Post # 1
Member
514 posts
Busy bee
I know this is totally my “fault” and I’m trying not to be totally bridezilla about it, but a friend of mine who is a hobbyist cake maker had offered (asked?) to make our wedding cake a long long long time ago when we first starrted talking about getting married. Originally, we were planning to have our party in the spring (which is still a possibility), but now we are thinking of pushing it into June so that we have a bit more time to plan. It all really depends on the availability of our vendors. We’re pretty flexible and open.
I have checked in with her periodically to ensure that she’s still interested, and the answer has been consistently yes. I checked with her today, and she shared that if it is in May or June she likely won’t be able to do it, as she’s got a lot going on (family birthdays, anniversarys, he own birthday and possibly a trip, etc.).
I totally get it. She’s offering to do it for at least a very reduced cost, if not free, and she can’t really devote time to doing it when she’s got so much other stuff going on, and can’t commit the time to us.
I’m sad, though, because I was scoping out NYC cake makers on the NYMag wedding guide, and they run around $8-10 per serving… We’ve got a 125 person guest list (minimum), so we’re looking at around $1000 for a cake?
I’m thinking about begging her to make a small cake for cutting, (or paying for a tiny one from one of the other cake makers), and getting a sheet cake from somewhere CHEAP (like Costco) — we’re trying to stay on budget, haha, impossible?
Ideas? Input? Advice?
Post # 3
Member
551 posts
Busy bee
Bummer, at least she is giving you good notice though! your local grocery store might have some good options, ours did. we ended up going with a lady I found online, no store front =$ cost savings for us! we are also doing cupcakes to reduce costs. I have heard of others doing the fake cake or a smaller pretty cake for cutting and sheet cakes for the rest, in the back. You might check out sams or costco too.
Post # 4
Member
1966 posts
Buzzing bee
I am a hobbyist cake maker (a pretty good one :)). And my best advice is if she can’t do it try searching smaller bakeries. Mom and pop shops tend to charge less. The magazine is on point with big name bakeries. They charge a hefty price. I would stick to the basics a buttercream cake. Fondant is much more expensive. No sugar flowers they will cost an arm & a leg! You can always opt for a small 6in cake for cutting and pretty cupcakes to match. Or even a small 2 tier cake and a half sheet to cut from the market. You can totally stay on budget.
Post # 5
Member
514 posts
Busy bee
@babbot:
@MsSparklyBee:
Thanks ladies.
The cake that I wanted was going to be small and simple anyway (we hadn’t even gotten that far in discussing what we were going for), so I think having it made won’t end up being too too expensive… Don’t get me wrong, I love fancy fondant cakes with sugar flowers and lots of flair, but I love things that are cute and small and sweet more. 🙂
Post # 6
Member
1966 posts
Buzzing bee
@multinational: That’s pretty cske. I don’t think you’ll have any problems staying on budget.
Post # 7
Member
2497 posts
Buzzing bee
@multinational: I agree with PP that you should try to go with a mom and pop shop. And also, given the basic design of your cake, you might be able to save a little bit of money by NOT mentioning that the cake is for your wedding. From what I’ve heard, bakeries will mark up the cost of cakes made specifically for weddings.
P.S. Love that cake! I’m pretty sure I pinned it to one of my Pinterest boards. 🙂
Post # 9
Member
1917 posts
Buzzing bee
I’ve seen some brides order several cakes and place them on cake stands. It’s definitely a cheaper option and then you can have several different flavors. I know my favorite bakery in NYC, Buttercup Bakeshop sells cakes that serve like 12-15 people for $40 each. That would run you about $400-500.
Post # 10
Member
595 posts
Busy bee
have you thought about making it yourself? myself and Fiance will be making and decorationg our own.
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