Having a gorgeous and sweet treat to celebrate your wedding day is one of those must do things that most brides and grooms are excited about. That is, until they figure out how much a wedding cake actually costs.
A traditional wedding cake is expensive. For a multi-tiered cake from a professional wedding cake baker, you’re looking at prices being $2000 and up. I don’t know about you, but for me, that’s kind of a crazy amount of money to pay for cake (and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE cake).
Well, if you’re with me in thinking that $2k is too much to spend on a wedding cake, it’s time to get smart and find those ways to cut costs, but still have the wedding cake of your dreams. Ready for more budget-friendly knowledge? Read on!
Photograph by Tra Huynh of TwoTwenty Photos
Cake : Cake Castle Bakery | Cupcakes: Icing on the Cupcakes
SMALLER CAKE + SHEET CAKE IN THE BACK + OR A TOWER OF CUPCAKES
This is perhaps one of the easiest wedding cake hacks out there, and is going to give you the biggest bang for your buck. Instead of creating a single extravagant cake that can feed all of your guests, have your baker create a smaller cake, which is meant to be for the cake-cutting & feeding a few guests. Then, have your baker create a simpler sheet cake which is hidden in the kitchen and cut up by the catering staff afterwards for all your wedding guests to enjoy.
It sounds simple, but this simple budget option can save you a huge chunk (sometimes even up to 50%) on your wedding cake.
This cake is from Safeway!!!
Photograph by Denise Reason of Photography for a Reason
LOOK IN UNEXPECTED PLACES — A SUPERMARKET, OR AN ETHNIC BAKERY
Just like anything with wedding planning, you don’t need to go the traditional route and look at specialty bakeries that only do wedding cakes. If your vision for a wedding cake isn’t completely extravagant, your local supermarket or even an ethnic bakery can do a beautiful job for you at a fraction of a wedding vendor’s cost.
I know it might sound like a stretch, but don’t be afraid to branch out! These people are also cake-baking experts, and your guests aren’t going to check and make sure that your cake came from a wedding cake specialist. One of our recent brides used Safeway for her cake and couldn’t have been happier.
Photograph by Jessica Roman Photography
Cake by Ettore’s Bakery
DECORATE WITH REAL (IN-SEASON) FLOWERS
Consider using real flowers instead of having your baker make them from frosting. Not only does this look more stunning (in my humble opinion),  just make sure you’re decorating with in-season flowers!
Photograph by Ari Simphoukham
Cake and Cookies: Batter Up Cakery | Dessert Buffet: Christina’s Sweet Station
DO A DESSERT TABLE WHICH CAN DOUBLE AS YOUR WEDDING FAVORS
Give your guests the option of taking a cupcake, macaron, or a bag of candy home is the perfect way to not only give them something sweet (literally!) at the end of the night, it ensures your dessert table will be entirely eaten at the end of the evening!
Photograph by Dee and Kris Photography
Cake: Freeport Bakery | Sweets: DIYÂ Labor of Love
Maybe you’re not a cake person. Or, maybe you decide wedding cakes just aren’t worth it after shopping around for the right price. Well, you’re in luck because there’s no wedding rule book that says you MUST have cake. Brides and grooms everywhere are getting creative and finding sweet treats for cake substitutes. Consider getting cupcakes, donuts, pies, or even a candy bar for your wedding cake. Seeing as these aren’t wedding specialty items, you’ll probably be able to pick up enough sweets to feed your guests at a fraction of a wedding cake’s cost.
Photograph by Carlos Almanza XSight Photography
Popcorn Bar: The Popcorn Store
A recent couple set up a popcorn bar for their Hollywood themed wedding. How clever is that?
Photgraph by Kaboo Vang Photography
DIY PART (OR ALL!) OF YOUR DESSERT TABLE
If you’ve got a friend or family member that’s a wicked baker and enjoys making sweets, use them! This is a great option for budget brides, as it gives you more flexibility in choosing flavors and what your cakes/cupcakes/desserts will look like. Chances are, your friend will also love helping out. Just make sure you give them enough warning and a nice thank-you gift when all is said and done!
Photograph by Denise Reason of Photography for a Reason
Cake: Safeway | Cupcakes: Made of Honor!
Recent bride, Jacie was lucky enough to have her Maid of Honor, Jenna make all of her cupcakes for the day!
What are you doing for your wedding? The traditional cake or a table filled with desserts? Did you have any tricks for saving dollar bills on your wedding cake? Let me know in the comments!