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If, like most brides, you're on a budget for your wedding, it will help to understand how cakes are priced, because the kind of cake you choose can dramatically affect its cost. Overall, the more work involved in making the cake, the higher the price. Let's start with the cake itself. The easiest kind of cake to make and work with is a kind of a sponge cake. It comes in a few basic flavors (think vanilla, chocolate, carrot...) and is the most inexpensive. On the other end of the spectrum is cheesecake. More goes into making this decadent delight, so up goes the price. Add-ins like nuts and fruits will also drive prices upward. Moving to the top of the cake, frostings also vary in price, ease of decorating, and taste, with your basic buttercream being the most taste for the money. Finally, the shape of your cake will also impact price. A three-tier cake is considered the standard wedding cake. Add more layers and you up the difficulty and the cost. Also, choosing a shape other than the basic round requires a special cake pan and will raise costs accordingly. Talk honestly with the cake designer about options within your budget. If you like the look of a particular cake, perhaps you can get something similar for less by changing the shape or kind of cake. With a few compromises, you can have a gorgeous cake and eat it, too.