Really, the number of guests doesn't always matter. I think that's getting away from the point of the post.
A cake for 200 CAN be done cheaply, but not with gourmet recipes. Depending on the recipe, my 8" cakes can cost me $5-$20 to make. Figure a box mix feeds 10 good size pieces, 15-20 wedding size pieces. Butter and sugar for the frosting are cheap, going with generic butter and C&H sugar. Even a scratch recipe can be a basic white cake for very small costs. Basic recipes, tuff boards (more sturdy than cardboard, and cheaper when multiple cardboard circles are needed), dowels, boxes - for 200 servings, this could be done under $100 easily with a Walmart around. So, at $1/serving, the $200 would cover costs for a basic cake. Like I said before, the whole works they are looking toward would be out of budget, but if you take up the offer of borrowing a fountain, and have the stand to go with it, this could be beautifully done within their budget if you can afford to donate your time.
I can't really add anything to the very very good advice you've been given up to this point, except to agree that a wedding for 200 is not a "budget" wedding.
As a cake AND catering person, I see this in more ways than one, all the time. And I agree with the prev post on how the couple seems to want to do it "on the cheap" when it comes to their guests instead of cutting down on flowers or their own dress, etc. I've seen brides blow their entire budget on the reception facility and then try to feed guests with just veggie trays. I've seen them want to have the party atmosphere with a DJ, and expect their guests to stay for the full four-hour minimum that the DJ charges, but they have no money left to provide food and drinks for these hot, thirsty people.
On the flip side, it could be that they are the typical wedding consumer .... they've NO IDEA how much the going rate is for a wedding cake, so they looked around in the air and jumped up and grabbed just any 'ole number (like $1!) and said, "Yeah, that sounds right!"
One thing I work diligently on with my brides is to get control of their headcount. I have a 60% Rule .... 60% of your invited guests will show up. So if they are expecting 200, did they REALLY invite 350 people? Talk to them about "...how many did you invite?" and then apply the 60% Rule to see where that puts them. One exception, though, that may apply here .... people who are very involved in their church tend to have a higher turnout, so possibly a 70% rate might apply here.
Maybe I'm cold hearted to, but for me it comes down to "if you want X cake the price per serving is $x. IF that is out of your budget, then tell me what you want to spend and I'll show you some options."
The cost is what the cost is. You can afford it or you can't. The dress maker and the caterer and the jewelry store get paid for the products they provide and don't do it at a discount - why should the cake decorator take the hit?
Just my opinion and experience on this sort of situation.... I've done wedding cakes as gifts or for the cost of ingredients before but ONLY to a few family members. The one time I tried to accomodate someone who told me she was on a really tight budget, I absorbed the expense of wired ribbon and fancy royal icing flowers. She told me she only needed a cake to feed 125 people and that was it. Well, she got the cake she wanted and it was delivered, much to my surprise to a plantation home on the river. She had the nerve to call me the next day and complain and say she was soooo disappointed because she didn't have any cake to take home with her other than the bride's top tier. Everyone ate cake! I told her when the cake is good this happens and people also will take some with them. It upset me terrible especially when she returned my equipment by throwing it on my porch. Just my experience, but I think twice before giving discounts any more.
It's hard to make the decision sometime but I'm sure you will do a beautiful job no matter what you decide. Blessing to you and your decision on this one.
Sorry this is so long.
Really, the number of guests doesn't always matter. I think that's getting away from the point of the post.
A cake for 200 CAN be done cheaply, but not with gourmet recipes. Depending on the recipe, my 8" cakes can cost me $5-$20 to make. Figure a box mix feeds 10 good size pieces, 15-20 wedding size pieces. Butter and sugar for the frosting are cheap, going with generic butter and C&H sugar. Even a scratch recipe can be a basic white cake for very small costs. Basic recipes, tuff boards (more sturdy than cardboard, and cheaper when multiple cardboard circles are needed), dowels, boxes - for 200 servings, this could be done under $100 easily with a Walmart around. So, at $1/serving, the $200 would cover costs for a basic cake. Like I said before, the whole works they are looking toward would be out of budget, but if you take up the offer of borrowing a fountain, and have the stand to go with it, this could be beautifully done within their budget if you can afford to donate your time.
that is well said. indydebi, your points are all valid- i was trying to say that from my own wedding- we cut out all extravagant things in all areas. not just skimping on the cake- i think you can have 200 at a wedding- it doesnt mean that it will be at a palace (though it could be...?) or that they will have a dj, and an expensive dress. it could just be that the mass has gathered to hear vows, in a yard wearing a hand me down dress, have cake and punch , give toasts, hugs and go home!
i would be honest and ask her about all other areas of her wedding plans and spending to see what she really is affording and paying - that would play a role in my decision. if she is only skimping on cake, then make her pay for what she wants, but if its a potluck and her dress belonged to her mom, and the wedding is in her back yard, then i would think differently.
Just my opinion and experience on this sort of situation.... I've done wedding cakes as gifts or for the cost of ingredients before but ONLY to a few family members. The one time I tried to accomodate someone who told me she was on a really tight budget, I absorbed the expense of wired ribbon and fancy royal icing flowers. She told me she only needed a cake to feed 125 people and that was it. Well, she got the cake she wanted and it was delivered, much to my surprise to a plantation home on the river. She had the nerve to call me the next day and complain and say she was soooo disappointed because she didn't have any cake to take home with her other than the bride's top tier. Everyone ate cake! I told her when the cake is good this happens and people also will take some with them. It upset me terrible especially when she returned my equipment by throwing it on my porch. Just my experience, but I think twice before giving discounts any more.
It's hard to make the decision sometime but I'm sure you will do a beautiful job no matter what you decide. Blessing to you and your decision on this one.
Sorry this is so long.
wow, thats terribly ungrateful! sorry that this happened when you were doing something so kind!
Wow!!! This is so amazing! Thank you all again for your help. All of your posts have helped me to weigh out all of my options. I know this woman and her daughter are really good people and they would never take advantage of someone's generosity. I believe after I give them some numbers I am going to hear a big "Oh my"! I am going to brain storm until I come up with somthing that is going to be perfect for all of us. Like quite a few people have said, Unless you do this you don't know what is involved, with time, and money. I guess it is our job to educate them 
, and if I am going to do that I'd better get started on MY homework.
Education, YES!
I had no idea about cake expenses until I took the classes. The only expense that I even thought of was a cake mix if I wasn't baking from scratch and the butter and powdered sugar for the frosting. Everything else I already had...
If you want help figuring out what is a realistic $200 cake, just ask the ladies and gents here - we'll rush to help. They'll get a lovely cake...
Well, it's done. I will never do another cake for a discounted price ever ever ever again. And especially not on a bible school week!! It was fun, it was big and I'm glad it's over. If any one has a chance to check it out I would love to know what you would have charged for it. Thanks again for all of your wonderful advice!
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_684773.html
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%