Cake Budgeting

DID you know that the national average cost for a wedding in 2016 was over $35,000? This information provided by a highly regarded bride resource The Knot can be a scary number for a bride on a budget. When you are planning the wedding of your dreams, it can seem like a daunting task to make your vision a reality without deep pockets.

In the wedding world, your cake is usually one of the less costly details. Compared to other wedding essentials such as the venue, caterer, photographer and dress, the wedding cake is relatively inexpensive. Here are a few hints to help make your wedding cake the beautiful centerpiece of your reception that you are dreaming of without breaking the bank.

First you will need a realistic guest count to estimate how large of a cake you will want to order. Next, you will want to set a budget of how much you would like to spend on your wedding cake. Is this amount firm, or is the budget flexible with a little wiggle room? There are several ways to stay within a realistic budget. If you are having a large wedding, you might consider a smaller tiered cake and have sheet cakes in the kitchen for the caterers to cut and serve for you. This is one of the most economical options. Cupcakes are a wonderful, whimsical way to serve your guests cake. They are usually less expensive than a tiered cake, and the guests can help themselves, saving you a cake cutting fee.

If you are like most brides, you probably have a Pinterest board filled with beautiful wedding cakes and fanciful ideas for your big day... Remember that extra details on your cake can add up. A cake decorated in

butter cream frosting will be less expensive than a cake covered in fondant. Gum paste flowers and embellishments, hand painted elements, or gold leaf will also increase the cost of your cake. If there is a design you just love, consider having that element on just one tier of the cake to help keep you within your budget.

A simple cake adorned with fresh flowers, or a custom cake top from Etsy can be beautiful and elegant. Choose flowers that are in season and just use them as an accent or a pop of color. Your florist can help you pick out flowers that will compliment your cake and wedding decor. A cake stand can add height to your wedding cake. This can be a silver or gold stand from the bakery you are getting your cake from or from the rental store you are using for other wedding items. If you like the rustic vibe, a slab of wood can be the base for your cake. Make sure to use a level to ensure that the slab of wood is even. A tiered cake needs to be on a level surface for stability.

There are several resources to find someone to make your cake for the big day. Bridal shows can be a great way to meet the bakers, sample their products and ask them questions. Of course bridal magazines, like ENGAGED! are also a wonderful reference that you can hold on to the magazine and refer back to as you need to. Online wedding sites are helpful as well.

When choosing your baker, it might be tempting to use a friend of a friend or a family member to save money, but do you trust that they will be able to create the wedding cake you are dreaming of? Will the cake be structurally sound? Choose a baker that has a good reputation, and be sure to check out pictures of their own work and testimonies from past clients.

With a little planning, the wedding cake of your dreams, can become a reality and make your wedding day the best day ever!

Photos by Shillawna Ruffner Photography

Cate Sisco is co-owner of Evansville's premier bakery Piece of Cake in downtown Evansville, IN. Cate and her sisters recently celebrated the award winning bakery's 19th year in business. Her passion for baking was passed down from her parents and grandparents. Many recipes used at the bakery are family recipes, though Cate enjoys making up new recipes for cookies, cakes and breakfast items. Her goal for the bakery is to continue making the highest quality products, while keeping up with current baking trends.