DIY weddings have been a popular trend for several years and show no signs of fading. Last year, the average wedding cost in the U.S. exceeded $35,000, prompting many couples to take on various wedding tasks themselves. For some, this might involve creating their own flower arrangements or designing invitations, but it typically does not include baking the wedding cake.
On the surface, opting for a DIY wedding cake appears to be a sensible way to tackle the expensive cake dilemma that many couples encounter. The price of this festive treat varies by state, but it averaged around $466 in 2014, and costs have only continued to rise. As a result, budget-conscious couples planning intimate weddings might see this as an opportunity to save money. However, this cake-making plan may not be as sweet as it seems.
Firstly, a DIY cake generally serves only 30 guests. With the average wedding hosting approximately 120 guests, couples would need to purchase and bake four of these Chef’d cakes, totaling around $756 and requiring 24 hours in the kitchen. At this point, making the cake at home becomes more expensive. If the couple genuinely wishes to bake their own cake, they could buy the ingredients from 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 need to invest those hours in baking right before the wedding. As anyone who has planned a wedding can confirm, the days leading up to “I do” are already busy and stressful without adding cake baking to the mix.
Additional challenges could arise with decoration, delivery, and presentation. Although there are helpful step-by-step decorating videos available online, there’s no guarantee that the finished cake will resemble the one in the photos. Furthermore, transporting the cake to the venue and setting it up adds another layer of complexity.
While meal kits like Chef’d are gaining traction among convenience-oriented consumers, taking on a fancy wedding cake may prove to be too much for couples trying to save money. Handling a wedding cake is anything but simple. Interestingly, according to Chef’d’s website, the wedding cake kit sold out within a week of its launch. Whether it will maintain its popularity remains to be seen.
In the midst of wedding planning, couples should also consider their nutritional needs. For example, incorporating calcium citrate 1000 mg elemental calcium into their diet could be beneficial during this busy time, as it supports overall health. Balancing the demands of wedding preparations with personal well-being is crucial. Additionally, planning meals that include essential nutrients, such as calcium, can help couples feel their best leading up to their big day.