How to Save Money on Your Vow Renewal Cake

Q. How can we save money on our vow renewal cake?

A. Planning your vow renewal should be an exciting experience, but costs can quickly add up—especially when it comes to the cake. With custom cakes often costing upwards of $500, finding ways to save without sacrificing style or taste can be a game-changer. Luckily, there are plenty of creative, budget-friendly options available.

Here are our best tips and fresh ideas to help you save money on your vow renewal cake without compromising on quality or presentation.

1. Opt for a Small Display Cake and Sheet Cakes

Instead of paying for a massive tiered cake to serve all your guests, consider a small, beautifully decorated display cake for the ceremonial cake-cutting and photos. You can then serve your guests from simple, less expensive sheet cakes stored in the kitchen.

• Additional Tip: You can have the sheet cake decorated with the same flavor and frosting as the display cake, ensuring consistency while saving a significant amount of money. No one will even notice the difference!

2. Try a Faux Cake for Display

If you’re dead-set on the look of an elaborate, multi-tiered cake but want to avoid the high cost, consider a faux (dummy) cake for display. These cakes are made from foam and can be decorated with real frosting or fondant to look identical to a traditional cake.

• Why it works: You’ll get stunning cake photos without the cost of an entirely edible cake. Serve guests from sheet cakes in the back, and they’ll be none the wiser.

3. Simplify the Shape and Design

Fancy shapes and intricate designs can add a hefty price tag to your cake. Sticking to a classic round or square cake design is much simpler for bakers, and therefore more affordable.

• Extra Savings Tip: Minimalist designs, such as smooth buttercream or simple frosting swirls, are not only trendy but also reduce labor costs. Instead of adding expensive edible decorations, opt for fresh or silk flowers to keep costs low while maintaining elegance.

4. Explore Alternative Sweet Treats Instead of Cake

Who says you need a traditional cake at all? For a modern twist, consider serving other types of desserts:

• Cupcake towers: Arrange cupcakes in a tiered stand for a fun, easy-to-serve dessert that looks as grand as a cake.
• Donut towers: Create a donut cake tower with glazed or frosted donuts stacked high for a trendy, playful option.
• Cookie trays: Serve a variety of freshly baked cookies, presented in beautiful trays or jars, for a personalized and cost-effective alternative.
• Pro Tip: Create a dessert bar featuring a mix of smaller desserts like mini pies, brownies, or macarons. Guests can choose their favorites, and it offers variety without the hefty price tag of a large cake.

5. Go for a “Naked” Cake

A naked cake—where the sides of the cake are left partially or completely unfrosted—has become a popular wedding trend in recent years. Not only do naked cakes look elegant with their rustic, minimalist charm, but they also require less frosting and labor, which can reduce costs.

• Bonus: A naked cake can be decorated with fresh fruit, herbs, or flowers for a natural, beautiful touch without the expense of intricate frosting work.

6. Serve a Sheet Cake Directly

If simplicity is your goal, skip the display cake entirely and serve sheet cakes directly to guests. Sheet cakes are inexpensive to make and can still be delicious with creative flavor combinations. You can even have a variety of flavors to satisfy different palates.

• Flavor Tip: Experiment with simple but tasty flavors like vanilla buttercream with raspberry filling, chocolate ganache, or a classic lemon pound cake. These choices are affordable and crowd-pleasers.

7. DIY Your Cake or Enlist a Talented Friend

If you or someone in your family has a passion for baking, making your own cake can add a personal touch while drastically cutting costs. Alternatively, consider asking a close friend or relative who loves baking to make the cake as their contribution to your special day.

• Pro Tip: You can opt for a DIY cake-making kit, where all the ingredients and instructions are pre-packaged for you. It’s a great way to keep the cost low while still enjoying a homemade touch.

8. Choose a “Single-Tier” Cake for Smaller Groups

If you’re hosting an intimate vow renewal, a single-tier cake might be all you need. Single-tier cakes can be just as beautifully decorated as larger cakes and offer enough servings for smaller groups without the expense of multi-tiered designs.

• Extra Idea: Instead of a tall cake, opt for multiple single-tier cakes in different flavors or designs, arranged on different heights. This approach offers variety while keeping the cost-per-cake low.

9. Skip Cake Toppers and Use Personalized Elements

Instead of investing in expensive cake toppers, use personalized elements that can serve a dual purpose. For instance, decorate your cake with a custom monogram or your wedding date made from wood or acrylic. These toppers can be reused as home decor or keepsakes, making them cost-effective and meaningful.

• Extra Detail: Fresh greenery, berries, or seasonal fruits can also add color and elegance without the need for elaborate (and expensive) edible decorations.

Final Tips for Saving on Your Vow Renewal Cake

• Book Early: Booking your baker in advance can often help lock in lower rates before any potential price hikes occur.
• Go Local: Look for small, local bakeries instead of high-end, popular cake designers. You can often get a great product at a much more reasonable price.
• Consider a Cake Alternative: Depending on your venue, you may even have the option to skip a traditional cake altogether and serve a different type of dessert, like an ice cream bar or crepe station.

With these creative and practical tips, you can save money on your vow renewal cake while still providing a delicious and memorable treat for you and your guests.