ST YLE
do I have to have a wedding cake? Technically no, but we think the tradition is definitely worth keeping. If you decide to forgo a cake, offer your guests some other kind of sweet treat, be it a plated dessert or passed chocolates. If you’re skipping the cake solely to save money, consider scaling back instead. Keep your add-ons and decoration requests simple— the less ornate the design, the less time-consuming (and costly) to make. Avoid exotic fillings, such as fresh guava, and instead order classic flavors that can easily be sourced. If you still need to come down on price, ask your baker about having two cakes. Order a small one- or a two-tier confection you can cut, then supplement with a sheet cake in the kitchen.
Sort of—the cost of a bowl of buttercream is less expensive than rolled fondant. But generally speaking, labor is a big indicator of the price of your cake, no matter what kind of frosting you choose. If you’re asking for a super-detailed design, like a smooth finish with several sugar flower clusters and a patterned motif, plan to pay for the baker’s time. Same goes for shapes—a twisty, stacked style could take up to three days to create and frost. For a less costly option, try a simple design and add a dramatic cake topper or fresh blooms. Besides being a showpiece, your cake should also be delicious. Choose the frosting that tastes best or allows your baker to design your dream cake. >>
144
K
is buttercream less expensive than fondant?
how much cake you’ll need Not sure how many slices are in each tier? Use this cheat sheet.
300 guests
200 guests
150 guests
100 guests
6-TIER,
5-TIER,
4-TIER,
3-TIER,
3-TIER,
20-INCH-WIDE
16-INCH-WIDE
14-INCH-WIDE
11-INCH-WIDE
9-INCH-WIDE
CAKE
CAKE
CAKE
CAKE
CAKE
CATKRSS17 Sect 09 (129-144) [P].indd 144
50 guests
PROP ST YLING: BRIAN HEISER
n+s
10/25/16 9:42 AM