Wedding Cake Prices and Cheap Wedding Cakes

So, What Does a Wedding Cake Cost?

Needless to say, wedding cake prices are based on the type of wedding cake and the number of persons that it will serve. Your baker will price the completed cake based on the number of servings and the size of the slice. So, if your wedding cake is $6 per slice and you are expecting 50 guests, then the cake will be made for about 50 persons and run about $300 (50 times $6). Consider also the cost to buy or rent a display stand, the cost of the cake topper and any other embellishments that may adorn the cake or display table such as fresh flowers, etc.

Basic Wedding Cakes Prices

A basic two tiered round wedding cake with a 9″ round bottom tier and a 6″ second layer will serve a reception slice to about 30 persons. Conversely a 4 tiered one with layers of 15″, 12″, 9″ and 6″ will serve about 175 guests. So in our $6 per serving example, the smaller one would be about $180 while the larger would cost about $1,050. Note, however, that because of the time set aside to make your cake special, most specialty wedding bakers will have a minimum order charge.

These prices will often include setting up your cake at the wedding reception, arranging fresh flowers (provided by your florist) on the cake as well as placing your wedding cake topper on top (if you have one). Some bakeries will loan out a cake stand, pillars, cutting knife and server with your security deposit.

Additional Wedding Cake Costs

As with anything, you should understand all the charges of the cake you are ordering from your baker. While your wedding budget may be an issue for you, this is your special day and the look, style, filling, and size of your cake may be very important and worth the extra spend. Here are some things may add to the total:

A tiered wedding cake is more expensive than a sheet cake
Fondant will cost more than butter cream icing (but won’t melt as easily in the hot sun)
A gluten free, sugar free, dairy free or vegan variety will be an added charge
A modern, off-kilter-tiered presentation or tier shapes other than round, will cost more than all tiers being round
Different fillings in each tier may be more expensive, though some bakers will not charge extra for this
A box for the bride and groom to save the top of the cake for their one year anniversary
Delivery charges the Reception location (unless baked onsite)
Tastings are customarily free except there may be a fee for tasting specialty fillings or more than two fillings
Specialty or deluxe fillings and flavors will add more to the total than the baker’s basic varieties
Sugared flower petals, grapes, bows, etc will be an additional cost.
Rush order charges if you don’t order far enough in advance of the wedding
Cake cutting and plating charges by the wedding venue (if this is from an off-site baker)

Cheap Wedding Cakes

Here are some suggestions to help save money without ending up with a cheap wedding cake

Select one of the wedding cake baker’s standard fillings and a buttercream icing instead of fondant.
Have a decorated, tiered cake for display and cutting, and then a kitchen cake to serve the rest of your guests. This second cake will be exactly the same when cut into slices, yet not have the additional cost of the first display one’s structure and decoration.
Use a simple silver platter for your cake instead of buying or renting special stands, pedestals or columns
Stick with a traditional round tiered shape
Plan on serving the reception size slice instead of the dessert size slice and your cake will feed more guests.