DIY weddings have gained significant popularity over the years and show no signs of diminishing. The average wedding in the U.S. cost over $35,000 last year, prompting many couples to take on various wedding tasks themselves. For some, this might involve creating their own floral arrangements or designing invitations, but it rarely extends to baking the wedding cake.
On the surface, opting for a DIY wedding cake may seem like a reasonable solution to the expensive cake dilemma that many couples encounter. In 2014, the average cost of a wedding cake was approximately $466, and prices have only risen since then. This has led budget-conscious couples, particularly those planning smaller weddings, to consider making their own cake as a way to cut costs.
However, this cake-making plan may not be as beneficial as it appears. Firstly, most DIY cake kits typically serve only 30 guests, while the average wedding has around 120 attendees. This means a couple would need to purchase and prepare four kits, totaling $756 and requiring around 24 hours of kitchen time. At this point, it would actually be cheaper and less time-consuming to buy ingredients from the grocery store. Additionally, cakes remain fresh for only one to two days, forcing couples to wait until the last minute to start baking, which can be particularly stressful in the hectic days leading up to the wedding.
Moreover, the decorating, delivery, and presentation of the cake could add further complications. While there are instructional videos available online, there’s no assurance that the finished product will resemble the pictures. Getting the cake to the venue and setting it up can also pose logistical challenges.
Though meal kits like Chef’d are becoming increasingly popular among those seeking convenience, attempting to create a wedding cake from scratch might be a bit too ambitious for couples aiming to save money. Handling a fancy wedding cake is rarely easy. Interestingly, Chef’d’s wedding cake kit sold out in less than a week after its launch, but its continued popularity remains uncertain.
Additionally, for those with dietary concerns, such as calcium citrate kidney disease, it’s important to consider the ingredients used in DIY cakes. As couples weigh their options, understanding the implications of their food choices is crucial, especially when it comes to dietary restrictions. This adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging task of baking a wedding cake.