How can we save money on our wedding cake?

Most couples end up spending between $3 to $6 per slice on their wedding cake (although some cakes can cost as much as $15 a slice!). But, there are things you can do to bring that price down.

• Fake the cake: It’s the labor-intensive details and size that make the cost skyrocket. Order a small cake that's exactly what you want and, in the kitchen, have several sheet cakes of the same flavor cut for your guests.
• Keep it simple: Stay away from tiers and (time-consuming) handmade sugar flowers or special molded shapes. Have your caterer decorate each plate with a flavored sauce instead.
• Opt for buttercream: Skip the fondant; buttercream frosting is tastier and less expensive. Here are some other ways to save money on your wedding cake without sacrificing taste or style:
• Stay on-site: Many hotels, country clubs, and larger catering companies have a pastry chef on staff. Often, if you use the staff pastry chef versus a designer from an outside bakery, you'll avoid cake-cutting fees, service fees, additional tips, and delivery costs.
• Add real flowers: Not only are flowers one of the most beautiful ways to decorate a cake, they're also one of the least expensive. Adopt a "less is more" motto, keeping sugar decorations to a minimum and letting your fresh blooms take center stage.
• Have multiples: Order several smaller cakes; select them in different flavors and serve them together on a dessert table. By sparing your designer major assembly and decoration time, not only will you cut your costs tremendously, you'll get a bite of tiramisu and cherry chocolate cheesecake.

Aug 09, 2009