Why are wedding cakes so expensive?

Question

I am currently planning my wedding, while shopping for a wedding cake I have been quoted up too $6.00 a slice making my cake cost more than $800 and up to $1200.00 after all the fees they charge. I can make a cake but I can't decorate it, and making a cake does not cost near these prices. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

This simple answer is because they can. As another poster mentioned there is the expectation by brides that everything in a wedding will be expensive so why should the cake be any different ? Here's why
I'm not a professional baker or a cake decorator but I did take 4 semesters of baking at a reputable culinary school. One of those semesters focused on wedding cakes.
Here's what I know; If I had God - given pastry chef skills I would be able to efficiently make wedding cakes ever day of the year. The fact that somebody has not developed enough skill to make them in a timely manner is no reason for you to pay for their deficiency of either talent or technique.
The fact of the matter is that most people who do wedding cakes do it as a quasi - occupation and never do actually develop pro speed. So they put a lot of actual hours into it and you get to pay for their inefficiency .How nice

Answer 2

I don't know where you live, but you can honestly get a good wedding cake from a grocery store believe it or not. If there is one near you, go to either a Mars or Giant. They have cakes around $100-300 and most are just as pretty as the ones you get from those expensive boutiques. Otherwise, I suggest that you go to Wilton.com and check out their cake decorating supplies. They sell books, kits, stencils for cakes, etc. Also, if you live near an A.C. Moore or Michael's craft store, you can take cake decorating lessons for under $100 and learn really nice techniques that will last you past your wedding. (keep in mind that making your own cake may sound like a good idea right now, but do you REALLY want that added stress right before your big day? I strongly suggest the grocery store idea.. ask to see their books-they usually delivery also for a small fee)

Answer 3

Have YOU ever tried to bake and decorate a wedding cake? The recipie, the supporting towers, the flowers (if there are any) on the cake, ect...all costs money.
A lot of the frosting, piping, support towers (the rods that go into the cake to support the tiers) you have to get through specicialty wedding cake companies, and because it's specialty equipment, you're going to pay a higher price for it.
Decorating a wedding cake is extremely frustrating. If you screw up in the slightest little bit, (unless it's a simple frosting mistake) you've screwed up the whole cake and you have to start over. You have to make sure all the levels are equal, and flat. You have to make sure the icing doesn't pick up any broken pieces of cake as you're icing it. You have to make sure it is supporting properly, not to mention the transport of the cake to the reception area. That's frustrating in itself too.
This is why wedding cakes are so expensive.

Answer 4

You can make the cake yourself. What you are paying for is the professional services of the baker. Check with your friends and see if they know of a person that does it on the "side". Your budget doesn't have to be used up buy the wedding cake. The cupcake tower sounds like a great idea. Check the local stores for ideas.
There is no set rule about having to buy an expensive cake. Many people at the wedding do not eat the cake anyways. It is your wedding you decide what to spend not the cake makers.
Good luck.

Answer 5

A wedding cake differs from a regular everyday cake in many ways, not just the decoration.

Making a wedding cake is a true craft, and decorating them is an art. A disposable "art," but art nonetheless.

Prices have been adjusted accordingly.

But congrats on the engagement!
(And if you want cheaper, check with a local culinary school. Local being about a 80 mile radius, when talking about cake transport.)

Answer 6

Because people who are planning weddings and already expending so much money don't mind incurring the costs, for the most part. However, I know many people that are bakers or what have you that so wedding cakes on the side, that are every bit as nice as one done by a mainstream place, for about $300 for a 100 person cake. Just ask around your area and see if you can find a reputable person.

Answer 7

Check at Sam's Club to see about making you a wedding cake. Or a culinary art school near your home. Do a taste test before your order from anywhere.

Answer 8

people with enough skill to decorate a cake that is that special, unique and beautiful have studied and practiced long and hard. Cake decorating is not simple! You pay for what you get. If you want something no one will forget you are gonna pay! Maybe someone you know is that good and you can bargain in trade for something that friend cant do her/himself!

Answer 9

Why are they so expensive??? Because they can!!! Bakers know you want one and they'll fill your needs but it'll cost you through the nose!!

I got my cake for $1.00 from a lady who makes them out of her house. I'd ask friends who've been married previously and see what you get from them. Don't settle. Cake is cake and for the most part, the guests don't even eat it! It's for pictures really.

Answer 10

If money is a problem, then maybe a wedding cake is not the best idea. I went to a wedding once, and they used cheesecakes. They aren't as expensive, and you can get some real pretty ones.