I delivered a wedding cake yesterday (my first "paid" wedding cake) and as part of my service I decided to bring a box for the top tier. The staff person at the facility asked me if I had brought another box for extra cake? I've never heard of such a thing. Do you do it? Is it expected? Is leftover cake a big problem at weddings?

I usually try to bring the one for the top tier and one extra box. Wedding coordinators have told me that a lot of people have cake left. She recommended trying to sell boxes to them, for guests to take some homw as well. I never tried that though.

yep I always leave a box for the extra cake

anything you "provide" eats into your profit. if they want boxes, discuss that at the time of the order.

I'm glad this subject was brought up. I haven't done any wedding cakes yet, but I'd be interested to know what you really charge for and what is acceptable to "just give" because, well, why not? Does that make sense? I really need some help in this area, I think, because the few times so far that I've been asked to make cakes for people, I've practically wanted to give them away. (sigh). It's not that I don't think I'm worth the time invested....maybe because I'm so new to this I just don't think my cakes are good enough to charge what the "big boys" do. And when I think about "giving" them one box, I think it's no big deal (what do they cost, about $1.00?).

Maybe some of you out there can help me understand that I need to set boundaries and be firm, or I will NOT succeed (am I right).???

if you do it for fun and enjoyment, don't worry about what you give away - but if you want this to be a business, personally I think you need to approach it as a business. and anything you give away is going to eat into your profits. just my 2 cents.

when you make a slab cake for a birthday do you not give a box for transporting so what is the differene of giving a box for the left over wedding cake it cost .83 -$1 if you are buying in bulk which you should be doing if you are a business if someone is spending hundreds on there cake I think .83 isn't a bad deal and you are servicing your client a little thing like that can make them come back or send a referal. Thats what I think
Customer service is more business.

It's the extra service you're giving that "the big boys" can't give. I always provide the box for the top tier. I also bring extra boxes depending on the design, but not a box for every tier. .... I assume most of it is going to be cut. Since I always stay and cut the cake, I can gauge how big or small I need to cut the pieces to avoid a lot of left-over. Lower turnout than expected means larger pieces of cake. But in the grand scope of things, yeah ..... if they are spending a few hundred with you for the cake, what's an extra buck or two for a box so they'll think you're great and do the "above and beyond".

my thoughts exactly

My sentiments exactly (on "giving" an extra box).....or something along those lines. I'm thinking what is important is just to establish good boundaries with customers and not get taken advantage of. I've found that doing the small things for people, whether it be in cake decorating or anything else - - people really appreciate it. AND great customer service will speak for itself. People WILL come back for more AND refer you to others if you do whatever it takes to make them happy (within reason of course). LOL

I certainly wouldn't have minded spending the extra $1 on a box if only I'd have known to do it. I even stopped at the supply store on the way to the reception to pick up that top tier box. They spent quite a lot of money on the cake and I feel bad now that I didn't give them that service.

I took a wedding cake class last year, plus I read here all the time...the box for leftovers is just not something that I remember hearing about. I will certainly do it from now on.

Thanks everyone!

It even helps if you can pick up a small box even if it doesn't have a lid line it with colored tissue and they can transport the cake home. I use to pick some up at Costco in the bins and keep a few home
for that purpose if you can't buy in bulk.

I usually transport my cakes in boxes and assemble on site. I put the boxes under the cake table and let someone know that they are there to put extra cake in. I usually make an extra small cake in a box and put it in a basket so someone can pack them some extra goodies to take with them when they leave. My caterer did this at my wedding and it was so nice because I was starving after the wedding. My customers love that little extra touch and I get the baskets after Christmas and other holidays when they put them 75-80% off.

I wished I had this advise before my last wedding cake. I had never provided a box. I never even thought of it. The owner of the reception establishment asked if I had brought a box. I was confused and asked for an explaination. I was so embarrased . From now on, I'll take a box .

I have the opposite problem it seems- whenever I tell the caterers the box is under the table for the top tier, most of them look at me like they couldn't care less and I'm bothering them- but then again, it's usually the staff I end up talking to, not the head caterer.

I never left a box for leftovers, just the top tier. never heard of such a thing, but it's a great idea!

I always provide a box for the top tier and one extra box. If I am catering, I will bring small to go boxes for guests who want to take some food home. I keep the boxes in the kitchen, so if anyone asks for one I give it to them. I usually make a basket of goodies for the B and G, so they can have a little midnight snack. For the money they spend the little extras go a long way. I also provide cutting instructions, for whoever may need to cut the cake.