Wedding Cake Prices

How Wedding Cakes are Priced

Wedding cake prices are determined by many factors, but the overriding consideration is the size of the cake. Cakes are generally priced according to the number of servings they contain, with a standard serving measuring only two cubic inches – a fairly small, thin slice. Serving prices range from $1.50 each for a simple, basic cake to $6 each for more gourmet confections to $10 each or higher for elaborate, designer desserts. When the cake is intended to feed 100 guests or more, those costs can rapidly add up to a very sour bill.

Factors Affecting Wedding Cake Prices

Several factors go into determining the per-serving price of a wedding cake. The most important factors include:

• Assembly Difficulty: A 2- or 3-tiered wedding cake is standard. A greater number of layers or designs that include fountains, multiple layer separations, or extravagant figurine placements have higher costs.
• Cake Type: Sponge cake is the least expensive type of cake (and the most common). Pound cakes are denser and require more precautions for delicate assembly, and cheesecakes are the most expensive basic types of cake to choose.
• Cake Flavor: Basic flavors such as classic white, red velvet, chocolate, or marble cake are relatively inexpensive, while more elaborate options such as black forest, carrot, or German chocolate are mid-range cakes. Gourmet flavors like mocha, liqueurs, and tiramisu are generally the most costly.
• Number of Flavors: Couples who choose different flavors for each layer of cake proportionally increase the final price of the cake.
• Filling Flavors: Basic icing fillings are least expensive, especially if they match the outer icing of the cake. Fillings with nuts, crushed fruit, or liqueurs are more labor-intensive and cost more.
• Icing: Buttercream icing (classic cake frosting) is the least expensive option. Fondant icing – the type that appears smooth and seamless and can be folded or molded into extravagant shapes – is significantly more expensive.
• Cake Shape: Round cakes are the most popular and cheapest wedding cake shapes. Square wedding cakes often require the edges to be built up and sharpened for the desired design, creating more work for the cake designer. Unusual or wacky shapes are also more expensive because they require special pans and assembly techniques.
• Design Intricacy: Wedding cake designs with layers of lace icing, monograms, basket-weave frosting, hundreds of small pearls or beads, and customized sugar flowers are naturally more expensive than simple cakes with rosettes or piped icing in simpler, classic patterns.

Additional Fees

In addition to the different cake characteristics that affect its price, couples should also be aware of other fees that can drastically increase the price of this wedding reception centerpiece. Many bakeries charge setup and delivery fees depending on the size and cost of the cake as well as the wedding location. Rental fees may apply to necessary cake equipment such as pillars, fountains, or platforms, and steep replacement charges will be levied if the equipment is not returned.

Trimming Cake Prices

Despite the high cost of wedding cakes, many couples are eager to host a designer dessert at their wedding reception. Fortunately, there are many ways to trim wedding cake prices without diminishing the elegance and deliciousness of the treat.

Sheet cakes are inexpensive and delicious.

• Consider a smaller decorative cake to display and cut, and have the bulk of the cake made up as inexpensive sheet cakes that cost roughly half the price of the showpiece cake. The cake can be wheeled out of sight to be cut and guests will not notice the difference in the shape of their pieces. Small “satellite” cakes can be used as well – small round, square, or heart-shaped decorated sheet cakes that surround the more elaborate centerpiece cake.
• Arrange to pick up and assemble the cake yourself if the baker charges high fees for this service, but be sure you understand how to arrange the cake without damaging it.
• Offer a range of less expensive desserts – cookies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, etc. – to augment a smaller cake. Some guests will choose these other desserts instead of the cake itself.
• Choose a simple cake design and decorate it with fresh or silk flowers that match the wedding colors for a coordinated, sophisticated look.
• Choose a simple cake flavor that will not only lower the wedding cake price but will also appeal to a larger number of guests.
• Used iced cardboard for the large, lower tiers of cake (the ceremonial cutting is usually of the first or second layer) to simulate the appearance of a large cake, but substitute sheet cakes for the actual dessert.

Finding Discount Wedding Cakes

There are many places couples can find wedding cakes without exorbitant prices. Culinary and baking schools (if there is one in your area) may be able to create luscious desserts at a fraction of the price of an established bakery. Furthermore, many grocery store bakeries offer delicious wedding cakes, though their designs may be simpler and less customizable than those from full-scale bakeries. Opting for a cupcake wedding cake instead is another cost-cutting measure, though couples should be aware that heavily decorated, designer cupcakes can cost as much or more than a traditional-style cake.

Choosing Your Best Cake

The best wedding cake is one that fits in the couple’s budget, but as wedding cake prices rise, many couples regretfully abandon their vision of a designer confection. By understanding how those prices are determined and how to trim the costs, however, every couple can choose a cake that meets their wedding design, preferences, tastes, and pocketbook.