When you think of weddings, you might imagine towering cakes adorned with intricate sugar flowers, delicate lace-like piping, and shimmering edible pearls. And sure, those extravagant cakes still make appearances at high-end venues or celebrity weddings. But, in reality—especially in Canada—it’s the cheap wedding cakes that are quietly claiming center stage. And it’s not hard to see why.
Let me start by saying this: “cheap” doesn’t necessarily mean bad. I know some people hear that word and immediately think of dry sponge layers, overly sweet frosting, or corners cut in design. But, that’s not always the case. In fact, more and more couples are opting for affordable cakes not because they’re settling for less, but because they’re making a choice—a practical one.
Weddings are expensive. I mean, anyone who’s planned one, or even just attended a few, knows that costs can add up so quickly. The venue, the food, the flowers, the photographer… it’s a long list. And somewhere along the way, couples start looking at that towering, elaborate cake and asking, “Is this really necessary?” That’s when the idea of a cheap wedding cake starts to sound not just reasonable, but smart.
I was at a friend’s wedding last summer—nothing too fancy, just a cozy backyard gathering in Ontario. Their cake? It was a simple two-tier vanilla with a thin layer of buttercream and some fresh flowers on top. It wasn’t from a boutique bakery downtown; it was from a local grocery store, and it cost them, I think, under $100. But here’s the thing: nobody cared. People loved it. It tasted good, it looked nice, and it did what a wedding cake is supposed to do—mark the occasion, give guests something sweet to enjoy, and, of course, look good in photos.
I’ve noticed this trend popping up more and more across Canada. Couples are choosing budget-friendly cakes because they don’t want to splurge on something that, frankly, is going to be eaten and forgotten within a few hours. And I think there’s a certain honesty to that choice. Rather than spending $800 or $1,000 (or more) on a designer cake, they’re saying, “Let’s put our money where it matters.” Maybe that means a better honeymoon, or a photographer who captures real moments, or just not feeling stressed about wedding debt.
Now, you might think, “But don’t people want that big cake-cutting moment?” Well, yes and no. Some do. Others are perfectly content with a smaller, simpler cake—something that checks the box without taking over the event. And, let’s be honest, there’s a kind of quiet charm to a modest wedding cake. It feels a little more personal, a little less staged. It says, “Hey, we’re here for love and family, not for show.”
That’s not to say there’s no debate about it. Some guests (and even family members) might initially raise an eyebrow at the idea of a “cheap” cake. I’ve heard comments like, “But it’s your wedding day! You should go all out!” And sure, that’s one perspective. But increasingly, couples are pushing back, saying, “Actually, we’d rather focus on what’s meaningful to us.” And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that.
Another factor is how easy it is now to find decent, budget-friendly options. Big retailers like Costco, Walmart, or even local supermarkets are offering wedding-style cakes that look surprisingly elegant for a fraction of the cost. And for those who want to add a personal touch, it’s not hard to buy a simple base cake and dress it up with fresh flowers, fruit, or even a DIY cake topper. I know a couple in Toronto who did just that—they bought a plain sheet cake from a chain store and decorated it themselves. The result? Gorgeous. And it cost them less than their wedding favors.
Of course, there are those who might say that cheap cakes can’t compare to the taste of a high-end custom cake, and I’ll admit—sometimes that’s true. I’ve had a few slices of budget cakes that were, well, a bit bland. But surprisingly often, the difference is negligible, especially once the champagne starts flowing and the dance floor heats up. People aren’t exactly stopping to critique the buttercream, you know?
One thing I find interesting is that even some higher-end bakers are starting to offer “budget tiers” or more affordable designs to meet this demand. They know couples are looking for good value, and they’re adapting. So, in a way, the rise of cheap wedding cakes isn’t just a matter of cutting corners—it’s also influencing the industry itself, nudging it toward more accessible options.
I should probably mention, too, that cheap doesn’t always mean basic. Some of these cakes look incredible. I’ve seen cakes with minimalist designs—smooth white fondant with just a single eucalyptus branch—that looked chic and modern. Others have gone for rustic “naked” cakes with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, giving off a cozy, farmhouse vibe. The point is, cheap doesn’t mean tasteless or tacky. Sometimes, it just means simple.
And perhaps that’s the real reason cheap wedding cakes are so popular in Canada right now: simplicity is appealing. There’s something refreshing about a couple who doesn’t feel the need to impress with extravagance. Who aren’t trying to outdo the last wedding they attended or the photos they saw on Instagram. Who just want to enjoy the day, without stress, and without spending a fortune.
I’m not saying the fancy cakes are disappearing altogether. They’re still there, for those who want them. But I think we’re seeing a shift—a quiet rebellion, maybe—against the idea that a wedding cake has to be a grand statement. More couples are realizing they can have a beautiful, memorable celebration without the towering dessert centerpiece.
And really, isn’t that kind of freeing? To know that you can save money and still have a cake that tastes good, looks good enough for photos, and makes everyone happy? I think it’s a trend that’s going to stick around.
At the end of the day, weddings aren’t about the cake, not really. They’re about the people, the moments, the shared laughter and (yes) maybe a few happy tears. And if you can mark that moment with a cake that doesn’t break the bank—well, that’s just smart.
