As a wedding photographer in Houston, Texas, I get to witness some of the most beautiful and memorable moments of a wedding day. One of my personal favorites? The cake cutting! Not just because it makes for fantastic photos—but because, let’s be honest, we love cake!
That said, I often hear couples debating whether they should opt for a sheet cake instead of a traditional wedding cake to save money. But does this really cut costs? Let’s break it down.
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Luxury Wedding Cakes in Houston, Texas
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of Houston’s top luxury wedding cake designers, including Ann Neal of Kakes Xcetera and Nadine Guajardo Moon of Who Made the Cake. These talented professionals create stunning, custom wedding cakes that not only look incredible but taste amazing, too.
There’s a common misconception that ordering a sheet cake instead of a traditional wedding cake will save money. A fellow cake designer, Natalie Bryn of Cake Envy in Georgia, perfectly explained why this isn’t necessarily true, and even renowned designers like Timbo Sullivan of Cakes by Timbo agree!
Sheet Cake vs. Wedding Cake – What’s the Difference?
Let’s talk about sheet cakes and how they differ from traditional wedding cakes. Many couples assume that getting a faux display cake along with a sheet cake will cut costs, but here’s why that’s not always the case.
What is a Sheet Cake?
A sheet cake is a one-layer cake with no filling, typically found at grocery stores like H-E-B, Kroger, or Sam’s Club here in Houston. Think of the birthday cakes from elementary school—it’s the same idea.
What is a Kitchen Cake?
On the other hand, wedding cake designers make what’s called a “kitchen cake.” These are two-layer cakes with filling, just like the wedding cake itself. When sliced, there’s no way to tell whether a piece came from the kitchen cake or the wedding cake on display—it’s the same height, same flavor, same everything!
Does a Faux Cake + Kitchen Cake Save Money?
Many couples ask for a faux wedding cake for display while serving a kitchen cake from the back to guests. While this sounds like a cost-saving trick, here’s the reality:
- The baker still has to bake, fill, and frost a cake large enough to serve all your guests.
- The faux cake still requires intricate design work, meaning just as much labor goes into it.
- There’s still the cost of delivery, setup, and decoration.
So, while having a display cake that stays intact throughout the reception is a great idea for aesthetic reasons, it is not a budget-friendly solution.
Should You DIY Your Wedding Cake?
Some budget-conscious couples consider making their own cake or ordering from a grocery store instead of hiring a professional wedding cake designer in Houston. While this is always an option, here’s why working with an experienced cake designer is worth the investment:
- Custom cakes are designed to fit your wedding theme, color scheme, and style.
- Professional cake designers use high-quality ingredients and expert techniques for a perfect taste and texture.
- The cake is an important part of your wedding photography—it’s featured in cake-cutting photos, detail shots, and reception images. A well-designed cake enhances your wedding album!
Final Thoughts: Choose What Works for You
At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to your wedding cake. Whether you go for a traditional multi-tiered cake, a faux cake with kitchen cakes, or even a sheet cake, the most important thing is that it fits your vision and budget.
However, if you’re considering the faux cake + kitchen cake option purely to save money, just know that it may not be the money-saving hack it’s often made out to be.
As a wedding photographer in Houston, I love capturing all the stunning details of your big day—including that beautiful cake. So, whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’ll love seeing in your wedding photos for years to come!
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Houston, Texas? Let’s Talk!
Your wedding day deserves to be captured beautifully—from the first look to the last dance, and yes, even that perfect cake-cutting moment! If you’re looking for a Houston wedding photographer who will document your love story with stunning, timeless images, I’d love to chat.
Call me at 713-409-9079
Email me at nathan@ialphoto.com
Visit my contact page here: Contact
Let’s create memories that will last a lifetime!