DIY weddings have been a prominent trend for several years and are showing no signs of diminishing. Last year, the average wedding in the U.S. cost over $35,000, prompting many brides and grooms to take on various wedding tasks themselves. For some couples, this involves creating their own flower arrangements or designing invitations, though it rarely includes baking the cake.
On the surface, making a DIY wedding cake seems like a sensible solution to the expensive cake dilemma that many couples encounter. The price for this essential dessert varies by state but averaged around $466 in 2014, and costs have only risen since then. Thus, budget-conscious couples planning intimate weddings might view this as an opportunity to cut costs.
However, the reality of this cake-making endeavor can be quite challenging. Firstly, a standard DIY cake typically serves only 30 guests. Given that the average wedding hosts about 120 guests, couples would need to bake and purchase four of these kits. This totals $756 and requires about 24 hours in the kitchen, making it more expensive to bake at home than to buy a ready-made cake. If couples truly wish to bake their own cake, they could purchase ingredients at the grocery store for a fraction of the cost of the kits.
Moreover, cakes are typically fresh for only one to two days, meaning the couple would have to wait until the last moment to spend those hours in the kitchen. Anyone who has planned a wedding knows that the days leading up to the ceremony are already hectic and stressful—adding baking to the mix can be overwhelming.
Additionally, decoration, delivery, and presentation can introduce further complications. While online tutorials provide helpful decorating guidance, there’s no assurance that the cake will turn out looking like the images. There’s also the logistical challenge of transporting the cake to the venue and setting it up.
Meal kits like Chef’d are gaining traction among consumers seeking convenience, but this may prove to be a step too far for couples hoping to save money by baking their own cake. Handling an elaborate wedding cake is anything but convenient. Interestingly, Chef’d’s wedding cake kit sold out within a week of its launch, but it remains to be seen whether it will maintain its popularity.
In conclusion, while DIY weddings and homemade cakes might seem appealing, couples should weigh the potential stress and costs involved. Even with the allure of saving money, navigating the complexities of cake-making can be more daunting than anticipated—especially when they could be focused on other aspects of their special day. Additionally, couples should remain mindful of their overall health, as managing stress effectively is vital, not just for their wedding day but also for long-term well-being, including considerations like calcium citrate and its impact on kidney health.