Cheap Wedding Cakes

How To Keep Costs Down

Cheap wedding cakes don't have to be boring or plain.

black-and-pink-wedding-colors Though it may feel like an overwhelming task to find a great tasting, beautiful, yet cheap but..it CAN be done!

You’ll need to do more research of bakers in your area, but it is possible to find reputable bakeries or pastry chefs that won’t charge a fortune for your wedding cake.

Looking for Cheap Wedding Cakes

As you search for wedding cake ideas, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep costs low.

What is your budget?

The average wedding cake costs $550, according to the Bridal Association of America. Most bakeries charge $1.50 for the low end, $6.00 for a mid range two-three tiered cake or over $10 or more a slice for a multi tiered fancy wedding cake with elaborate decorations. Prices really can vary. Shop around, and don’t be afraid to tell them you’re on a wedding budget and ask about the best way of keeping costs down.

Fancy Fondant Decorations = Fancy Prices.

Cheap wedding cakes can still taste great with fillings you’ll be proud to serve, but you may have to simplify your design. Cake decorations really add up and fondant is one of the most expensive additions. Although fondant covers a cake in a beautiful satin finish, it can add $1-$2.00 or more per slice to have it.

Using butter cream frosting, and keeping your flower designs simple, keep costs low. The more intricate your designs (like the photo above), the higher the price. Also, many cheap wedding cakes incorporate real flowers for decoration, and it still looks elegant.

Those Fillings Add Up.

It’s amazing how simple things like nuts, berries and cheesecakes can increase your wedding cake costs dramatically but it can… by more than $1 per slice. Try to choose berries in season.

Schedule a cake tasting with many bakeries before deciding upon one. Even if yours is with your caterer, you should still taste samples. Some charge small fee and others don’t, but don’t skip this step. Your idea of chocolate éclair filling may be different than theirs, and you wouldn’t want to find this out on your wedding day.

Don’t forget to ask for a groom’s cake discount, if you’re wanting a special cake for your honey.

How To Find Discounts

See if your caterer, or restaurant chef, can also prepare your wedding cake. Many employ pastry chef’s and you can save a substantial amount by going in-house. I did this at my wedding, and it still tasted great! Delivery and cake-cutting fees will often be waived when they are taking care of the rest of your food. Be sure to ask for that discount.
Find a wedding cake baker new to the business, or in town, who would likely charge much less than the most in-demand baker in town. Tell them you’re shopping for cheap wedding cakes and ask what kind of discount they can offer. Also, check listings with the Association for Wedding Professionals for names.

Cheap Wedding Cakes With A Theme:

Sometimes, when a baker hears you have a specific wedding theme that you want your cake to fit into, they only hear "EXTRA WORK". That can equal extra cost for you. When sticking to a wedding theme, incorporate little touches that your baker won't have to work extra to do.

For example, for Beach Wedding Cake adding small shells or starfish on the sides after it's frosted adds a lot of character without a lot of cost to a store bought cake.

Or finding a special wedding topper that personalizes the cake for you without the extra decorating costs of a baker's time. (Plus you can keep the topper for years to come).

"You'll see some some great beach wedding cake toppers at the bottom of my beach wedding cakes page."

Wedding Cupcakes

Wedding Cupcakes

Wedding cupcakes are becoming more popular today. It can look just as special as a traditional wedding cake. You'll save on cake cutting fees and you can have each cupcake decorated differently to add a fun element to your theme.

Cheap wedding cakes and wedding cupcakes can really can be found at a discount!

If you dedicate time to hunt for the right bakers well in advance, you’re sure to find a beautiful and delicious cake you’ll have as a keepsake for years.

If you plan to make it by yourself, you can find many great wedding cake recipes here.

More tips on how to have a cheap beach weddings.