How much does a wedding cake cost?
How much does a wedding cake cost?
$3 – $8 average cost per person
$300 – $800 average cost for 100 to 150 guests
Wedding cake prices
The average wedding cake costs $300 to $800 for a 3-tier cake that serves 100 to 150 guests. Wedding cake prices average $3 to $8 per person, depending on the size, tiers, layers, flavors, design, delivery, and set up.
| Guests | Tiers* | Tier sizes | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 2-Tier | 8” + 6” | $100 – $240 |
| 50 | 2-Tier | 10” + 6” | $150 – $300 |
| 60 | 2-Tier | 10” + 8” | $170 – $350 |
| 75 | 3-Tier | 10” + 8” + 6” | $250 – $500 |
| 100 | 3-Tier | 12” + 8” + 6” | $280 – $630 |
| 120 | 3-Tier | 14” + 10” + 6” | $350 – $800 |
| 130 | 4-Tier | 12” + 10” + 8” + 6” | $500 – $860 |
| 150 | 3-Tier | 16” + 10” + 6” | $460 – $820 |
| 175 | 3-Tier | 16” + 12” + 8” | $540 – $850 |
| 175 | 4-Tier | 14” + 12” + 8” + 6” | $570 – $850 |
| 200 | 4-Tier | 16” + 12” + 8” + 6” | $600 – $1,300 |
| 225 | 5-Tier | 14” + 12” + 10” + 8” + 6” | $800 – $1,500 |
| 250 | 5-Tier | 16” + 14” + 10” + 8” + 6” | $850 – $1,700 |
| 300 | 5-Tier | 16” + 14” + 12” + 8” + 6” | $900 – $2,000 |
*Not including an optional extra tier for the wedding couple to save.
Average wedding cake cost
The following table shows the average price of a wedding cake for 100 to 150 guests.
| National average cost | $500 |
| Minimum cost | $80 |
| Maximum cost | $1,800 |
| Average cost range | $300 to $800 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Average wedding cake cost per person or serving
The average wedding cake costs $3 to $8 per person. Price can go as low as $1.50 per slice for a basic cake with classic flavors and a simple design or as high as $15 a slice for a cake with multiple gourmet flavors, unique fillings, and elaborate decorations.
| Wedding cake type | Cost per person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | $1.50 – $4.50 |
|
| Customized | $5.00 – $8.00 |
|
| Designer | $9.00 – $15.00 |
|
Wedding cake pricing chart by tiers
A 2-tier wedding cake costs $100 to $350 and serves 25 to 60.
A 3-tier wedding cake costs $250 to $850 and serves 75 to 175.
Most tiers are 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, or 12-inch round cakes. Single-tier wedding cakes are 6" to 14" round, and may be up to 10" tall.
Some couples include an extra tier to take home.
| Tiers* | Servings | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Tier | 8 – 75 | $50 – $180 |
| 2-Tier | 25 – 60 | $100 – $350 |
| 3-Tier | 75 – 175 | $250 – $850 |
| 4-Tier | 150 – 200 | $500 – $1,300 |
| 5-Tier | 250 – 300 | $800 – $2,000 |
*4"-6" tall tiers. Does not include a no-cut top tier. Single-tier wedding cakes may be up to 14" round and 10" tall.
Wedding cake tier serving sizes chart
A standard wedding cake serving is a 1" x 2" slice. Plan for 5% to 10% more servings than you need because some pieces may be cut larger than standard and some guests may take more than one slice.
| Cake shape | Tier size (inches wide) | Wedding servings |
|---|---|---|
| Round | 4" | 8 |
| 5" | 10 | |
| 6" | 10 | |
| 7" | 15 | |
| 8" | 20 | |
| 9" | 30 | |
| 10" | 35 | |
| 11" | 40 | |
| 12" | 50 | |
| 13" | 60 | |
| 14" | 75 | |
| 15" | 80 | |
| 16" | 100 | |
| Square | 4" | 10 |
| 6" | 15 | |
| 8" | 30 | |
| 10" | 50 | |
| 12" | 70 | |
| 14" | 90 | |
| 16" | 120 |
Wedding cake cost calculator
Most bakers apply some or all of the consultation and tasting fees to the wedding cake cost. Several additional factors affect the total price.
Baker – A highly-skilled and experienced baker charges more than a new baker or big box store bakery.
Labor – The design complexity determines most of the cake cost. Elements like sugar flowers, fondant sculpting, intricate lacework, and unique shapes and sizes require more time and skill than a round cake with simple detailing.
Ingredients and flavors – Premium ingredients, gourmet flavors and fillings, and specialty cakes like vegan or allergen-free are priced higher than classic vanilla or chocolate wedding cakes.
Icing and frosting – Fondant or gum paste adds $0.50 to $1.00 or more per slice.
Layers – Different flavor and filling combinations in each tier cost more than one set of standard flavors and fillings throughout the cake.
Size and number of tiers – Larger cakes with more tiers require more ingredients and take more time to make. Tier height also impacts the cost.
Extra top tier – The tradition of including an un-cut tier for the couple to take home adds $20 to $60 on average.
Location – Bakers in big cities like New York or Los Angeles often charge 25% more than the average price.
Equipment rental – Cake stands and cutting utensils may not be included. Some bakers also offer cake topper rental.
Delivery and set up cost $40 to $100 or more if not included, depending on the location and distance to the venue.
Cutting fees – Some venues charge a cake-cutting fee of $1 to $8 per slice.
Wedding cake cost by layers
Most wedding cakes have 2 to 3 cake layers and 1 to 2 filling layers per tier. Some bakers offer more layers and adjust the layer thickness as needed. Wedding cakes typically have 1 to 3 or more tiers, with each tier containing multiple layers of cake and filling.
"Tier" and "layer" are sometimes used interchangeably when referring to wedding cakes. Be sure to confirm with your baker how many tiers and layers of cake and filling you want in each tier.
Simple vs. designer wedding cake prices
Basic wedding cake prices are $1.50 to $4.50 per slice for classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate, buttercream frosting, and a simple design. Designer wedding cake prices are $9 to $15 per serving, depending on the flavors, fillings, and how extravagant the decorations are.
Each specialty flavor or filling adds $0.25 to $1.00 per slice or more.
Fondant icing often costs 2 to 3 times the cost of buttercream.
Designer wedding cake elements include gourmet flavors, elaborate or intricate fondant icing, sugar flowers, hand painting, and unique sculpted shapes.
Wedding table cakes prices list
Wedding table cakes cost $20 to $190, depending on the size, flavor and frosting choice, and the number of layers and fillings. Individual cakes on stands typically cost less than one cake stacked with multiple tiers since less labor is involved. Display stand rental or purchase may increase the cost.
| Table cake size | Servings | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 6" round | 12 | $20 – $60 |
| 8" round | 24 | $40 – $120 |
| 10" round | 38 | $50 – $160 |
| 12" round | 56 | $60 – $190 |
Wedding sheet cake prices
Wedding sheet cakes cost $0.40 to $1.20 per slice or $70 to $180 per sheet. To reduce your total costs, purchase a smaller tiered cake for display, cake-cutting, and photos, and serve the guests from a kitchen sheet cake with the same frosting and flavors.
| Sheet cake size | Servings | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ sheet | 54 | $30 – $65 |
| ½ sheet | 108 | $45 – $100 |
| Full sheet | 192 | $70 – $180 |
Mini or small wedding cakes cost
Mini wedding cakes cost $10 to $20 each and are single-serving cakes that offer a unique presentation element. 150 mini wedding cakes cost $1,500 to $3,000. Bakers charge more due to the added baking, decorating, set up time, and transportation materials.
A small wedding cake at each table costs $20 to $60 per cake and may save on centerpiece costs. Centerpiece table cakes are typically 6" round and 1 tier. Place a clear dome over it to prevent damage during the meal. Centerpiece cakes are not recommended for weddings with children.
If you opt for different flavored centerpiece cakes, move the cakes to a separate table for slicing and serving to allow guests to choose their preferred flavor without having to ask another table.
Wedding cake delivery charges
Wedding cake delivery charges are $40 to $100 or more, depending on the area, distance to the venue, and the amount of setup required. Some bakers include delivery and setup in the wedding cake cost. Tipping the delivery staff $5 to $25 per person is customary.
Wedding cupcakes and desserts prices
Wedding cupcakes cost $2 to $6 per person for 1 to 1.5 cupcakes per guest. Wedding dessert table prices are $5 to $11 per person on average. Some dessert bar packages include a small cutting cake, cake pops or cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pastries, doughnuts, and more.
Frequently asked questions
How much do grooms' cakes cost?
Groom's cakes cost $1 to $8 per slice or more, depending on size, flavors, and design. The cake size depends on when it is served. A general guideline is a ½ slice per guest if served alongside the wedding cake or 1 slice at the rehearsal dinner.
Why are wedding cakes so expensive?
Wedding cakes are expensive because of the ingredient quality and the time and skill required. Size, flavors, detail level, and business name impact the total. A unique, ornate design from a high-rated cake shop costs much more than a simple cake with traditional flavors from a chain store bakery.
How to save money on a wedding cake
There are several ways to fashion an affordable wedding cake:
"Deconstructed" design – Placing each tier on a separate stand instead of stacking and decorating one large cake may reduce the cost by up to 25%.
Fresh flowers – Handmade sugar flowers add $5 to $25 per stem or more. Fresh, in-season flowers are more cost-effective. Some florists may provide leftover flowers from the bouquets or centerpieces, creating a cohesive look at no extra cost.
Frosting – Buttercream is the most cost-effective choice and is cheaper than fondant. "Naked" or "semi-naked" cakes use less frosting but may or may not cost less, as some bakers require more time to perfect the look.
Negotiate – If the wedding cake cost is in the venue's event contract, try negotiating to remove or reduce the cutting fee.
Pick it up – Picking up the cake yourself saves $40 to $100 or more for the delivery fee. Pickup also saves you from having to tip a delivery team, but requires care and precision to safely get it to the venue.
Simplify – Each unique element—unusual cake and frosting flavors, detailed and extravagant designs—increases the cost by $0.25 to $1.00 per slice or more. Choose classic flavors, a simple design, and one or two tiers for a budget-friendly cake.
Smaller servings – Half-servings instead of whole slices double the guests served for the price. Smaller cake slices are a common way to save, as many guests don't eat more than a bite or two.
Faux or dummy cakes made from Styrofoam reduce the total cost by only a tiny amount because the decorating time and material costs are almost the same as for a real cake.
Do Walmart and Costco make wedding cakes?
Walmart makes wedding cakes for $30 to $165, depending on the size and style. Walmart offers round, sheet cake, and 2-to-3-tiered options. The flavor and design selections are customizable but are more limited than a specialty bakery. Online ordering is available up to 30 days in advance.
Costco does not make wedding-specific or multiple-tiered cakes. Still, they offer sheet cakes starting at $20 that may be customized for a wedding. Some DIY-savvy couples use Costco's sheet cakes to create a low-cost, tiered wedding cake.
When to order a wedding cake
Order a wedding cake at least 4 to 6 months before the wedding day. Ordering as soon as you have the venue, date, and approximate guest number is ideal. Selecting the design and flavor is not typically required when placing the initial order to secure the date.
Do I have to tip my wedding cake baker?
Tipping the wedding cake baker is not required since the cake is a product, not a service. Send a thank-you note and post favorable reviews online instead. Some couples tip the baker 10% to 15% of the cake cost if the cake exceeds expectations or the baker goes above and beyond.
Tip the wedding cake delivery staff $5 to $25 per person. Tip on the higher end for an elaborate or time-consuming setup.
Tips for hiring a wedding cake bakery
Before hiring a wedding cake maker for your special day, be sure to:
Schedule 3 to 5 cake tastings with different bakeries to sample a variety of flavors and options.
Search Instagram and Pinterest for color and design ideas.
Browse local bakery websites to see their design style and photos of previous cakes.
Check their reviews on Fash and Google.
Ask for references from recent wedding couples.
Know the guest count. If you are still awaiting RSVPs, expect 80% of the guests to accept.
Get at least three estimates.
Read over all contract terms before signing or paying in full.
Questions to ask a wedding cake baker
Do you have my wedding date available?
How many cake deliveries do you schedule for each date?
Do you price by the slice?
What is your minimum cost for a wedding cake?
How much more do you charge for different flavors?
What frosting and flavors do you recommend?
Do you schedule tastings?
Are the tasting or consultation fees applied to the future cake order?
Can I see photos of some of your recent cake designs?
Can you provide vegan or allergen-free cakes (if applicable)?
Do you provide equipment rentals?
Do you offer other desserts aside from cake?
What happens if the cake arrives damaged?
How early should I order my cake?
How much is the deposit and when do you need it?
What is and is not included in the quote?
Do you charge a delivery fee? Does the fee include set-up at the venue?
Do you decorate the cake table?
What other fees should I expect?
When is the full payment due?
What is your refund and cancelation policy?
How many wedding cakes have you made?