It's time to start thinking about booking your wedding cake but you don't have a clue where to start. This is the most commonly asked questions by couples, all answered in this handy guide.
How much does a wedding cake cost?
How long is a piece of string? Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this, as the cost of a wedding cake can vary depending on a number of factors such as the wedding date, guest numbers, overall complexity of design, and venue location. Every cake designer also charges differently depending on their level of experience, ingredients used, overheads and geographical location. As an example, a simple naked cake will be significantly cheaper than a fondant iced cake covered in sugar flowers. Depending on all these factors a 3 tier cake could range anywhere from £300 - £1000 or more.
I currently have a minimum spend of £450, with my couples spending on average £600-750 on a 3 tier cake serving 95 portions.
At your initial enquiry, and based on your wedding details, I can give you an estimated price range, which then gives you a good idea what your cake will cost. It’s also important to mention if you have a specific budget you would like to keep to as your cake designer can work to this.
How big should our wedding cake be?
First thing to consider is when your cake will be served. If you are planning to serve your wedding cake as dessert then you will need to cater to 100% of your guests. These portion sizes would also be the larger “dessert” sized portions. If you are incorporating your wedding cake into the evening buffet then I would usually advise catering to around 70-80% of your total guest numbers. These would be smaller “finger” sized portions.
For around 100 guests I would recommend a 3 tier cake and for 160 guests I would recommend a 4 tier cake. Another option to consider is having a smaller cake plus dessert table. These are a great option to treat your guests during your evening wedding reception plus they can be tailored to your colour scheme or theme.
Your cake maker will be able to advise on the most appropriate size for your wedding based on your requirements and guest numbers. At the end of the day it's your decision and budget so you can easily cater to more or less.
Will you deliver my wedding cake?
Absolutely yes, especially for cakes that are 3 tiers or larger. These cake tiers would travel separately and be stacked at the venue. For me personally, I feel this is the safest way to transport your wedding cake.
This is the also last and most stressful part of the process. Something which you wouldn’t want to take on, on the morning of your own wedding. I like to ensure the cake is set up properly, flowers are arranged perfectly and the venue has been given the handover sheet which includes allergens and any non-edible items etc. I always include a delivery price in my quotes, which will vary depending on the distance to the venue.
Will a buttercream wedding cake be ok in summer?
Some cake makers refuse to provide buttercream cakes in summer because of the risks they pose and others have no issues with them. I personally don’t provide any naked, semi naked or buttercream wedding cakes because I don’t like how unpredictable and fragile they can be. I also feel my design style is very limiting with this medium. I am very much a fondant girl and I love the flexibility it gives with design as well as the reliability and security it gives on a hot summer’s day.
If you are planning a wedding in a marquee or outside on a hot summer’s day, you may want to avoid buttercream or naked cakes.
Can I have a wedding cake tasting?
Every cake maker should offer a cake tasting. They can be done in person or by collecting a box of cake samples. If you have already saved your date with me, then this would include a complementary tasting box which can be collected or posted UK wide. If couples would like to try the cake before booking then they can purchase one of my tasting boxes for £25. These are available around 3-4 times a year.
If you choose to go ahead and save your date with me after purchasing a tasting box then the cost is deducted from the final balance of the cake. My tasting box contains 6 of the most popular cake flavours on my menu and my couples love receiving one!
Can I have different flavours on each tier?
Absolutely yes! I recommend choosing a wide variety of flavours that you and your guests will enjoy. A lot of my couples choose to keep the top tier just for the themselves, saving that for the day after the wedding to enjoy. Gone are the days of traditional fruit cake, now we can enjoy more exciting flavours like blackberry and lime, passion fruit and white chocolate or even biscoff.
Will I be given a cake stand and cake cutting knife?
It’s important to check what your venue offer and if you’re happy with the look and style of their cake stand. Some venues have some lovely options like wooden barrels or log slices, however most offer very traditional cake stands which don’t really suit more modern or rustic cakes.
Wedding venues will be able to advise if they have a cake knife included or not. It's not something which I offer, however some couples choose to buy a personalised knife which they can keep after the wedding.
I do offer a large selection of cake stands which are available to hire for a set fee of £25 plus a security deposit which varies depending on the stand. Choosing the right cake stand can really elevate your cake design to the next level and make your cake unforgettable. Speak with your cake maker about the look you wish to achieve and see what they can offer.
Can I have flowers on my wedding cake?
Yes, absolutely you can! There are lots of options to choose from, whether you opt for sugar flowers, artificial, fresh or dried, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. Dried flowers are becoming increasingly popular for that rustic or boho look. If using fresh flowers, it’s important to make sure these are made food safe for your cake. This is why it’s usually better for your cake maker to arrange the flowers compared to a florist as we are all trained in food safety and can follow the correct protocols. It’s also important to use suitable fresh flowers which are not toxic or poisonous. This means no gypsophilia (baby’s breath), hydrangea’s, lilies, tulips, etc the list goes on. Using these could cause severe allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset or even death.
My passion is making realistic sugar flowers. These are more expensive than the other flower options as they are all handmade. However, the possibilities are endless. Is your favourite flower a peony, but they aren’t in season for your wedding? You can have them made in sugar, whatever colour you like! Or maybe you love an iris, but they are poisonous, that’s no problem in sugar! Sugar flowers are food safe and will last a lifetime if stored correctly. The same can’t be said for fresh flowers unfortunately.
Every cake maker has their own preference and skill level, so important to check what options they can provide.
How far in advance should I order my wedding cake?
As soon as you have booked your venue, it’s time to start booking your preferred suppliers. To avoid disappointment, I always advise allowing 12-18 months.
A lot of cake makers like myself only take on a limited number of bookings per week. For me this means working with 2 couples each week so I can devote more of my time to each cake.
Peak season (April – September) is more popular and these dates will go first. There is nothing worse than finding your dream supplier has no availability for your wedding date, so make sure you secure your date early.
How long does it take to make a wedding cake?
Your wedding cake is a minimum 5 day process - baking, filling & ganaching, covering, decorating and delivering. If your cake has a complicated design involving many sugar flowers this work would involve additional time which would be started weeks, sometimes even months, in advance.
If you’re still looking for your wedding cake designer or have another wedding cake question I haven’t questioned here, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you.