What’s A Good Wedding Cake Budget?
As I’m sure you’ll know by now, planning a wedding involves juggling a lot of different things and expenses. An important piece of the puzzle here is your wedding cake.
But how much should you actually set aside for your centrepiece?
If you've been browsing wedding cake options, you'll know prices can vary quite dramatically. Some couples are surprised by the cost of professional wedding cakes, whilst others find them more affordable than expected.
A good wedding cake budget is all relative to you. This guide will help you understand what makes a realistic wedding cake budget and how to allocate your funds wisely to get the cake of your dreams without breaking the bank!
Understanding Average Wedding Cake Costs
According to research, the average cost of a wedding cake in the UK ranges from around £400 to £500. Some wedding cakes are higher, some are lower - it all depends on your requirements.
For example, how many tiers you go for has one of the biggest impacts.
A Palms Bakery four-tier retro wedding cake
Two-tier cakes range from:
Affordable: £250-£300
Moderate: £350-£400
Luxury: £650-£750
Three-tier cakes (our most popular option) usually cost:
Affordable: £300-£350
Moderate: £450-£500
Luxury: £850-£900
Four-tier cakes generally cost:
Affordable: £400-£450
Moderate: £550-£600
Luxury: £950-£1,000
At The Palms Bakery, our three-tier cakes start from £600, and four-tier cakes from £700. This positions us in the moderate to premium range due to our unique approach and use of quality ingredients.
Of course, you can get cheaper cakes and those more in line with traditional cakes - but that’s not us!
Factors To Consider When Setting A Budget
Several elements influence the final price of your wedding cake. Having an understanding of these can help you set a more accurate budget. Let’s take a look:
Cake size and guest count
The number of servings needed is one of the primary factors of costs - the more guests, the more slices, the higher the budget you’ll need
A classic three-tier cake usually serves 80-100 guests. If you're having a smaller, more intimate celebration, you might opt for a smaller two-tier cake. Larger weddings of 120+ guests might require four tiers or additional cutting cakes if you want to make sure everyone gets a slice.
For the average budget you’ll need for the number of guests, check the average costs above.
Design Complexity
After how big the cake is, the design is perhaps the next biggest budget driver.
Simple buttercream cakes with minimal decoration cost less than those with intricate piping, hand-painted details or elaborate features. Each additional design element adds labour hours, which increases the overall cost.
Take a look at our wedding cake gallery for some different options that we offer.
Flavour Choices
Basic flavours like vanilla and chocolate are typically more affordable than unique options like salted caramel, red velvet or alcohol-infused varieties.
If you want different flavours for each tier, expect to pay a bit more for this complexity. For some inspo, take a look at our blog on the best wedding cake flavours.
Additional Costs
Don't forget to factor in:
Delivery and setup (£20-£200 depending on distance)
Cake stand rental (if not provided by your venue)
Special dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan, etc.)
Fresh flowers or other decorative elements
Budgeting Tips For Different Price Ranges
Affordable (£200-£400)
If you're working with a tight budget, you might want to consider:
A simple two-tier cake with minimal decoration
Sticking to one flavour throughout
Opting for a smaller display cake paired with a cutting cake or sheet cake served from the kitchen
Selecting a bakery that specialises in more streamlined designs
Mid-range (£500-£700)
With a good budget, you can go for:
A three-tier cake with more personalised decoration
Mixed flavours across tiers
Some customised elements
Better quality ingredients
Luxury (£800+)
If the cake is a priority in your wedding planning, a higher budget allows for:
Three or four tiers with highly detailed decoration
Elaborate handcrafted elements
Multiple premium flavours
Extended consultation and design process
How to Prioritise Cake in Your Overall Wedding Budget
Most wedding planning experts suggest allocating between 2-5% of your total wedding budget to the cake. For a £20,000 wedding, this would mean a cake budget of £400-£1,000.
Consider your priorities. If having a showstopping cake is important to you, you might allocate more than the standard percentage. If you're more focused on other elements like photography or entertainment, you might reduce your cake allocation and opt for a simpler design.
Remember that your cake will feature in many of your wedding photos and serves as a focal point during the reception, so it's worth investing in a design you love if that’s what you want.
Final Tips for Managing Your Wedding Cake Budget
Be transparent with your baker - Let them know your budget upfront so they can suggest options that work within your price range rather than designing something you can't afford.
Book early - Securing your baker well in advance can sometimes result in better pricing, especially during peak wedding season.
Consider alternatives - If a traditional tiered cake stretches your budget, explore alternatives like a single-tier cake paired with cupcakes or a dessert table.
Prioritise what matters - If flavour is more important to you than elaborate decoration, communicate this to your baker so they can focus your budget accordingly.
A beautiful wedding cake doesn't have to break the bank. By understanding the factors that influence pricing and communicating clearly with your baker, you can create a realistic budget that delivers a cake you'll love without unnecessary financial stress.
Looking to discuss wedding cake options that suit your budget? Get in touch with us at The Palms Bakery or fill in the simple form on our wedding cake page to explore designs that match both your vision and your finances
