Love That Cake Part 1

*tap tap tapping of a ruler* Pay attention class! We have a nice little lesson today. CAKES! We will be tackling a few points to get you started. Such as current trends, cost effective ideas, and tales of old.

In part 1, we will be covering the cost effective ideas to help you make the best decisions regarding your wedding cake.

Let's make a few scenario's regarding your wedding cake...

1. Your choice cake is not in your budget

2. Few guests have allergies

3. You don't like cake

4. You have a unique taste/idea that's separate from "traditional views"

All of these scenarios are quite common and perfectly workable. I will show you a few tricks to help make your planning easier.

Since the average cost of your wedding cake is 2% of your total budget. It may not seem like much. But there's more legroom than you think. Plus 2% isn't what you HAVE to spend. Should you decide that a cake is something of more importance, you obviously have wiggle room to change that because it is YOUR budget.

"While the internet is flooded with wedding advice and amazing ideas, Pinterest won’t help pay for your wedding. That’s why you need a solid budget, which is the true foundation for crafting a perfect – but realistic – event."

Brideside.com

One of the most important pieces of advice to take with you.

So let's say your getting a classic 3 tiered cake. With decoration building up to the top. Something similar as the picture above. Here's a few tips to cut costs...

1. Use real flowers instead of sugar flowers.

This helps reduce labor because the baker has to make these sugar flowers by hand. Causing more cash out of your pocket. Plus I believe it looks better and guests won't taste the chalky frosting from the sugar flower

2. Switch out the frosting

One of the biggest mistakes many couples make is assuming there is only fondant to use for the wedding cake. This is absolutely not true. There are various frostings than can be used. Buttercream is one of the most cost effective changes to make as it's easier to use for the baker and tastes better. (*NOTE* Buttercream cannot be used in HOT temperatures, such as an outdoor midsummer wedding)

3. A deconstructed cake/smaller cake/"fake" cake or alternative cake

These are all wonderful ways to save money and still make it unique. A deconstructed cake is a cake that is not layered into tiers. But individual cakes. This can be cost effective because the bakers would make individual cakes instead of stacking which can be time and labor intensive. Not only is it a wonderful visual effect. But can be integrated in many styles and themes.

A smaller cake has many concepts. One is basically having a tier or two for show. And then having a regular sheet cake to serve to your guests. This is extremely helpful for the more budget conscious. Instead of paying for an elaborate cake, you pay for the cake you as a couple will cut and eat together. And your guests eat the same flavor. But from a basic sheet. It doesn't need to be shown, or known. Or it can be incorporated into the table. Another version of the smaller cake is the same concept as before. But if you are dead set on presentation, you can have a tiered cake. But only one layer (the one you cut and eat) is real. the rest would be just "fake foam tiers." Foam tiers are basically polystyrene blocks that come in various shapes. A baker would use these for various display reasons. And the foam tiers are just decorated to look real. All be placed with the tier you as a couple would cut and eat. However, this can be considered a budget saver, and also not be. It will greatly depend on the baker you are using and the labor cost. You could have a bunch of fake tiers. But if the design is very different and intricate. It could still end up the same in cost. This form can also be considered as a fake cake which we will now move onto.

Fake cakes/Alternative Cakes are one of my favorite versions. There are many ways to use it to your advantage. Say your not fond of cake? One of the more popular alternatives lately are to just skip the cake altogether!

Many examples would be the Ice Cream Bars. And Candy Bars

as shown in these example photos.

Many couples have been opting for more creative and less costly alternatives to the cake. Even using cupcakes and "mini cakes" that can be used as a thank you gift to your guests.

Because of these changes, the door has greatly opened for endless opportunities for many couples. Plus it helps to serve guests that have certain allergies or tolerances to still have the ability to enjoy themselves!

There are many cost effective sites to order various candies and decorations from. The reason is because you would be buying in bulk instead of the weight per pound in your local grocery and candy/chocolate store which saves money.

Some of these sites include...

1. Orientaltradingcompany.com (My personal favorite)

2. Bulkcandy.com

3. Candywarehouse.com

4. Candy.com

5. Hersheystore.com (I have not yet explored this option however they offer some much loved chocolate)

6. Oldtimecandy.com/ Candycrate.com (You can order some much loved candy classics from these sites which is a plus for themed weddings)

I hope you were able to to get some helpful tips and tricks from this. Please leave a comment or message me personally if it helped or you have any questions!

*As a wedding consultant/event coordinator. I have the knowledge to be able to help my clients in these situations. But it's also important for me to have a strong relationship with the vendors to ensure you as a client get the best. Should a client decide to DIY, it is still a good idea to have a consultant for reference and ideas. That way, I can refer you to someone that works best for your needs and give you great suggestions*