Your wedding cake is becoming more and more a component of your wedding aesthetic, rather than just something nice to eat on the big day.
You want a cake that will complement your theme or color scheme while still being delicious!
When looking for your wedding cake, keep in mind that it is a different expense from your décor or styling budget. Your cake can serve as both a treat and a decorative showpiece for your guests, blurring the borders between catering and decoration. As a result, setting a budget can be difficult.
What is the average cost of a wedding cake? We looked at what other couples have done in the past to give you an idea of how much you should spend and what size you should consider for your wedding.
Are you looking for the best wedding cake? You've arrived to the right place!
What Is the Average Price of a Wedding Cake?
A wedding cake costs roughly $500 on average in the United States, though the price varies depending on the size, shape, and ornamental features of the cake. The average wedding cake costs between $300 and $700, while cake prices closer to $1000 – $1200 are not uncommon in larger cities especially for exceptionally large and complex cakes.
Estimating the Cost of a Wedding Cake
One of the most beautiful, delicious, and well-loved wedding customs is the wedding cake. Even if they serve other desserts, most couples opt for a wedding cake because it is a lovely addition to the reception: the cake serves as a decorative element in the room, most people enjoy cake, and cutting and eating your first bite of sweetness together as a married couple is a time-honored tradition. But how much does a wedding cake cost when it comes to budgeting for your wedding?
When trying to budget for your wedding cake, it’s crucial to understand how cakes are priced: Wedding cakes are priced by the slice, not the complete cake, according to cake bakers. A slice of cake costs roughly $4 for buttercream and $5 for fondant.
To state the obvious, the more cake slices you require, the more expensive your overall wedding cake will be. Fortunately, we have some suggestions (see below) for lowering your wedding cake costs, such as feeding your guests “half-servings,” or planning for 12 slices of cake per person.
It’s as simple as figuring out how many pieces you’ll need and working backwards from there to estimate cake sizes. Here are some general guidelines for calculating the amount of slices you’ll get from various cake sizes:
14 slices per 6” tier
26 slices per 8” layer
40 slices per 10” layer
56 slices per 12” layer
78 slices per 14” layer
100 slices per 16” layer
The Price of a Wedding Cake is Determined by Several Factors
- Cake Embellishments: Because wedding cakes are generally priced dependent on labor, the more handcrafted details a cake has, the more expensive it will be. This comprises fondant flowers, geodes, and other embellishments, metallic foil, and elaborate icing designs, among other things.
- Cake Components: If you desire a unique flavor or odd ingredient in your cake, such as out-of-season fruit, a fine liquor, or exotic nuts or spices, these custom ingredients may incur a fee. (And if you think using more traditional ingredients implies sacrificing flavor, you’ve never tried a truly outstanding chocolate cake!)
- Cake Icing: When it comes to wedding cake frosting, you have two options: buttercream or fondant. Buttercream is produced with sugar and butter, is less expensive, and tastes better. Fondant is a more expensive sugar paste that is more adaptable when it comes to decorating. Fondant also doesn’t melt in hot weather.
- Cake Size: The bigger the cake is, the more it costs. The term “size” refers to the cake’s overall dimensions as well as the number of tiers.
- Cake Shape: In ordinary pans, round or square cakes are easier to make and bake. Complex shapes, such as hexagons or unique shapes, will necessitate more effort or specific equipment, and hence will be more expensive.
What is included in the price of a wedding cake?
Every wedding cake baker will have slightly different packages and pricing for their cakes, so talk to a few local bakeries to get a sense of what they have to offer and compare prices. Most wedding cake bakers will include the following items in the price of a cake:
A consultation on design
A cake sampling session
The cake itself is delicious.
Setup and delivery
These things may be included in the price of your cake or may be additional line items that you can add to your wedding cake bill. Some bakeries may not offer these at all, so double-check.
A cake display or a cake stand
Toppers for cakes
Utensils for cutting (a cake knife and server)
On your one-year anniversary, an extra top layer or little anniversary cake will be served.
How to Cut Costs on a Wedding Cake?
When it comes to your wedding fantasies against your wedding budget, you’ll have to make sacrifices to keep your wedding costs down. Fortunately, there are some simple methods to cut costs on your wedding cake without losing design or elegance. Here are some of our finest cake money-saving tips:
Buttercream frosting is preferable to fondant frosting because it is not only more palatable to most people, but it is also less expensive—by as much as a dollar a slice. Buttercream is a win-win in terms of taste and cost if you’re trying to save money.
Instead of providing entire slices of cake, serve half-servings (a.k.a. smaller slices). As a result, if you’re expecting 200 people, you’ll only need a 100-person cake. If you’re offering aDo you have any doubts about the cost of a wedding cake? You have arrived at the correct site. The main focus is on the cutting, but wedding cakes should also look great and taste even better. We’ve included some of the most critical details you’ll need to consider when creating your cake budget.
The cost of your wedding cake is decided by how big of a focal point you want it to be during your reception. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the larger and more complicated it is, the more expensive it will be. Handmade sugar roses take hours to make, so if you’re feeding 150 people and want a cake with lovely fondant flowers, you’ll have to pay a little more.
Your wedding cake is becoming more of a part of the overall aesthetic of your wedding, rather than just something tasty to consume on the big day.
You want a cake that will match your theme or color scheme while still being scrumptious!
Keep in mind that your wedding cake is a separate price from your décor or styling budget. Your cake can be a pleasure as well as a decorative showcase for your guests, blurring the lines between food and décor. As a result, creating a budget might be challenging.
How much does a wedding cake cost on average? We looked at what other couples did in the past to give you an estimate of how much you should spend and what size wedding you should consider.
Do you want the best wedding cake? You've arrived at the correct location!
How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost on Average?
A wedding cake in the United States costs around $500 on average, though the price varies based on the size, shape, and aesthetic features of the cake. The average wedding cake costs between $300 and $700, with cake prices in the $1000 – $1200 range very uncommon in larger cities, particularly for exceptionally large and elaborate cakes.
How to Calculate the Cost of a Wedding Cake?
The wedding cake is one of the most gorgeous, delicious, and well-loved wedding traditions. Even if other sweets are served, most couples choose a wedding cake as a wonderful complement to the reception: the cake serves as a decorative element in the room, most people adore cake, and cutting and eating your first bite of sweetness as a married couple is a time-honored custom. But, when it comes to wedding budgets, how much does a wedding cake cost?
It’s critical to understand how cakes are priced when trying to budget for your wedding cake: According to cake bakers, wedding cakes are priced by the slice rather than the entire cake. A slice of cake with buttercream costs about $4 and a slice of fondant costs about $5.
To say the obvious, the more cake slices you require, the higher the overall cost of your wedding cake. Fortunately, we have some options (see below) for minimizing your wedding cake costs, such as giving “half-servings” to your guests or preparing for 12 slices of cake per person.
It’s as simple as calculating how many pieces you’ll need and then working backwards to determine cake sizes. Here are some rough recommendations for figuring how many pieces you’ll get from different cake sizes:
14 slices per stack of 6″
There are 26 slices each 8″ tier.
40 slices per ten-inch layer
There are 56 slices each 12″ tier.
Per 14” layer, there are 78 slices.
Each 16” layer has 100 slices.
Several factors influence the cost of a wedding cake.
Cake Embellishments: Because wedding cakes are often priced based on labor, the more handcrafted features a cake contains, the higher the price. This includes fondant flowers, geodes, and other embellishments, as well as metallic foil and intricate icing designs.
Cake Components: If you want a special flavor or unusual component in your cake, such as out-of-season fruit, a good liquor, or exotic nuts or spices, you may have to pay a price. (And if you think using more traditional ingredients means sacrificing flavor, you’ve never had a genuinely exceptional chocolate cake!)
Cake Icing: There are two alternatives for wedding cake frosting: buttercream or fondant. Buttercream is less expensive and tastes better because it is made with sugar and butter. Fondant is a more expensive sugar paste that is more versatile for decoration. In addition, fondant does not melt in hot temperatures.
Cake Size: The larger the cake, the more expensive it is. The term “size” refers to the overall dimensions of the cake as well as the number of tiers.
Cake Shape: Round or square cakes are easy to make and bake in standard pans. Complex shapes, such as hexagons or one-of-a-kind shapes, will require more labor or special equipment, and so will be more expensive.
What exactly is included in the cost of a wedding cake?
Every wedding cake baker will have slightly different cake packages and pricing, so speak with a few local bakeries to get an idea of what they have to offer and compare prices. The following things are typically included in the pricing of a wedding cake by most cake bakers:
A design consultation
A cake tasting event
The cake is wonderful on its own.
Delivery and setup
These items may be included in the price of your cake or may be added as line items to your wedding cake bill. Some bakeries may not serve these at all, so check ahead of time.
A cake stand or a cake display
Cake decorations
chopping utensils (a cake knife and server)
An extra top layer or small anniversary cake will be served on your one-year anniversary. second dessert alongside the wedding cake, this is a particularly good alternative.
For a one-of-a-kind treat, combine a showcase cake and a sheet cake: Display a small version of your dream cake, complete with metallic paint and fondant roses, for your guests to ooh and ahh over. This is the cake you will photograph and cut. Order sheet cakes in the same flavor to be sliced and served from the kitchen to save money.
Choose a less sophisticated shape and design: Because the cost of a wedding cake is primarily influenced by labor, the more complex a cake to manufacture, the greater the cost. Save money by choosing a cake with a simple design, such as square or round, and avoiding complex decorations that require a lot of time and technical skill.
Simplify your tastes: Ask your local baker, but vanilla and chocolate are often less expensive than complicated flavors like carrot cake or espresso.
While there are significant benefits and drawbacks to DIYing your wedding cake (or having a close friend or family member construct it for you), it can save you a significant amount of money.
We’ve put together the most complete list of wedding cake vendors to help you create your dream wedding.
What is the most appropriate number of tiers for my cake?.
The number of tiers in your cake is influenced by the quantity of servings you want as well as the aesthetic of your event.
Because of the stacked cake look, twin barrelled cakes have grown in popularity and may appear to have only one tier. Tiered cakes are also highly popular in addition to these twin barrels. Because there is more cake involved with a double barrelled cake, you can serve more couples, but keep in mind that a taller tier may cost you a bit more.
What is a "sheet" cake?
A sheet cake is a wonderful option if you need more cake but don’t want to ruin the aesthetic of your cake design. A sheet cake is a single-layered rectangular cake that your baker will make in the same flavor or flavors as your decorative cake.
This can be kept hidden in the kitchen and cut up only when the cake is ready to serve. It suggests that you might have more cake for your special day without limiting the size and ornamentation of what you want to display.
This is a fantastic option for weddings with a large number of guests, and it may be a way to save money by having a smaller, but still gorgeous cake. Consult your cake provider and your venue’s food storage facilities about what would be best for your wedding.
What are the hottest flavors and trends?
Despite being the traditional flavor for wedding cakes in the past, just 5% of couples choose a fruit cake for their wedding. Instead, 69% of couples prefer a chocolate or vanilla mud cake.
21 percent of couples prefer other flavors, such as lemon or raspberry. A flourless or gluten-free cake accounts for 5% of the total. Mixed-flavor cakes are on the rise, with combinations like raspberry and champagne making us crave a cake tasting.
Naked cakes and rough icing are still popular among couples in terms of style. These cake designs complement rustic, vintage, and bohemian themes. On the other end of the wedding spectrum, white and mixed metallic cake designs with a rich feel are available. We’re seeing more of these in classic, gorgeous, and modern weddings.
Couples who dislike sweets are choosing for a cheese cake as their wedding cake. We are completely devoted.
What to Look for in a Cake Vendor?
70% of couples will hire a cake maker for their wedding day. These couples are blown away when a baker collaborates with a stylist or decorator to coordinate cake decorations with other components of the celebration.
Previously, couples appreciated having a variety of taste options as well as separate flavors for different tiers.
Examine cake vendor evaluations to discover if any previous couples had issues. Before making a purchase, look for the absence of a cake taste. It’s also a good idea to look for tastes or decorations that haven’t been addressed with the couple.
What else should you think about?
Cutting the cake with your partner in front of all of your loved ones is a memorable moment of your reception. With that in mind, there are a few things to talk about before you bite into your first slice.
When should you serve your cake?
Everyone is likely to be craving cake before the event even begins. If you’ve chosen a multi-course meal, the wedding cake is normally served after the last dish. If you and your spouse have decided to serve finger food and small appetizers as part of your reception menu, the cake is normally served shortly after the gathering begins.
In any case, notify your guests when the cake cutting will begin so they can get a front-row seat.
It is not a good idea to cut into the top layer. You may be tempted to cut straight through the top of your cake, where your cake topper is located, but bear in mind that this is the weakest part of your cake. Cutting your first piece from the bottom tier may be the best way to preserve your cake. If you and your spouse so wish, the top tier can then be frozen for your first-anniversary party.
Make the most of the photo opportunity
It’s tempting to dive right into that sumptuous dessert you’ve been planning for months, but don’t. This not only reduces cake mishaps, but it also allows your photographer to capture every wonderful moment you and your partner share.
Make plans for the unanticipated
Tiered cakes typically require the use of specialized utensils. Make sure you have a cake knife, plates that are easy to reach for you and your friend, two forks, napkins, and your chosen beverage on hand.
Solicit from your caterer or baker a couple additional cake cutting sets in case one of you forgets yours at home.
First and foremost, feed your partner
One partner should take a step behind the other, angled towards the audience. Place the back partner’s hand on the back of the knife and the front partner’s hand on the top to make the ideal cut. After slicing your allotted amount, feed each other and toast with champagne or a fancy mason jar cocktail.
Cut a couple extra pieces for your in-laws to show your appreciation and celebrate the marriage of your two families.
It’s critical to note that shattering the cake isn’t necessary.
Cake smashing has been used to represent male authority and fecundity since Ancient Rome. Even if it’s tough to refrain from slamming cake in each other’s faces, doing so can be disastrous.
Cake smashing may not appeal to couples who like professional photographs with their hands kept out of the cake. In any case, decide what you’ll do with your partner before your wedding day.
Make your cake the focal point
Before you begin cutting, make sure your cake is sparkling brightly for all of your guests to see. If you’re going to hire a photographer to film every time you and your spouse feed each other, make sure the lighting is centered on your tiered master.
For a simple finishing touch, add an eye-catching background and an elaborate linen table cover to your set-up.
Cutting your wedding cake represents your first activity as a married couple, so have fun with it! Make a stunning background or a magnificent arch paired with a table cover for your picture-perfect cake cutting occasion.
