How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake with a Cake Buffet

If you're looking for a cheap wedding cake idea or just a way to save money on a wedding cake, consider a cake buffet rather than the traditional wedding cake. It can be just as beautiful but much more economical.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wedding cakes are beautiful but terribly expensive. Usually they provide a dessert for the reception but are also meant to make a decorative statement as well. You can do both by having a cake buffet, that is, many different single cakes that are just as beautiful. Decide that this new wedding tradition is going to work for you; that's the first step to preparing your cake buffet!

2. Think of how many cakes you'll need for your reception. Figure about 8 pieces per cake; divide your guest list by that and try to have a few extras just in case. Consider having different flavors for maximum visual impact - chocolate cake with chocolate icing, yellow cake with chocolate icing, yellow cake with white icing, etc.

3. You can purchase these cakes individually from a baker or your grocer or make them up yourself. If you decide to bake them yourself, give yourself plenty of time several days before the wedding and don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help.

4. 
    
   This plate is around $30 which is a good investment for your cake buffet.

   For your cake buffet to make a statement at your wedding, have decorative plates or platters for them or at least some of them. Borrow cake plates from someone or purchase these from a baker's supply. The few dollars you spend on these will still be cheaper than an actual wedding cake!

5. 
    
   You can purchase pre-made gum paste flowers.

   You don't need to be a cake decorator to have a beautiful cake. Many cake baking supply stores sell pre-made fondant or gum paste flowers and decorations. They also sell small picks in which you put a fresh flower stem and then slide into the cake; you simply slide it back out when it's time to cut the cake. You can also keep your decorations simple by using candies such as gumdrops for some color. Browse your cake decorating supply store for ideas!

6. 
    
   There's no end to how you can save money on a wedding cake with a cake buffet!

   Once you start considering a cake buffet to save money on a wedding cake, you may find there's no end to your ideas! Have two plates of cupcakes with your cakes, or make up small tarts or thick brownies.

7. Set aside a special table at your reception for your cake buffet and put a nice cloth on it to dress it up. Add some decorations for the table itself such as scrapbook paper sheets under the cakes, confetti, large ribbon you loop around the cakes, fresh or silk flowers around them, candles, and so on.

8. Wedding cakes usually cost at least $2 per person and may have an additional cost for slicing. This means a reception for 200 people is $400 minimum for a wedding cake. You can make or purchase a dozen single cakes for much less than that and still have a beautiful setting for your reception.

9. Remember that your wedding is your own and you need to do what works for you. A cake buffet might be your best idea financially, and you may even start your own type of tradition with friends and family!

[goodselfme]

on 6/4/2009 Good idea for an assortment with a cake buffet at a wedding. 5*