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Many would consider the centerpiece of a wedding reception
to be the wedding cake. With an endless combination of flavors,
decorations, shapes, designs and sizes, (all of which will
impact the final cost) a wedding cake might not only be
beautiful and breathtaking, but budget breaking as well.
A single serving of a custom cake created by a top decorating/baking
team can cost upwards of $10.00 and can even go up from
there. Unfortunately $10.00 dollar a slice wedding cake
isn’t an option for most budget minded brides. A bride
should remember that there are countless options out there,
and with a little bit of research and creativity she just
might find that there are ways to have a fabulous wedding
cake while staying within a shoestring budget.
The first thing to consider is whether you or a friend
or family member could bake the cake and decorate it rather
than buying one. A benefit of a homemade cake is that the
only limiting factor is your creativity and skill level.
You are not limited to a business’s list of available
cake and frosting flavors. If there is a favorite family
recipe that you love, you can use it! Frost your cake with
your favorite icing, and decorate with embellishments.
Fresh or silk flowers make lovely decorations. If you choose
to use fresh flowers to decorate your cake remember that
flowers that have been organically grown without the use
of pesticides or chemicals should be used. Also make sure
that the flowers you choose are edible. Silk flowers should
be removed from the cake prior to serving to your guests.
If you prefer frosting decorations but don’t know
a skilled decorator, you can purchase already made decorations
that can be “glued” to your cake with icing
at the reception.
Cupcakes are an alternative to the traditional wedding
cake that is gaining popularity. Cupcakes are easy to make
at home or inexpensive to buy at a local grocery store.
If you speak to the baker, chances are that you will be
able to place an order for plain or simply frosted cupcakes
that you can personalize yourself. Cake and frosting combinations
are truly limitless and will allow you to cater to the tastes
of your pickiest guest. If you decide to use various flavor
combinations you can use different decorations to differentiate
flavors. These might be different types of flowers, candies,
or other edible favors.
Cake and cupcake stands can be purchased or made to display
the cupcakes or homemade cake. The Internet can be used
to find several different styles of stands in various price
ranges. You can also make your own stand by hot gluing plates
and glasses. Ribbons and rose petals can be used to decorate
homemade cake stands.
Another way to save on the cost of your wedding cake and
keep with tradition is to have a small decorated cake with
cake topper that is only for the bride and groom and large
sheet cake for the rest of the guests. This option will
allow you to have the traditional cake cutting ceremony,
while keeping costs low.
When the time comes for you to choose your wedding cake
remember that it doesn’t have to be budget breaking.
Be creative and open minded and you just may find that you
can have your fabulous wedding cake on a shoestring budget.
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