Minimising the cost

 One of the most expensive costs relating to a cake is the labour required to decorate it,

so the less detailed it is, the less expensive your cake will be.

Order a small wedding cake to show your guests, but cut up bulk "kitchen cakes"

and serve them as dessert - your guests will never know.

A plain iced cake which you have decorated yourself with fresh flowers can look stunning.

(see "Decorate yourself cakes" section)

Foam layers may be added for a cake that looks large, but costs little.

If small pieces of your cake are being served with coffee, you need only cater for 70% of your guests.