Even though your wedding is going to be small, you will almost definitely
want a wedding cake. Here are some ideas for saving money on a cake:
Make it yourself: it is a lot less daunting task to create a cake for
a small group than it is to create one for a huge one. If you enjoy decorating
and would like to try, go for it. If it doesn't turn out just like you want, you
can always head to the local bakery for a plain white cake like in the following
example.
Don't mention the cake is for a wedding: you are looking at a small
cake anyway. Why not simply get a round cake of your favorite flavor and have it
frosted in white? Put your own topper on it an Voila! instant tiny wedding cake.
Vendors often charge more for the same item just because you said 'wedding.' No
need to pay $3 or more per slice for a $1 a slice cake just because someone
realizes it's for your wedding.
Find a friend to make it: Today many people who would love to get you
a gift are strapped for cash. If you have a friend whose talents extend to cake
making, ask. They would probably love to create a custom cake for you rather
than get you a gift. And while most gifts will be quickly used up and forgotten,
the photographs and memories of your wedding cake will last forever.
If you want the tiered look but don't want expense--
Try getting two premade cakes at the bakery and tier them yourself: bakeries
usually have plain white cakes ready for custom decoration. Carry two out in
graduated sizes. Cut a piece of wax paper the same shape as the smaller cake and
about 1/2 in smaller around the edges, then set the wax paper on the larger
cake. Next, set the smaller (cardboard included) right on top of the larger
centering it on the wax paper and and hiding the cardboard with silk flowers
that match your bridal bouquet. (You can also use real flowers this way,
if you make sure your flowers are edible.)
If you've always wanted a big beautiful cake, but not the huge guest
list--
How do you like the huge, gorgeous creation that's been sitting in the bakery
window for the last six months? Well, it's not the world's stalest wedding cake,
it's either frosted cardboard or (gasp!) plastic. If you order a sheet cake from
them for your guests, bakeries will sometimes rent or even loan you this big,
beautiful fake for your event. Just get it back to them in one piece. Problem
solved, big show, no waste.
If your wedding is truly tiny--
Go with cupcakes: this is becoming an ever more popular option for even big
weddings. Get a teeny tiny white cake for cutting, then buy or make a dozen or
so plain white frosted cupcakes for the guests. Actually, this option can be
something as basic as the suggestion here, or can become as complex as creating
individually boxed tiny replicas of a full scale wedding cake.
Remember, what you do depends only on your budget and your
imagination.
