Why do bakers charge per serving. Why cant i just buy a cake for a set price rather than based on the number of people that will be attending my wedding. Is there a reason behind it?
2006-10-10 08:44:33 · 17 answers · asked by Andy's Girl 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Charging by serving lets the baker know how big to make the cake. You don't want to buy a cake that is too small or too big, which you'd probably do if they didn't custom make the cakes based on your guest list.
2006-10-10 09:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they cater the cake to the number of people they are feeding. For example, I am feeding 175 people which equals out to a large 3 tier cake or a small 4 tier cake, however, i want a 5 tier cake (5 wedding colors) so they are making me a fake layer but only charging me for the original 4 tier cake. If you don't want to pay per serving get an elaborate 1 - 2 tier cake, cut it with your husband, and then take it back to the kitchen to slice and plate it. In the kitchen have a sheet cake (much cheaper) to serve a majority of the guest. As long as they are the same flavor and icing color no one will know. This is actually what a lot of people do. Congrats!
2006-10-10 15:10:47 · answer #2 · answered by happygirlkriss 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It IS a bit weird, but most bakers are charging by the cake itself.... They just determine the average cost of everything -- from supplies and time and decorating -- and then narrow it down to the cost by slice. (Then they can still add on any costs for extra details or special requests.) You could try Publix or another grocery store with a good bakery. Maybe they charge "by the cake!" One key: don't tell a traditional baker how many people are attending your wedding. Guess a bit lower... since the slices they are imagining are pretty big... and since some of your guests won't eat cake at all! (So, if you're inviting 300 people, probably 200 will attend,;and of those 200, perhaps only 150 will eat cake.)
2006-10-10 09:12:27 · answer #3 · answered by bethiswriting 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The price is based upon the size of the cake which is based upon the number of people attending. How else would they know how much cake to prepare? You certainly wouldn't want too little cake.
If you don't like the way bakers charge (and it can get very expensive), why not have someone who bakes cakes make it for you. I have seen cakes prepared by laypeople be quite pretty and tasty. Or you could opt for a small wedding cake and have a large variety sweet table.
2006-10-10 08:53:59 · answer #4 · answered by Apple21 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We price per piece to make sure that you get enough to feed all that you say will be attending your reception.
Wouldn't be a good thing if you came to me and ordered a cake for 100 people than had 200 or 50 show up would it? So pay by the piece and you are more accurate as is the baker. We will provide you with the number of pieces you ordered as well as a few extras.
2006-10-10 08:47:28 · answer #5 · answered by kimmi_35 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never heard of this - must just be the area you are in. Where I live you can buy the sizes of cakes you want and they can give you an approximate idea of how many people the cakes will serve. But each cake has a separate price depending on what kind and how decorated, etc.
2006-10-10 10:29:20 · answer #6 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So, they get more money. Everything in this world is about money! This way they are sure that they get there money, and that is the way. Plus, you call in and you say you have 200 guest coming and you need a cake for 250 just in case people want extra then they are going to charge you for that many people. If they just charge per cake then you might end up paying for a cake that is really for 300 people.
2006-10-10 09:05:49 · answer #7 · answered by glitter3317 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine is charge per person because the cater does it that way but I know she does simple cakes for a flat fee but they normally come out the same- $300 cake serves 100 people equals $3.00 per person. Any formal type of cake is going to cost you a few hundred unless you have a friend or family member make it and it won't be as nice.
There is a lot of labor involved in making a fancy or formal wedding cake. And if your getting fillings or fancy flowers... it adds up.
2006-10-10 09:05:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking to save money this is an option that I have seen and works well. Have a "fake cake" decorated the way you want and SERVE a sheet cake. This tends to be a lot cheaper. Most of what you pay for in a cake is craftsmanship. Just like an artist charges based on finished product not the cost of his brushes and canvas and paint. Sheet cakes are much less time consuming and serve the purpose of serving dessert just fine. If it is the look you are going for have styrofoam or cardbaord decorated to look just like a cake instead. It happens more often than you realize.
2006-10-10 09:02:57 · answer #9 · answered by Sarah J 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I charge for the cake itself, not per serving, but obviously the more people it's going to feed the more expensive it will be as the cake would need to be bigger. In response to the poster who said cake decorators simply want to make lots of $$ - I make a paltry hourly amount - each cake takes many days, sometimes weeks to make, if I work out my hourly rate I get paid less than the minimum wage. You're paying for someone with specialist design and craft skills to make a one-off for you - that's going to be more expensive that buying a few sheet cakes and sticking some roses on them.
2006-10-13 21:02:08 · answer #10 · answered by emma@emmascakes.co.uk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋