Are you looking for ways to save money on wedding cake pricing from bakeries? Leslie Pippin is the owner of Classic Cakes in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been creating cakes for Nashville weddings and other celebrations for 30 years and was named among the “Couple’s Choice Awards” from WeddingWire in 2015 (meaning she’s in the top 5% of pros nationwide). She not only has the inside information you can use to approach your local baker, but she’s also in the process of helping her daughter plan a wedding and has gained a new appreciation for resources that help couples save money on their big day! She shares her tips with CheapWaysTo… in this Q&A.
“One thing I’ve started to do is offer a $50.00 discount for anyone booking a cake that doesn’t need a tasting or design session.”
CWT: How does pricing work when ordering a wedding cake?
LP: Most bakeries/bakers START with a fixed price….some as much as $6.00 per serving. Some will start with $3.25 – $3.50 per serving, then charge more for add-ons like the decorations, flowers, fondant, etc. Brides really need to watch for these hidden charges.
What do you charge?
As far as cakes are concerned, I start at $4.50 per serving. This is for buttercream icing (not fondant) and any basic flavor of cake they want. I also GIVE them their top tier of cake for their anniversary, along with a box in which to store. One thing I’ve started to do is offer a $50.00 discount for anyone booking a cake that doesn’t need a tasting or design session. Since I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, I’ve developed a good referral base anyway.
Some brides have asked me for a smaller cake, with sheet cakes for cutting in the back. I don’t usually do that, because it looks like they got them at Kroger. I offer paves (two-layered cakes) that look just like the wedding cake, only no fancy decorations. That way, they look like a part of the wedding cake and no one gets their feelings hurt by getting served a “Kroger” cake. These non-decorated cakes will cost more than the Kroger cake, but a little less than the decorated wedding cake.
“I offer paves (two-layered cakes) that look just like the wedding cake, only no fancy decorations.”
What are some other ways couples can save money as they’re planning their wedding?
On the other things surrounding wedding costs, I’ve found that shopping for things over the internet is always less expensive. You can usually get things without paying tax OR delivery charges. There are also ways to save on the rentals for weddings. I’ve compared pricing for plates, utensils, glasses, linens, etc. Linens can be found online at a fraction of the cost. Glass ware (vases, etc.) can be found on Craigslist.
“I’ve found that shopping for things over the internet is always less expensive. You can usually get things without paying tax OR delivery charges…Linens can be found online at a fraction of the cost.”
There are many ways to save on wedding costs. You just have to be vigilant and patient enough to do the homework. That said, most brides have certain things they’re willing to skimp on, and others that they’re not. They have to decide which things are most important to them.
You can connect with Leslie through her website or Facebook page. Here are a few of her creations … enjoy!
These are examples of cakes she’s made on a budget of $4.50/slice.
