I like to choose my blog topic on something I have recently discussed with a client, so this money saving tip is about dessert! 

Wedding cake is more expensive than cake for any other occasion, because more prep and planning goes into it. A wedding cake can have more layers in each tier for height, the head cake decorator would usually be the only one to make them in a bakery, the delivery and set up of a wedding cake is much more complex as it is fragile to move and there is usually a fresh flower application onsite - the flower placement can make or break the look of a cake. 

There are many options - lets go through some:

• Cake for all! If you have arranged for cake slices to be placed at all guests place settings for dessert, then you 100% need at least a slice per guest.

• Cake for all… But, self-service. If you place all your cake slices on the dessert table for guests to take a plate if they want dessert, some guests will not take a slice. So, choose your tier dimensions based on your actual guest count - you will not need extra. You will have slices left over. 

• Cake and dessert bar - if you have arranged another dessert item, then you add that to your dessert count. If you have another dessert that covers half your guest count - then you only need cake for the remainder. 

• Cutting Cake only - You only want a cake for photo purposes, and it will not be served to guests. You can order whatever size you want.

Now, the BIG money saving tip! I have had so many couples that do not need the cake as a dessert item, but want the display for a beautiful cake cutting moment. You can still order your big 3, 4 or 5 tier cake with all the piping, gold leaf and design of your dreams - but only the bottom tier that you will be cutting into for the photograph is REAL cake.

The other tiers will be dummy cake (styrofoam). Which is a cake decorators dream as they aren’t working with delicate sponge cake and buttercream, it is more stable in transit, and the cost is reduced massively! 

So if cake for dessert isn’t necessary - still order the cake of your dreams, put it on a cake stand proud with all the florals and décor you want, cut into the cake and smile even bigger for the photographer knowing you got exactly the look you wanted… while only paying half the price!