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One of the things I loved about all the weddings I have coordinated was how unique, original, and frugal some weddings were when it came to the cake and dessert bar.
A cheap wedding cake at the grocery store can start at $13.99 for an 8-inch round that serves 24 people. Another option is a DIY wedding cake, cupcakes, or a dessert and candy bar. There are many affordable options without paying a fortune for an elaborate wedding cake.
Here are some cake and dessert tips you can use for your budget-friendly wedding that your guests will enjoy.
How do I make a wedding cake on a budget?
Instead of purchasing a fancy 3-tiered wedding cake, display a small cutting cake. Opt for a simple but elegant white round cake with buttercream, and add flowers or greenery for a pop of color. Then order sheet cakes to be served to the guests. Your local neighborhood grocery store should have some affordable options. My favorite grocery bakery is Ralphs.
| 1/4 Sheet Cake | 1/2 Sheet Cake | Full Sheet Cake |
|---|---|---|
| 9″ x 13″ | 13″ x 18″ | 18″ x 26″ |
| 2″ x 2″ slices | 2″ x 2″ slices | 2″ x 2″ slices |
| Serves 24 | Serves 54 | Serves 117 |
| $27.00 | $45.00 | $50.00 |
What can I do instead of a wedding cake?
- Cotton Candy Stand
- Ice Cream Truck
- Assorted Mini Dessert Bar
- Cupcakes
- Candy Bar
- Cookies and Milk
- Chocolate Fountain
- Assorted Single Layer Cakes
- S’mores
Are cupcakes cheaper than a wedding cake?
Yes! Expect to pay on average $3.00 per cupcake. More detailed and labor-intensive cupcakes with more options will range between $4.00 to $6.00 per cupcake. Cupcakes allow you to offer a variety of flavors and an assortment of specialty cupcakes for those guests with strict dietary needs.
Below is a table to help you calculate how many cupcakes to order or DIY. For standard-size cupcakes, each quest will consume approximately 1.5 cupcakes. In addition, each guest will consume, on average, three mini cupcakes.
| 100 Guests | 100 Guests |
|---|---|
| 1.5 Standard Size Cupcakes per Guest | 3 Mini Cupcakes per Guest |
| 150 Cupcakes Needed | 300 Mini Cupcakes Needed |
Can Costco make a wedding cake?
Yes! Costco makes a wide range of custom cakes. For example, a half sheet cake starts at $20.00 and serves 48 people. In addition, online ordering is available, and some cakes only take 24-48 hours to complete.
Costco also has a wide range of assorted desserts and candies for a fabulous sweet treat bar presentation for your wedding.
Story Time Wedding
A bride I worked with about seven years ago asked that my team serve warm individual mini apple pies with vanilla ice cream to her 125 guests. This bride also requested that all the pies be served in under 5 minutes so she could explain to her guests the significance of serving apple pie ala mode.
Before each guest indulged in the delicious dessert, the bride told her guests a story. The story was about how her late mother made apple pie for the family, and the bride used to help her mother in the kitchen by peeling the apples. This was a family tradition that had been past down for decades between mother and child.
So it was essential to the bride that apple pie ala mode be incorporated on her wedding day to honor the memory of her late mother. As you can imagine, a team of five banquet staffers and I scrambled to execute this task flawlessly…or at least we tried. The last thing anyone wanted to do was disappoint the bride on her wedding day.
We managed to pull off the feat like pros, but on the inside, we felt like Lucy and Ethel did working the assembly line.
*** Read my article on Late Night Wedding Snacks: 29 Sweet & Savory Ideas ***
Conclusion
Whatever sweet treats you decide to offer at your wedding, remember to have fun and be creative without breaking your budget. Pssst, it’s always a nice gesture to provide a vegan dessert option too.
~ Happy planning and enjoy your wedding day steps ~