Though some couples are choosing to forego a traditional wedding cake in favor of unique alternatives, most weddings in the U.S. still include the wedding cake tradition. The cake, after all, is one of the most time-honored customs, alongside the wedding dress, the ceremony, and the bridal party. That being said, figuring out which confection is right for you and your budget is no easy task—especially since there are many factors that impact the price of a wedding cake.
“Cake price is determined by the intricacy of the finished design, the complexity of cake flavor, and, of course, how many tiers (the more tiers the harder to transport and the more to decorate) and hand delivery to the venue," says Melissa Redell of The Solvang Bakery in Solvang, California. What's more, pricing can also vary based on your serving size and the cake designer you hire to create your special treat.
Meet the Expert
Melissa Redell is the co-owner of The Solvang Bakery, a family bakery in Solvang, California.
Here, we break down the elements that play into cake pricing, in order to help you figure out exactly what type of wedding cake is right for your special day. Read on for more.
A Complete Guide to Wedding Cake Sizes
The Average Cost of a Wedding Cake
The average U.S. wedding cake costs around $500, according to data provided by Zola, an online wedding planning and registry service. On the lower end, couples tend to spend around $300 on their confections, while on the higher end, they typically spend upward of $700 (even over $1,000-$1,200!).
It’s also important to keep in mind that most wedding cakes are priced out by the slice. Typically, they run around $2.50 to $8 per slice in the U.S., but they often get closer to $12 per slice with some of the more labor-intensive designs and specialty ingredients. A good rule of thumb is the more specialty the cake, the more expensive it’s going to be. Crazy, elaborate shapes, custom sugar flower detailing, and fondant frosting are all going to drive up the price since they are either more labor-intensive or require more expensive materials and ingredients, or both. For example, at The Solvang Bakery, fondant designs are around $10 per slice while other frosting finishes are around $6.
Factors That Impact Wedding Cake Costs
Just like calculating the costs of your other wedding vendors, wedding cake pricing depends on a multitude of factors. Below, we provide a breakdown of what determines the overall price.
- Time
- Ingredients (Exotic ingredients or specialty cakes that are vegan or gluten-free will typically cost more.)
- Flavor
- Size of the cake and number of tiers
- Level of intricacy with designs, colors, and style (For example, if the cake has an edible gold leaf or ombre frosting, it may increase the price.)
- Type of frosting (Typically, a fondant or gum paste cake are both more expensive than buttercream.)
- Delivery fees
- Setup
- Customization
- A cake tasting
- A design consultation
- An extra top tier (This is needed if you'd like to save your cake for your first anniversary.)
- Add-ons such as cake stands/toppers (You can buy or rent these!)
Since pricing can also vary by cake designer, be sure to work with your vendor to determine what is and isn't needed. Additionally, always review and clarify the specific terms and add-ons before signing the contract and proposal to make sure there are no surprises or costly additions to your budget.
How to Determine the Right Cake Size
In general, to estimate wedding cake costs, the first thing you need to figure out is how many people and slices you'll be serving. For example, if you are doing a seated dinner with a dessert course and the wedding cake is the dessert you will be serving, you will need a slice for every single guest. However, if you are doing a whole dessert station or family-style desserts, you'll need less cake since everyone won't grab a slice. With that in mind, the more cake you need, the higher your final bill will be.
To help you figure out the right cake size for your big day, here's a sizing breakdown for both round and square cakes.
Round Wedding Cake Sizing
- Round 6-inch cake:12 servings
- Round 8-inch cake: 24 servings
- Round 10-inch cake: 38 servings
- Round 12-inch cake: 56 servings
- Round 14-inch cake: 78 servings
- Round 16-inch cake: 100 servings
Square Wedding Cake Sizing
- Square 6-inch cake: 18 servings
- Square 8-inch cake: 32 servings
- Square 10-inch cake: 50 servings
- Square 12-inch cake: 72 servings
- Square 14-inch cake: 98 servings
- Square 16-inch cake: 128 servings
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake
If the dollar signs on wedding cakes are threatening your budget and you're looking to cut costs, here are five ways to save money on your special confection.
Only Provide Half Servings
An easy way to save some cash is to offer half-servings, meaning smaller cake slices. For example, if you are trying to serve 200 guests, you only need a cake that serves 100 people. The reality is that most people only eat a bite or two, if that!
Have a "Display" Cake
A display, or "dummy" cake, is an entirely fake confection used for photos and cutting purposes. If you choose to take this route, a separate sheet cake will be served to your guests, which can help you save hundreds of dollars. (For comparison, sheet cake slices from The Solvang Bakery are around $2.75 per person.)
Choose Buttercream
On the frosting front, opt for something that’s more affordable like buttercream instead of fondant, since fondant is a more expensive option. Trust us, it could save you multiple dollars per slice.
Simplify the Design
Instead of that multi-tier, sculptural cake with gold foil that you had in mind, opt for a one- to two-tier cake with a simple design and basic flavors, like chocolate or vanilla instead of Earl Grey with orange cream cheese.
DIY the Cake
If your venue/caterer allows it, provide your own wedding cake. Either bake the cake on your own, if you feel up to the challenge, or have a friend who is a talented baker create it for you. You could also consider ordering a basic cake from your favorite bakery and topping it with some fresh flowers. Keep in mind, however, that DIY-ing your own confection could add a level of stress you might not need on your big day, so it might not be worth the dollars saved.
A Complete Guide to Wedding Cake Shapes
