Often considered a centerpiece of a wedding reception, wedding cake is not something you would find in a grocery store, right? Well, it turns out that in a wake of new cost-consciousness, even for weddings, that supermarkets are moving in on the gilded wedding cake business with more finesses that you would imagine. Nowadays, supermarkets are actually hiring people who are inclined to decorating cakes, and bakery employees have decorating skills beyond the ones they display for their stores’ standard cakes.

budget wedding cakesGrocery stores can make really nice looking cakes and they can be very tasty. Be sure that no one will notice that your cake is not a custom design by some fancy boutique bakery. And the best part is – you don’t really have to tell anyone. Though we can guarantee that your guest will ask you where you got your gorgeous cake.

For starters, let’s clear up some common misconceptions about supermarket wedding cakes:

  • It doesn’t have to be a sheet cake. Unless you want one. But most wedding cakes are tiered, and at your supermarket’s bakery you can get 2-tier, 3-tier, even a 5-tier cake.
  • Grocery store cakes are not necessarily mass produced and full of artificial ingredients. Many supermarkets have their own bakeries where cakes are made from scratch using fresh ingredients.
  • Ordering a cake from a grocery store does not mean there is no delivery. For a small price you can have your cake delivered to you, even out of town.

Grocery Stores That Sell Wedding Cakes

Publix Wedding Cakes

There is no doubt Publix cakes are delicious! Many people buy these cakes to celebrate all of their special occasions, and some of us even come up with reasons to celebrate just so we can have a piece of cake. So if you are considering getting a Publix wedding cake, we say go for it! The cake can be customized to your liking, with your favorite flavors, fillings and icings in the perfect size, shape, and color that goes with your wedding theme.

publix wedding cake

Image courtesy of Publix

Before you place your order, feel free to visit your local Publix Bakery and talk to their decorators, or contact an event planner located at a store near you. They’ll help select the perfect size, decide on the right design and colors, and answer any questions you may have.

Walmart

It’s hard to beat Walmart’s bakery when it comes to price. Also, their flavors and fillings are likely to please most wedding guests. Walmart cake designs are traditional – basic two and three tier wedding cakes as well as cascading cakes, cupcake towers, and sheet cakes. There isn’t a lot of choice, but a simple buttercream design with minimal decorations can turn out to be really beautiful.

For full details on what options are available, including the various sizes and frosting types, please view the Walmart Cakes Catalog or contact your local Walmart store.

Safeway Wedding Cakes

safeway wedding cakesSafeway has more than 1300 locations spread across 19 states. Safeway bakeries are famous for their rich bakery menus, but they also offer custom cake orders for a wide variety of occasions, including wedding. Cake prices vary store-to-store. Generally, Safeway sheet cake prices tend to be a little more expensive than some other grocery chains while Safeway round cakes are a little cheaper. You can pick from two, three and four layer designs with square or round tiers. The lineup includes cakes that match special themes, such as beach weddings or fairy tale weddings.

However, depending on a store Safeway wedding cakes can be a good deal, or a disaster. Make sure you look at other people’s experience at the very store you plan to get your cake from. Even better if you go to the store and see for yourself what the offer is.

Costco

Costco is the ultimate budget-saving option when it comes to ordering a cake, or planning a party in general. Whether you want to order a smaller wedding cake for display at your local bakery and serve Costco “kitchen cake” to your guests, or you just don’t mind going with the sheet cake, decorated for the occasion, you can’t beat prices at Costco.

wedding cake from costco

Costco offers ready-made cakes, but they also provide custom cakes, made in the Costco bakery. You can browse through the Cake design catalog to find a design you like, and then customize it to fit your wedding theme. One thing is sure – the cake will be delicious.

Whole Foods

At Whole Foods you can custom order any cake that comes to mind! Schedule a consultation with Bakery Team Leader, and you can even do a tasting. You can specify the flavors, with all of the ingredients coming from the store. There are even vegan options.

Price is higher than in the other grocery stores, but you get a boutique bakery level cake at grocery store price range. If there is one thing Whole Foods is known for, it’s the reasonable prices for genuinely good products.

whole foods custom wedding cakes

Buying a Grocery Store Wedding Cake

If you decide to order a cake from a grocery store, you’ll have to go in store to get prices and most bakeries will have books with options. It will also have options for accessories like ribbon and edible flowers. Also, styles can be combined and colors can be changed. Plus, the grocery store is able to work with you on the size of the cake, making sure it fits your wedding needs. If you want a specific cake topper, though, you’re better off ordering one yourself or making your own cake topper.

If you do buy a grocery store wedding cake, be sure to follow up a week before your wedding just to make sure your cake is on schedule. That’s good practice for any bakery, unless it is affiliated with your venue (then your venue will check up on it).

Supermarket Wedding Cake is Budget-Friendly and Delicious

In all fairness, you can’t get the something as custom as a custom designed cake from a specialized bakery. Custom bakers are not just making cakes, they are making edible art. So if you want to wow the guests with something that can be displayed at the museum, with intricate details and finest ingredients.  If you are looking for quality and focused attention on your wedding cake, be prepared to pay the price. However, if you are on a tight budget, we recommend that you take a look at the possibility of ordering wedding cake from a grocery store. You will get a beautiful cake and the sweet taste of savings as a bonus!