So How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost?

Whether a couple is budget conscious or simply wanting to be prepared for their cake consultation, understanding how much a wedding cake costs is important if you want to get what you paid for. Nothing is worse than going through the whole process of selecting tiers, shapes, flavors and cake decorations only to be started by the final price. Getting an idea of how much does a wedding cake cost can be a frustrating thing to determine but is definitely necessary before heading in to the bakery.

Ordering From Cake Menus

Cake ordering can be very similar to ordering at a restaurant. While you could easily order an appetizer, soup or salad, main course, dessert and a drink or two, if budget is an issue you'd likely just stick to the main course. Cakes are much the same way with the size or number of tiers, cake stands needed, cake construction, shape, flavors and decorations all comprising the cost. If your budget is tight, there are certainly some areas to trim corners for your cake. For example, a unique cake shape such as ovals, or hearts may not be quite so interesting if it added another 15% to your cake bill.

Pricing of Cakes

Some bakers charge by the piece, ranging just about between $1.00-$5.00 a slice based on the number of guests you have attending your reception. It could also be important to inquire if your reception location will charge a fee per piece for cutting and serving costs. If a baker is using flat fees for how much a wedding cake costs, you can expect to spend approximately $400-500 for a 3 tiered cake for 100 people. Likely this cake has minimal décor involved and a simple stand. For another $300-$500, tiers can be added or extras such as fountains and detailing in the fondant or icing.

For an ornate cake without the price tag, several options are available. The use of mock cakes that are often pre-made far ahead of time by using styrofoam as the cake medium is a cost efficient way to achieve your dream cake. The cake decorator coats the exterior with fondant and piped icing or other decorative techniques. This method saves the baker time by allowing them to create your cake ahead of time and more at their leisure. One tier is created with actual cake for you to cut in front of your guests while the cake actually intended for your guests is provided with far more inexpensive sheet cakes that are taken to the reception site's kitchen and out of the view of your guests.

Asking the question how much does a wedding cake cost can help to plan a budget as well as get a handle on what is important in the design of your cake. Asking a decorator to itemize the decorating features may be the best way to understand where your money is being spent and where you can possibly cut out an unnecessary expense. One place you may not want to skimp which your guests will appreciate as well is of course, flavor.