Are Cupcakes Replacing Wedding Cakes? Pros and Cons (2024)

Margaret Minnicks has been an online writer for many years. She writes articles that are interesting to her readers.

Are Cupcakes Replacing Wedding Cakes? Pros and Cons (1)

Wedding cakes have been served at wedding receptions over the years. In modern Western culture, the cake is usually on display during most of the reception. After the bride and groom cut the wedding cake, guests are served. The newlyweds save the top layer of the cake. They take it home, put it in the freezer, and on their first anniversary, they eat it for good luck.

Traditionally, wedding cakes were made to bring good luck to the couple and to all the guests at the reception. Sometimes, the tall wedding cake is just the centerpiece at the reception, and it is not always even served to the guests. Some cakes are built with only a single edible tier for the bride and groom to share.

For centuries, the wedding cake has been the favorite dessert at most wedding receptions. Today, some brides and grooms are choosing wedding cupcakes over the three-, four-, or five-tier cake.

Traditional Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the number of guests the cake will serve. The wedding cake was originally a luxury item and a sign of celebration and social status. The bigger the cake, the higher the social standing. Cutting the cake was an important part of the reception. Today, many flavors and configurations are available in addition to the traditional all-white tiered cake.

Are Cupcakes Replacing Wedding Cakes? Pros and Cons (2)

Why Are Cupcakes Becoming Popular at Weddings?

Cupcakes are becoming a big hit at weddings these days. The bride and groom have a better chance of expressing themselves. They no longer have to settle on the same style and flavor. They can express their own personality and creativity through a variety of cupcakes.

A professional doesn't have to bake and decorate the cupcakes. Therefore, the couple might save some money by choosing wedding cupcakes over the traditional wedding cake.

Pros for Choosing Cupcakes

  • Less expensive: Cupcakes can be less expensive than the traditional wedding cake.
  • More variety: Wedding cakes are typically one flavor. A wide variety of cupcakes can be available so there’s something for everyone. Guests will have fun choosing their favorites. Their selections could become a real conversational subject among guests at the table.
  • Decorative: The display of cupcakes on the cupcake tree can become part of the decorations at the reception. Since cutting the cake is an important part of the reception, a small cake can be placed on top of the cupcake tree for the bride and groom to cut.
  • No cake servers needed: Since guests can pick up their own cupcake, the couple will save money by not having wedding cake servers. After all, cupcakes don't need to be cut and plated.

Cons for Choosing Cupcakes

Cupcakes are growing in popularity, but they aren't the best choice for every bride and groom.

  • A cake can serve more guests: Traditional cakes tend to serve more people than cupcakes. For a large wedding reception, having cupcakes may not be a good choice. For instance, if you start running low with a cake, you can always cut thinner slices. However, this isn't an option if you run low on cupcakes. You will need to have plenty of cupcakes on hand.
  • You may end up with many leftover cupcakes: If you order too many, you might have a lot of cupcakes left over. Of course, this might not be a problem after all. Small boxes could be filled with cupcakes and given to guests as they leave the reception. However, make sure everyone has been served before giving boxes of cupcakes away.
  • The expense may not be less, after all: Before you invest in a lot of cupcakes, compare the price to determine if buying all those cupcakes is really less expensive than a traditional wedding cake. You may find that by the time you add in the cupcake liners, decorations, cake stand or tree rental, and other incidentals, that cupcakes might be more expensive than the wedding cake.
Are Cupcakes Replacing Wedding Cakes? Pros and Cons (2024)

FAQs

Are cupcakes good for a wedding? ›

Cupcakes are a great alternative to traditional wedding cakes since the bride and groom don't have to compromise on a single flavour. Cupcakes aren't only for kids; they're also a great way to take your visitors on a journey of flavour by letting them try a variety of cake flavours and fillings.

Are cupcakes more expensive than wedding cake? ›

7. Choose another dessert. Choosing cupcakes, pies, or doughnuts for your wedding can be cheaper than getting a wedding cake. While the actual pricing will depend on your bakery, these items don't require much decorating time, so you'll be saving on labor for your wedding dessert.

What is an alternative to a wedding cake? ›

Wedding Pies. A great alternative if you don't want cake but still wanted a sweet treat you can slice up and divide to your guests. Popular wedding pie options include classic apple pie, sweet pecan pie and berry wedding pies.

Is a wedding cake important? ›

The Cake Symbolizes Prosperity, Good Luck and Fertility

The wedding cake symbolizes prosperity, good luck and fertility and is made of the best ingredients available so that the marriage will be long lasting, happy and with many offspring.

What are disadvantages of cupcakes? ›

Eating too many calories on a daily basis will cause you to gain an unhealthy amount of weight, which increases your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Even worse, cupcakes and frosting contain saturated fat, which raises your cholesterol level and your chances of developing heart disease.

What should you not serve at a wedding? ›

8 Foods NOT to Serve at Your Wedding
  • All meat, all the time. If you're a meat lover, it might be tempting to serve nothing but meat at your reception. ...
  • Food that requires a big to-do. ...
  • Raw food. ...
  • Mini versions of everything. ...
  • An eight-course meal. ...
  • Overly complex dishes. ...
  • Only exotic eats. ...
  • Typical wedding foods.

What's the cheapest option for dessert at a wedding? ›

5 Fun Budget-Friendly Wedding Desserts
  • Dessert Bars (of ANY kind) Guests LOVE having options. ...
  • Ice Cream Carts or Trucks. I love a good ice cream bar, but more often than not, it gets messy and looks unappealing if not done correctly. ...
  • Popsicles. Similar concept to the ice cream, but with gourmet popsicles. ...
  • Cookie Table.
2 Feb 2018

Why are cupcakes better than cake? ›

A heaven-made match for diet conscious people, cupcakes have an average calorie and fat count of 105 and 4 gms respectively, compared to the 245 calories and 14 gms of one cake serving. They are quite literally, the healthier option. Cupcakes are highly instrumental when it comes to surprises.

How many cupcakes should a wedding guest have? ›

How many cupcakes should I get? We recommend one standard-sized cupcake per guest. If you prefer minis, we suggest two to three minis per guest.

Can you skip wedding cake? ›

This tradition continues to morph as the years pass, with many couples opting to skip the cake-in-the-face-smashing. If that part of the cake cutting ceremony doesn't feel like you, it's perfectly okay to skip! We've seen couples simply cut the cake, or skip that moment all together.

Do you need cake for every wedding guest? ›

Remember the 80 percent rule includes enough cake for all your guests between ALL the cakes you'll have, not just the main bride's cake. Are you serving other desserts in addition to cake? If you're planning on having a full dessert table or serving a different dessert with dinner, you'll need much less cake.

What is the most popular type of wedding cake? ›

Vanilla cake has remained the most common cake flavor at weddings since the 1960s, though its popularity has dipped from 48% of couples married in the 1980s surveyed, to just 26% of couples married in the 2010s surveyed. Chocolate and red velvet have each gained popularity over the years.

Do people do wedding cakes anymore? ›

While classic white wedding cakes will always be a gorgeous choice for the occasion, the options for wedding cakes and other treats are ever-expanding. There are stunning designs that have grown even more popular over the past few years, along with clever, new techniques that bakers are excited to offer their couples.

How much does the average person spend on a wedding cake? ›

The average U.S. wedding cake costs around $350, according to Thumbtack, an online service that matches customers with local professionals. On the lower end, couples spend around $125 and on the higher end, they typically spend upward of $700—even over $1,000! —on their wedding cake.

Do people still serve wedding cake? ›

As a wedding tradition (and a favorite celebratory dessert year-round), a slice of cake is a perfect way to end the meal. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from adding a little variety.

What are the benefits of cupcakes? ›

Cupcakes vs Cakes: 5 Top Advantages
  • Easy to eat & to serve. Cupcakes are portable and easy to serve to a big gathering of people. ...
  • Easy to watch your weight. ...
  • Easy to save your money. ...
  • Easy to make your party personalised. ...
  • Easy to please anyone's taste.
10 Sept 2020

Are cupcake bakeries still popular? ›

The cupcake industry is still expected to grow. But the rate has slowed from recent years. The cake decoration store industry is still expected to see 3.7% annual growth in the next five years, according to research firm IBISWorld. But that growth number used to be 4.9%.

What are the weaknesses of a cupcake business? ›

When they are, the margins and profits are potentially high.
  • Staffing Weaknesses of a Bakery. Your employees are the face of the bakery to your customers and employees are one of the many problems encountered in bakery business models. ...
  • Operations and Cleanliness. ...
  • Financial Management Processes. ...
  • Bakery Marketing Challenges.

What is the cheapest food to serve at wedding? ›

A traditional dinner of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables is one of the cheapest food options. And your guests won't mind what they are eating as long as the food is delicious and well presented.

What is the cheapest way to serve food at a wedding? ›

7 Affordable Wedding Food Ideas
  • #1: Order a wedding meal from a local restaurant.
  • #3: Set up do-it-yourself (DIY) food stations for guests.
  • #4: Go big on 'cheese & charcuterie. '
  • #5: Have a potluck wedding.
  • #6: Hire a food truck.
  • #7: Go for pre-made or frozen appetizers.
2 Mar 2021

What is the most common food served at weddings? ›

Traditional American Wedding Menu
  • Classic Shrimp co*cktail. Fresh Lemon & co*cktail Sauce.
  • Hot Artichoke & Red Pepper Dip. 4 Cheeses Dip with Fresh Bread.
  • Deviled Eggs. Dijon, Paprika & Parsley. ...
  • Green Garden Salad. ...
  • Roasted Prime Rib. ...
  • Grilled Chicken Americana. ...
  • Creamy Whipped Potatoes.
  • Sunburst Vegetable Medley.

What is the most popular wedding dessert? ›

Wedding cake may be the most popular wedding dessert—but it's certainly not the only wedding dessert. In fact, according to that same survey, a solid 50% of couples will serve other sweets in addition to cake on their wedding day. So, options abound.

What are the main things for a cheap wedding? ›

Here are ten tips for keeping your wedding affordable.
  • Book During the Week. ...
  • Choose Non-Traditional Venues. ...
  • Shop for Venues That Include Equipment. ...
  • Get Flowers That Are in Season. ...
  • Set Your Wedding Budget Beforehand. ...
  • Buy at the End of Wedding Season. ...
  • Use a Friend as an Officiate. ...
  • Hire a Music Student/Group for Your Music.

How can I save money on wedding desserts? ›

Ask your baker to make a one- or two-tier cake for display and cutting, and supplement with sheet cake in the back to serve the rest of the party. This can actually save you around 20 percent per slice. And have fun with your table.

Should I make a cake or cupcakes? ›

Both can feed many people, but cakes are more suited for a formal setting, while cakes are better for a more informal, laid-back one. You may want to consider the cooking time, along with prepping the sweets. A tray of cupcakes bakes in half the time a cake would, simply because they're smaller. And so on.

Why do people prefer cupcakes? ›

Due to their small, easy to transport nature, cupcakes have long been a great way to cheer people up or brighten any occasion. You won't even need to choose between flavors, anymore. While choosing the right cake to make can be a chore, most cupcake shops will let you mix and match.

What is the target audience for cupcakes? ›

People of all ages enjoy delicious cupcakes, and will therefore be included in the target market. Cupcakes are a low-‐priced item; they are obtainable by nearly anyone, despite varying incomes, again keeping the target market large.

How far in advance can you make cupcakes for a wedding? ›

You can bake cupcakes up to two days ahead; arrange them (unfrosted) on a baking sheet, wrap the whole sheet with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost before serving. To freeze, arrange unfrosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and wrap the whole sheet in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze up to three months.

How do you estimate wedding cupcakes? ›

in lieu of a typical tiered wedding cake, multiply the number of guests expected by 2.5 to determine the number of desserts you'll need.

How long can cupcakes sit out wedding? ›

Cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container.

What percentage of guests eat wedding cake? ›

There are plenty of people who attend a wedding and never take a slice of cake, so you can usually get away with ordering enough cake for 77 to 85 percent of guests. And since your venue and baker may have different ideas about what constitutes a "slice," you may still have more than enough cake to go around.

Are you supposed to eat your wedding cake every year? ›

Traditionally speaking, the top tier of a wedding cake is often saved and preserved to be eaten once again at one of two occasions—your one-year anniversary or your first child's christening (which often was within that first year of marriage).

What is a silent cake cutting? ›

A bride and a groom is cutting their wedding cake. A great alternative is the silent cake cutting, where only you and immediate family members gather around the couple and the cake as your guests continue to dance until the cake has been served at their table.

Who pays for the wedding cake at a wedding? ›

The bride's parents traditionally pay for the wedding cake, along with the rest of the wedding reception costs, but you don't have to follow this historical precedent. Many couples today may choose to pay for their own cake, or the two families may split costs for the cake and other desserts.

How many cakes do I need for 100 guests? ›

Cake Tiers and Serving Sizes

So a classic 3-tier cake with 12, 10, and 8 inch layers serves about 100 people.

Is it rude to leave a wedding before the cake is cut? ›

It's certainly fine to leave before the end of the reception. If at all possible, stay until after the cutting of the cake. Regardless, simply make sure you get some face time with the couple to visit and offer your best wishes. If you've done this, it's not necessary to say goodbye.

What is the most loved cake in the world? ›

Chocolate

Why do wedding cakes have 3 tiers? ›

A traditional wedding cake has three tiers and each tier of a wedding cake has its own significance. Tradition has it that the bottom tier is for eating at the ceremony, the middle tier for distributing after the event, and the top tier was saved.

How do you keep cupcakes fresh for a wedding? ›

Try to store the finished cupcakes in cake boxes or airtight containers. If you want to make them further in advance then we would suggest making the cupcakes up to a month in advance and freezing them.

How much wedding cake do you actually need? ›

Typically, you can estimate the number of servings needed by approximating that 75 to 85 percent of those on your guest list will enjoy a piece of cake.

Do you have to feed each other cake at a wedding? ›

Feeding each other cake – Another customary tradition is the bride and groom feeding each other a small piece of cake. This romantic and sweet gesture symbolises the commitment the couple has made to provide for one another and it is a display of affection and love between the two.

Will refrigerating cupcakes dry them out? ›

Don't Refrigerate Your Cupcakes

Resist the urge to store cupcakes in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life beyond two days. Cupcakes stored in a refrigerator will dry out. In fact, placing cupcakes in the refrigerator speeds crystallization in the sugar and flour, making the cupcakes go stale quickly.

How far in advance can you decorate cupcakes? ›

Don't frost or decorate the cupcakes with dairy products if stored at room temperature – you'll have to do this on the day of the event. You can store cupcakes in the fridge, with frosting and all, for up to seven days in advance. Simply place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Will cupcakes stay fresh for 4 days? ›

As a general rule of thumb always store your homemade cupcakes in an airtight container away from sunlight on your countertop for a day OR in the fridge for 4-6 days. Keeping your cupcakes in a closed container keeps them moist and prevents them from drying out and also prevents from contamination.

Will cupcakes stay fresh for 3 days? ›

According to Monts, frosted cupcakes will stay fresh in the storage container for 3-4 days. In most cases, you can leave them on the counter, but if your cupcakes are filled with cream or topped with cream cheese frosting, you'll want to store them in the refrigerator.

How many cupcakes do I need for a wedding of 50? ›

How many cupcakes do you need for a wedding? It's recommended that you order 1.5 standard size cupcakes or 3 mini cupcakes per guest. If you're having a dessert bar with other treat options in addition to cupcakes, you can size down. Just ensure you have enough desserts so that each guest can have at least 1.5.

Can you freeze cupcakes before a wedding? ›

If you need to make cupcakes particularly far in advance, or if you love baking but know you can't eat a whole batch of cupcakes before they dry out, freezing unfrosted cupcakes is a great option. While the fridge can dry cupcakes out, the freezer keeps cupcakes surprisingly moist, even after a couple of months.

Do buttercream cupcakes need to be refrigerated? ›

If your buttercream recipe is made with all butter, it will need to be refrigerated. An all-butter recipe may melt off your cake once it's reached room temperature. If you're making a pure white buttercream with no butter and just shortening, it can stay out at room temperature for up to 2 days.

How do you keep cupcakes fresh for a few days? ›

The bakery explains cupcakes keep best stored unfrosted and wrapped in plastic. Wait to wrap your unfrosted cupcakes until they are completely cool, as any moisture trapped in with them can make the treats soggy. Frosted or unfrosted, cupcakes stored using this method will last about two days.

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