Wedding cakes have long been the centrepiece of celebration, symbolising sweetness, joy, and togetherness. However, if you’ve started researching your own wedding cake, you may have noticed that prices can climb quickly! Between tasting sessions, mood boards, and endless emails, the process can feel overwhelming, and budgets can spiral out of control. The question is: do you really need to pay for all the extras to enjoy the cake of your dreams?
Let's explore the real story behind wedding cake prices and how you can get the showstopper you want, stress-free.
Why Wedding Cakes Can Seem So Expensive
Walking into a traditional cake boutique, you’ll see dazzling creations and lavish displays, but these often come coupled with high price tags. So, what drives these costs up?
First, there are the face-to-face consultations. Fancy mood boards, detailed sketches, and tasting sessions often sound lovely but can be costly. Many cake designers include the price of their time in the overall cake quote and whilst some couples enjoy these extra steps, others find they’re paying for far more than just a delicious dessert.
On top of that, presentation is often prioritised over practicality. Elaborate decorations, fondant sculptures, hand-painted flowers, and well-packaged samples all add to the bill. You might end up paying for things you never really wanted in the first place.
How Much Should You Actually Pay for a Wedding Cake?
The price of a wedding cake varies depending on size, décor, and whether you order a bespoke design. In the UK, a classic three-tier cake for around 100 guests might cost anywhere between £300 and £600. Some artisanal bakers may quote higher, especially if you require intricate custom work.
When you start seeing prices pushing beyond this range, it’s worth asking what you’re actually getting for your money. Are you being charged extra for initial consultations or multiple sketches you don’t need? Is the baker including tasting sessions or mood board presentations you’re not interested in? If so, you’re likely paying for more than just cake.
At My Baker, we believe in keeping things direct and simple. You receive a beautifully crafted cake, tailored to your taste and style, without being pulled into unnecessary expenses.
The Real Cost Behind a 3-Tier Wedding Cake
For most couples, a three-tier cake comfortably serves between 70 and 120 guests, depending on portion sizes. The price for a bespoke 3-tier cake usually sits between £350 and £600 at most reputable bakers. Costs rise with design complexity, luxury ingredients, or last-minute requests, but they needn’t escalate just because you want something special.
Our process is straightforward. Choose your flavours, pick out a style that matches your day, communicate any dietary needs, and leave the rest to us. There’s no requirement for in-person meetings unless you want them, and no hidden fees for keeping things simple.
If you’re not sure how many tiers you need, our cake serving guide will help you plan the perfect size for your guest list.
Who Traditionally Pays for the Wedding Cake?
Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding cake. However, modern weddings tend to be more flexible, and sometimes the couple covers the cost themselves or splits the bill with loved ones. What matters most is choosing a cake that you both love and that fits within your overall plan—without feeling pressured to pay for frills you don't value.
Do You Really Need Tasting Sessions, Mood Boards, or Endless Consultations?
Tasting sessions are fun, but they’re rarely essential. Unless you have very specific preferences or dietary needs, a seasoned baker can recommend delicious options and guide you through flavours based on your feedback. Visual inspiration is helpful, but you don’t necessarily need professionally designed mood boards to communicate your vision. A few reference photos and a clear chat with your baker are often all it takes.
You may find that some bakers offer bundles with a higher price point just to accommodate extra meetings and design sketches. If you’re confident about your ideal style, you can skip this process entirely and focus on what matters: a cake that tastes wonderful and looks beautiful.
How My Baker Keeps Wedding Cakes Simple (and Special)
At My Baker, we believe that ordering your wedding cake should be one of the easiest steps in your wedding planning. Our service is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
- Seamless Online Ordering: Everything happens in one place—choose your style, input your preferences, and set your delivery address at the click of a button.
- Talented Local Bakers: We connect you with local experts who understand both flavour and flair, ensuring your cake is fresh and made with love.
- No Hidden Extras: There are no surprise charges for design chats or “inspiration” meetings. We price our cakes by size, design, and ingredients only.
- Personalised Touches: From vegan and gluten-free options to matching your wedding theme with elegant simplicity, every cake can be made uniquely yours.
- Hassle-Free Delivery: Relax knowing your cake will be delivered to your venue, looking as perfect as it tastes.
If you want to browse styles or spark your imagination, take a look at our wedding cakes page for inspiration and straightforward pricing.
Celebrate Your Big Day Without Overpaying
Planning a wedding is full of choices, but ordering your cake shouldn’t be stressful or costly. Remember, your wedding cake should be a joyful part of your day, not a budget breaker or cause for anxiety. By focusing on what you really want and skipping the extras that don’t matter to you, you can enjoy an unforgettable cake that suits both your taste and your wallet.
Ready to make the process even easier? Our online cake shop lets you start your order today. No mood boards, no endless forms—just good cake, baked by people who care. Here’s to keeping your celebration sweet, simple, and stress-free!