How Much Does the Average Wedding Cake Cost in 2025?

TLDR:

• The average cost of a wedding cake currently is around $550.
• Estimate wedding cake prices by gauging the number of slices you’ll need & understanding how different types of cake a priced by the slice.
• Factors that affect wedding cake prices include size, shape, frosting, & ingredients.
• What's included in wedding cake prices will vary by baker, but can cover everything from an initial design consultation to day-of set up and delivery.
• Save on your wedding cake with expert tips on the most cost-effective ingredients, flavors & shapes.

How much are wedding cakes in 2025?

The current average cost of a wedding cake in the U.S. is around $600. However, the price of a wedding cake will depend on the cake’s size, shape, and decorative elements. According to Zola's First Look Report most couples spend somewhere in the $600 - $900 range for their wedding cake. In bigger cities, or for very large and elaborate cakes, cake prices closer to $1000 - $1200 are not uncommon.

Whether you’re trying to stay within a budget, dream up your perfect wedding cake. You can also decide between cake and another dessert option—such as cupcakes—read below for our full cake costs breakdown.

How to estimate wedding cake costs

Wedding cakes are one of the prettiest, tastiest, and most beloved wedding traditions. Most couples choose to serve cake at their wedding, even if they also offer other wedding dessert, simply because a it is a lovely addition to the reception.

The cake itself serves as a decorative element in the room, most people love eating cake, and the act of cutting and eating your first bite of sweetness together as a married couple is a time-honored tradition. But when it comes to planning out your wedding budget, how much does a wedding cake actually cost?

One important thing to know when trying to budget for your wedding cake is how cakes are priced: Cake bakers price wedding cakes by the slice, not be the entire cake. The average price of a slice of cake is around $4 for buttercream and $5 for fondant.

To point out the obvious, the more slices of cake you’ll need, the more expensive your total wedding cake costs will be. Luckily we have some tips (see below) for ways you can cut down on your wedding cake expenses, including serving your guests “half-servings,” i.e. budgeting for ½ slice of cake per person.

Estimating cake sizes is just a matter of figuring out how many slices you need, and working backwards from there. Here are the general measurements for the number of slices you'll get from different cake sizes:

• 6” tier = 14 slices
• 8” tier = 26 slices
• 10” tier = 40 slices
• 12” tier = 56 slices
• 14” tier = 78 slices
• 16” tier = 100 slices

6 Questions affecting the average wedding cake cost

1. What cake size do you need?

In general, the larger the cake, the more expensive it is. Wedding cake sizes refers to both the general dimensions of the cake and the number of tiers. A single tier cake will cost less than a multiple-tier wedding cake, given it’s smaller and requires less labor. Your guest count will greatly factor into whether you'll need a tiered wedding cake or can get away with a smaller cake.

2. What is your desired cake shape?

Round or square cakes are simpler to make and easier to bake in standard pans. Cakes in complex forms, like hexagons or unusual shapes, will require more labor or special equipment, and hence will cost more. Ask your wedding cake baker if your shape impacts your average cost per slice.

3. What style will you request from your cake designer?

Since wedding cakes are priced based largely on their labor, the more handmade details and decor a cake has, the pricier it will be. This includes decorative elements like fondant flowers, geodes, and other embellishments, metallic foil, and intricate icing designs.

To give an idea, a cake that is frosted in one color is going to cost less than a wedding cake with a few decorative elements, which is, in turn, going to cost less than a cake with sugar flowers (or fresh flowers) and hand-painted patterns or images. Often, the more intricate or complex the design, the higher the bottom line will be. On the plus side, very based cakes should be cheaper.

4. What type of frosting do you like?

There are two options when it comes to wedding cake frosting: buttercream or fondant. Buttercream is made from sugar and butter, costs less, and is considered tastier. Fondant is a sugar paste that costs more, but is more versatile when it comes to decorations. Fondant also won’t melt in warmer temperatures.

5. What are your favorite flavors and fillings?

Likewise, the amount of flavors and type of fillings you desire will also have an affect on your cake’s total cost. For example, the average cost of a wedding cake with standard vanilla flavor will likely be less than a multi-tiered cake with each tier having a different flavor. Similarly, unfilled cakes cost less than those with special fillings, such as fruit, mascarpone cream, custard, ganache, and mousse. If you're unsure what you want, schedule a cake tasting to find out.

6. What special ingredients or diets do you need to accommodate?

If you want a special flavor or unusual ingredient in your cake, like out-of-season fruit, a fancy liqueur, or exotic nuts or spices, these kinds of custom ingredients could come with an additional charge. (And if you think going with more traditional ingredients means sacrificing flavor, you've never had a truly excellent chocolate cake!) If you need a specialty cake, such as dairy-free or gluten-free, that may also be an extra fee.

FAQ about the average cost of a wedding cake

What’s included in wedding cake costs?

Every wedding cake baker will offer slightly different packages and pricing for their cakes, so it’s a good idea to talk to several local bakers to get a sense of their offerings and compare prices. In general, most wedding cake bakers will include the following in the cost of a cake:

1. Design consultation
2. Cake tasting
3. Wedding cake
4. Delivery and setup

These items may be included in the cost of your cake, or they may be extra line items you can add on to your wedding cake bill. Some bakers may not provide these at all, so be sure to check!

1. Cake stands or displays
2. Cake toppers
3. Cutting knife
4. Cake server
5. Extra cake (such as a top tier or small cake) to save for your first anniversary

What is a good budget for a wedding cake?

While couples responding to our first look report say they're spending betweem $600-$900, your cake price will fluctuate depending on lots of factors. Things like guest count and complexity of design will weigh in as well as if you get a top tier cake designer. Only 3.14% of our couples said they were willing to splurge on their dessert and wedding cake cost.

How much is a cake for 100 people?

A cake for 100 people can vary, but the low end for a very based buttercream cake would be $400 ($4 per slice). Whereas a plain fondant cake starts around $500, or $5 per slice.

How much is a cake for 200 guests?

How much does a wedding cake cost for 200 guests? For a guest count of 200 people, you should expect to pay around $800-$900 for a somewhat basic cake.

How to save money on your wedding cake

When it comes to your wedding dreams versus your wedding budget, compromises always have to be made to keep the cost of your wedding reasonable. Luckily there are some easy ways to save money on wedding cakes without sacrificing much in the way of style or presentation. Here are our best money-saving cake tips:

1. Opt for buttercream frosting.

Buttercream not only tastes better to most people than fondant, but it’s cheaper—sometimes up to a $1.00 less per slice. If you’re trimming dollars, buttercream is a win-win for both taste and price point.

2. Serve “half-servings” instead of full slices.

Since guests often only eat a few bites of their cake, opt to serve half-servings (a.k.a. smaller slices). Thus if you’re having 200 guests, you’ll only need to order a cake that serves 100. This is an especially great option if you’re serving an additional dessert alongside the wedding cake.

3. Combine a display cake with a sheet cake.

Display a petite version of your dream cake, complete with metallic paint and fondant roses, for your guests to ooh and ahh over. This will be your cake for photographing and cutting. Then order sheet cakes in the same flavor to be cut and served from the kitchen, which will save you big bucks.

4. Go for a less complex shape and design.

Wedding cake prices are largely based on labor, so the harder a cake is to make, the more expensive it will be. Lower your costs by choosing a cake in a simple design, such as square or round, and minimizing the extravagant details that require a lot of time and technical skill.

5. Simplify your flavors.

Check with your local baker, but often basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate will cost less than complex flavors like carrot cake or espresso.

6. DIY your wedding cake.

While there are serious pros and cons to consider when choosing to DIY your wedding cake (or having a close friend or family member bake it for you), it can save you a lot of cash. Going DIY will definitely influence wedding cake pricing.

Finding the perfect wedding cake for your guests - one that's beautiful, delicious, and affordable - can be intimidating. But try not to worry. For inspiration, browse over one hundred wedding cake ideas. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a wedding cake order that makes a truly stunning contribution to your wedding reception. And fortunately, with a smart choice of cake sizes, shapes, and ingredients, a beautifully decorated and presented wedding cake won't break the bank.

Zola can help you find a local wedding baker

From the cake cutting to the last delicious morsels, your cake is one aspect of your wedding reception you'll be glad you lavished a little extra care on. After all, the wedding cake is not just a delectable dessert—it's a time-honored tradition and a memorable start to your new married life together.

With your cake desires in mind, consider next how you’ll find your find your ideal baker. We suggest navigating over to our wedding vendor database. Simply fill in your location to be provided with a list of pre-approved bakers (as well as caterers, venues, and anyone else you may need on your wedding day).

What’s Included in Wedding Cake Prices?

Every wedding cake baker will offer slightly different packages and pricing for their cakes, so it’s a good idea to talk to several local bakers to get a sense of their offerings and compare prices. In general, most wedding cake bakers will include the following in the cost of a cake:

1. A design consultation
2. A cake tasting
3. The cake itself
4. Delivery and set up

These items may be included in the cost of your cake, or they may be extra line items you can add on to your wedding cake bill. Some bakers may not provide these at all, so be sure to check!

1. A cake stand or display
2. Cake toppers
3. Cutting utensils (a cake knife and server)
4. An extra top tier, or small anniversary cake, to be eaten on your 1-year anniversary

How to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake

When it comes to your wedding dreams versus your wedding budget, compromises always have to be made to keep the cost of your wedding reasonable. Luckily there are some easy ways to save money on your wedding cake without sacrificing much in the way of style or presentation. Here are our best money-saving cake tips:

Opt for buttercream frosting: Buttercream not only tastes better to most people than fondant, but it’s cheaper—sometimes up to a $1.00 less per slice. If you’re trimming dollars, buttercream is a win-win for both taste and price point.

Serve “half-servings” instead of full slices: Since guests often only eat a few bites of their cake, opt to serve half-servings (a.k.a. smaller slices). Thus if you’re having 200 guests, you’ll only need to order a cake that serves 100. This is an especially great option if you’re serving an additional dessert alongside the wedding cake.

Combine a display cake + sheet cake: Display a petite version of your dream cake, complete with metallic paint and fondant roses, for your guests to ooh and ahh over. This will be your cake for photographing and cutting. Then order sheet cakes in the same flavor to be cut and served from the kitchen, which will save you big bucks.

Go for a less complex shape and design: Wedding cake prices are largely based on labor, so the harder a cake is to make, the more expensive it will be. Lower your costs by choosing a cake in a simple design, such as square or round, and minimizing the extravagant details that require a lot of time and technical skill.

Simplify your flavors: Check with your local baker, but often basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate will cost less than complex flavors like carrot cake or espresso.

DIY your wedding cake: While there are serious pros and cons to consider when choosing to DIY your wedding cake (or having a close friend or family member bake it for you), it can save you a lot of cash.

Finding the perfect wedding cake for your guests - one that's beautiful, delicious, and affordable - can be intimidating. But try not to worry. For inspiration, browse over one hundred wedding cake ideas. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a wedding cake order that makes a truly stunning contribution to your wedding reception. And fortunately, with a smart choice of cake sizes, shapes, and ingredients, a beautifully decorated and presented wedding cake won't break the bank.

From the cake cutting to the last delicious morsels, this is one aspect of your wedding reception you'll be glad you lavished a little extra care on. After all, the wedding cake is not just a delectable dessert - it's a time-honored tradition, and a memorable start to your new married life together.