How much are wedding cupcakes or dessert bar prices?
Columbus, OH

How much are wedding cupcakes or dessert bar prices?

Columbus, OH

How much are wedding cupcakes or dessert bar prices?

$200 – $900avg. cupcakes cost ($2 – $6 per guest)
$500 – $1,650avg. dessert bar cost ($5 – $11 per guest)

Wedding cupcakes cost $2 to $6 per person or $200 to $900 for 100 to 150 guests. Wedding dessert bar prices are $5 to $11 per person or $500 to $1,650 for 100 to 150 guests.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$200 – $900 avg. cupcakes cost ($2 – $6 per guest)

$500 – $1,650 avg. dessert bar cost ($5 – $11 per guest)


Wedding cupcakes cost $2 to $6 per person or $200 to $900 for 100 to 150 guests. Wedding dessert bar prices are $5 to $11 per person or $500 to $1,650 for 100 to 150 guests.

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Wedding cupcakes cost

Wedding cupcakes cost $2 to $4 each on average, depending on the location, flavors, frosting, and decoration. Cupcakes for a 100 to 150-guest wedding cost $200 to $900, planning for 1 to 1 ½ cupcakes per guest. Some couples order more cupcakes for guests to take home as favors.

Mini wedding cupcake prices are $1 to $2 per cupcake. The total cost is often the same as standard-sized cupcakes because guests typically eat 2 to 3 mini cupcakes.

Wedding cupcakes and dessert bar prices - chart
Wedding cupcakes and dessert bar prices - chart
Wedding cupcakes cost
Quantity Standard cupcakes cost Mini cupcakes cost
1 $2 – $4 $1 – $2
50 $100 – $200 $50 – $100
100 $200 – $400 $100 – $200
150 $300 – $600 $150 – $300
200 $400 – $800 $200 – $400
250 $500 – $1,000 $250 – $500
300 $600 – $1,200 $300 – $600
400 $800 – $1,600 $400 – $800

  • Additional expenses may include cupcake towers and platters ($25 to $50), display menus, to-go boxes, and delivery and setup fees ($40 to $140).

  • Ordering a mixture of standard-sized and mini cupcakes provides variety and allows for guests who only want a bite.

Wedding cupcake tower on display
Wedding cupcake tower on display
Get free estimates from wedding cake makers near you.

Wedding dessert bar cost

Wedding dessert table prices are $5 to $11 per person or $500 to $1,650 on average for a 100 to 150-guest wedding. Dessert bar pricing depends on your guest count and the amount and type of desserts. Many bakeries have a minimum order requirement of $200 to $700.

Wedding dessert table prices
Guests Pieces Dessert bar cost
50 150 – 250 $250 – $550
100 300 – 500 $500 – $1,100
150 450 – 750 $750 – $1,700
200 600 – 1,000 $1,000 – $2,200
250 750 – 1,250 $1,300 – $2,800
300 900 – 1,500 $1,500 – $3,300
400 1,200 – 2,000 $2,000 – $4,400

  • Dessert bars typically have 3 to 5 pieces per person and 3 to 5 dessert types.

  • Consider reducing the piece number per guest if you are also serving cake.

  • Platters and display stands may cost extra.

  • Some dessert table packages include a small cutting cake.

Wedding dessert bar table set up outside
Wedding dessert bar table set up outside

Wedding dessert prices a la carte

Wedding desserts cost $1 to $4 per piece on average. Most bakers require a 1- or 2-dozen minimum order per dessert type.

Wedding dessert prices a la carte
Dessert Price per piece Price per dozen
Brownies $1.00 – $3.00 $12.00 – $36.00
Buckeyes $0.50 – $2.00 $6.00 – $24.00
Cake pops and balls $1.70 – $3.70 $20.00 – $44.00
Cannoli $1.50 – $3.00 $18.00 – $36.00
Cheese cake bites $1.50 – $3.00 $18.00 – $36.00
Chocolate covered Strawberries $1.80 – $3.30 $22.00 – $37.00
Chocolate covered pretzels $1.00 – $3.00 $12.00 – $36.00
Cookies $1.00 – $4.00 $12.00 – $48.00
Crème puffs $1.50 – $4.50 $18.00 – $54.00
Croquembouche $1.20 – $8.00
Dessert shooters $3.00 – $4.00 $36.00 – $48.00
Doughnuts $1.00 – $3.30 $12.00 – $40.00
French Macarons $1.90 – $3.20 $23.00 – $38.00
Fruit tarts $2.50 – $3.00 $30.00 – $36.00
Mini Pies $2.00 – $4.00 $24.00 – $48.00
Rice crispy bites $1.20 – $3.30 $14.00 – $40.00

A croquembouche, or traditional French wedding cake, is a tower of cream-filled pastry puffs with caramel wrapped in spun sugar.

Croquembouche towers can be 20 to over 200 pieces and add a sculptural element while still providing bite-sized dessert pieces.

Mini wedding table cake prices

Mini wedding cakes cost $10 to $20 each or $1,000 to $2,000 for a 100-guest wedding. Mini wedding cakes are individual serving cakes designed to look like a miniature version of a traditional wedding cake. Bakers may limit the design and flavor options as mini cakes are labor-intensive.

Wedding cupcake prices factors

Most wedding cupcake orders include the design consultation and the cupcakes. Some bakers include a complimentary tasting appointment or apply the tasting fee to the order.

Several other factors impact the total cost:

  • Cupcake size – Mini cupcakes cost less than standard size or jumbo cupcakes.

  • Fillings – Filled cupcakes cost more than plain cake-style cupcakes.

  • Flavors and ingredients – Gourmet flavors and premium or specialty ingredients cost more than standard cupcakes. Vegan, gluten-free, or allergen-free cupcakes may cost more.

  • Toppings and toppers increase the cost per cupcake by $2 to $5 per dozen or more, depending on how elaborate the decorations are. Personalized fondant toppers add $1 to $4 per cupcake.

  • Cupcake tower rental – Cupcake display tower rental costs $25 to $50 on average. Purchasing a cupcake display yourself costs $15 to $50 or more, depending on the size and style.

  • Display menus – Signs to indicate each cupcake flavor are typically not included.

  • Delivery and setup costs $40 to $140, depending on the area, order size, and display setup complexity. Some bakers offer wedding cupcake packages that include delivery and setup.

  • Location – Prices are higher in large metropolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles than in smaller towns.

  • Order minimum – Many bakeries have a minimum order requirement of a specific dollar or dozen amount. Some bakers have a minimum order of one dozen per flavor.

Pink wedding cupcakes up close
Pink wedding cupcakes up close

How many cupcakes to order for a wedding?

Most bakers recommend 1 to 1.5 regular-sized cupcakes per guest or 2 to 3 mini cupcakes. Some guests may take more than one cupcake, but others may not take any at all. Order less if including cupcakes along with other dessert options.

How many desserts to order for a wedding?

Bakeries recommend ordering 3 to 5 desserts per person, depending on the dessert size and variety. Offering 3 to 5 different selections is recommended, as more options may increase the number of treats each guest will take.

Get free estimates from wedding cake makers near you.

Are wedding cupcakes cheaper than cake?

A wedding cake costs $3 to $8 per person or $300 to $800 on average. Wedding cupcakes may be cheaper, depending on the area, flavors, and the intricacy of the frosting design.

Wedding cake vs. cupcakes cost
Factor Cupcakes Wedding cake
Price per guest $2 – $6 $3 – $8
Pros
  • Flavor and frosting variety
  • Creative display potential
  • Small towers may serve as table centerpieces
  • Minimizes server-guest contact
  • No cake-cutting fee
  • Extras are easy to take home
  • Allows for traditional cake-cutting
  • A timeless wedding feature
  • Larger canvas for decorating to match the wedding theme
  • The top tier may be kept for the first anniversary
Cons
  • Some guests prefer traditional wedding cake
  • No cake-cutting
  • Trending now, but may "date" the wedding
  • Sometimes messier to eat
  • Limited flavor variety
  • It takes time to slice and serve
  • More difficult to transport to the venue

Tips for hiring a wedding cupcake bakery

Before hiring a baker to create the perfect wedding cake or cupcakes for your special day, be sure to:

  • Schedule 3 to 5 tastings with different bakeries to sample a variety of flavors and options.

  • Search websites like Pinterest for color and design ideas.

  • Browse local bakery websites to see their design style and photos of previous cupcakes or dessert tables.

  • Check their reviews on Fash and Google.

  • Ask for references from recent weddings.

  • 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

  • Do you have my wedding date available?

  • How many deliveries do you schedule for each date?

  • What is your minimum order?

  • How much more do you charge for different flavors?

  • What frosting and flavors do you recommend?

  • Are the tasting fees applied to the future dessert order?

  • Can I see photos of some of your recent cupcake or dessert tables?

  • Can you provide vegan or allergen-free treats (if applicable)?

  • What is and is not included in the price?

  • Do you offer equipment rentals?

  • What happens if the desserts arrive damaged?

  • How early should I order?

  • How much is the deposit and when do you need it?

  • Do you charge a delivery fee? Does the delivery fee include set up at the venue?

  • Do you decorate the table?

  • What other fees should I expect?

  • When is the full payment due?

  • What is your refund and cancelation policy?