How can I save money on a wedding cake?

Short answer

Order a smaller cake for cutting and serve a sheet cake or dessert table to guests. You can also bake it yourself, ask a friend to make it, or choose a simple design.

You do not need a huge tiered cake for every guest. A common trick is to buy a small, beautiful cake for the cutting ceremony, and then serve guests slices from a larger, cheaper sheet cake in the same flavour. This can cut costs dramatically while still giving you the photo moment.

Another option is to skip the traditional cake entirely. A dessert table with cupcakes, doughnuts, brownies or a cheese cake can be more affordable and often more popular with guests. You can also ask a talented friend or family member to bake the cake as a wedding gift, but be realistic about their time and skill. If you bake it yourself, keep the design simple and practise beforehand.

Choose a simple design with fresh flowers or fruit instead of sugar flowers or intricate piping, which add labour costs. Ask your venue if they include a cake stand or knife, and whether they charge a cake cutting fee. Sometimes a supermarket or local bakery can make a lovely cake for less than a specialist wedding cake maker. Just make sure they can deliver on the day, or arrange for a guest to collect it.