about appearances. It can be small since it's not meant to serve everyone. If your cake has a few layers, spread them out so they take up more space and look bigger. Be creative with the design and find a unique way to display them. Go a step further with a show cake that doesn't serve anyone at all. Some bakeries offer an elaborate rental cake that you cut into for the photographer. Afterwards, the cake is taken back to the kitchen and dispatched to the bakery to be fixed up for the next reception. Or take it to the next level with a fake cake with styrofoam or another inexpensive filler underneath. As long as it looks good on the outside, no one will be the wiser.
For the "eating" part, here are options for you to consider. Sheet cake is good enough, it does not have to look good, just taste good. The frosting and decoration can be simple also. Check with catering schools to see if they can make cheaper sheet cake for you (and even a cheap show cake). The filling in the cake does not have to be fancy either. Simple sweet filling instead of liqueur filling or an expensive filling will cut down your costs. Order a "regular" cake without the word "wedding" attached.
Finally, consider alternatives to wedding cakes.
Modern weddings are more and more often about showcasing the wedding couple's personality, and the cakes reflect that. I've seen some fun cupcake 'wedding cakes' and brownie 'wedding cakes'. Take inspiration from these or find something else completely original.
Hopefully you can use these tips to help you find a good wedding cake that will suit your reception needs and save you money.
About the Author:
Are you planning a wedding? You can stop by Kennly Yakamoto's Wedding Planning Book site full of tips and tricks for you to plan your wedding.
