Wedding cakes are getting more and more expensive every year. Did you know the average cost of a wedding cake is $350 with some couples spending even more than $1,000 on the cake alone?! We’re here to help you navigate this cake situation you didn’t even know you had to think about.
Wedding Cake Options
A wedding cake can be any shape, size, or height you want it to be – but everything has a price. A round 1 – 3 tier vanilla flavored cake is probably the most popular choice, but it’s really up to you! Some things that can drive up the cost of your wedding cake to think about are:
- How tall do you want the cake to be?
- What type of frosting do you want? (Ex. Fondant is usually more expensive than butter cream!)
- Do you want anything special on it? (Gold flakes, icing flowers, hand painted designs, etc.)
- Do you want the cake to be free of anything? (Sugar, gluten, dairy, etc.)
- Do you need the cake to be set up on something other than a standard table?
Cutting The Cake
If you’re not getting your cake through your venue, you might get charged what is called a “cake cutting fee” or a “cake serving fee.” The fee is usually anywhere from $2 – $6, but can vary based on cake type and venue. This fee is sometimes the venue’s way to discourage you from getting your own cake brought in, and it covers the cost of cutting and serving to your guests. Now $2 – $6 may not sound like much BUT if you have 200 guests and it costs $6 to cut each slice, that’s $1,200 in cake cutting + any service charges or taxes. Also don’t forget not all slices will be eaten so build your wedding cake fees into the budget!
Cost Cutting Hacks
- If you’re set on having a wedding cake, see if your venue is willing to serve half servings. Everyone still gets a slice, but you can order a cake for half the amount of people. This is a great option if you’re also planning to have other desserts!
- Be flexible on flavors. Chocolate or vanilla are the most popular and cheapest options. If you’d rather pay more for an upgraded frosting or design, consider standard flavors rather than something like cookies and cream or strawberry shortcake.
- Sheet cake to the rescue. It’s becoming more and more popular for couples to have faux styrofoam cakes with only one edible piece for the ceremony, or even 100% faux display cakes. When it’s time for dessert, have a sheet cake cut in the back and served to your guests. They’ll never know!
- If you’re open to other wedding cake alternatives, consider mini pies, cupcakes, or a grab and go dessert or brownie table! When your guests can serve themselves, no fee will apply and they still end their night with a sweet treat!
- Still feeling conflicted on what to do? Our wedding planners have helped tons of couples figure out what’s right for them. Click here to schedule a free consultation and grab yourself a virtual wedding planning subscription – you’ll feel like you’re having your cake and eating it too. Who wouldn’t want that?
