It’s time to book your wedding baker (which is great because who doesn’t love tasting cake!). But you might be wondering, “Why does this cost so much? I can buy a birthday cake at the store for so much less.” Before you think this must be because it’s for a wedding the Bustld team asked Dominica at Nona’s Sweets to fill us in on where that extra cost comes from …
Wedding cakes are so much more intricate than a birthday cake. On the surface, it may not feel that way but behind-the-scenes it takes more time, design and ingredients. For example, we use the same recipe and batter for both cakes but need more batter per pan so the height and size of the cake is appropriate for this grand occasion. The cakes must also be cut and layered with precision. If this is not achieved, the cake will not be level and straight as you stack the layers higher.
Like anything you build, the internal structure is another critical component of every wedding cake. The cake support system is like the spinal column of the cake. This system absorbs the weight of each cake tier above, allowing the tiers to stand tall. A strong core truly makes a flawless cake that will stay straight, true and precise.
One of the biggest differentiators is the time that’s invested. When clients come to us we discuss the dress, the venue, the invitations, etc. Whatever it is that’s inspiring them we need to take that into consideration so we can create something that matches their vision. As you can imagine, this often takes more “hands” to execute. Typically, a wedding cake takes a minimum of 16 hours from baking to design. Once we get on site, there is often more design work needed – placing flowers, icing details or assembly (especially if it’s a long distance or rough roads between the shop and the venue).
FAQs
The cost of ingredients, intense labour, customer experience, and additional services are all factors that influence the price of an expensive wedding cake. Every step of the process, from cake tasting to delivering it to the venue, takes time, and time is money.
What is the difference between a wedding cake and a birthday cake? ›
Wedding cakes are so much more intricate than a birthday cake. On the surface, it may not feel that way but behind-the-scenes it takes more time, design and ingredients.
What is the average amount for a wedding cake? ›
While wedding cake prices do vary depending on the size and style of your cake, the average cost of a wedding cake in the U.S. is around $500 with most couples spending between $300 to $700.
Why are birthday cakes so expensive? ›
Decorating a cake is a time-consuming task that requires skill, and cake makers often work around the clock to produce something fabulous. Additionally, there are capital costs and overheads from mixers, cutters and tools, ribbons, marketing, and equipment.
Who should pay for the wedding cake? ›
Traditionally, the bride's family will pay for the wedding cake. Of course, as with most other wedding costs, there's nothing to say that the groom's family or the couple themselves can't pick up the tab for the wedding cake.
What makes wedding cake so special? ›
The cake symbolises prosperity and good luck
It is thought that wedding cakes were originally a symbol of prosperity, luck and fertility. Using the highest quality ingredients available was meant to ensure a long and happy life together with many children.
What type of cake is best for wedding? ›
The most popular wedding cake flavour is currently vanilla. This isn't surprising: plain white cakes are the go-to choice for many brides and grooms. If you're looking to spice up your wedding cake with something new, why not try a carrot or coconut flavoured alternative!
Why do couples keep their wedding cake? ›
The tradition states that the couple should enjoy the layer of the cake as a way of remembering their special day and the commitments they made to each other. Some couples will also save the top layer of their wedding cake for the Christening of their first child – another lovely tradition!
Why are there two cakes at a wedding? ›
Usually, a large, white tiered cake, decorated mostly in white frosting, is called the bride's cake, and a second flavor choice is called the "groom's cake". This tradition was brought over from England by early American colonists, who considered the white-iced bride's cake too light for men's tastes.
What size wedding cake for 100 guests? ›
Cake Tiers and Serving Sizes
The average 12" wedding cake serves 40-60 people. The 10" cake on top of that serves 30-40 people and the 8" cake on top of that serves 20-25 people. So a classic 3-tier cake with 12, 10, and 8 inch layers serves about 100 people.
Typically, you can estimate the number of servings needed by approximating that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will enjoy a piece of cake. From there, determine if you'd like to have enough cake to feed every guest, whether you'd like to have cake leftover, and the size of the slice of cake you'd like to serve.
Is birthday cake junk food? ›
Generally, it is food that lacks nutrients but is high in calories made up of fat and sugar. Or, as one researcher says, it's food that isn't represented in the healthy eating pyramid. But cake is so much more than junk food.
What is the most expensive birthday cake ever made? ›
But a birthday cake loaded with diamonds and hand-sculpted fondant just smashed the record for the most expensive dessert ever created. Price tag: $75 million. The decadent cake was created by British designer Debbie Wingham, who rose to fame when she crafted the world's most expensive dress for $17.7 million.
Is it cheaper to make a birthday cake or buy one? ›
Cost Savings: One of the main advantages of making your own cake is the potential for cost savings. When you bake a cake at home, you have the freedom to choose affordable ingredients and shop around for the best deals.
Why do couples save wedding cake? ›
The Significance of Saving the Top Layer of a Wedding Cake
Like many wedding traditions, the symbolism behind the saving of the cake is to show the couple's commitment to each other and their hopes for a long and happy marriage. The cake is tucked away and served to celebrate the couple's first anniversary.
What percentage of people actually eat cake at a wedding? ›
Typically, you can estimate the number of servings needed by approximating that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will enjoy a piece of cake. From there, determine if you'd like to have enough cake to feed every guest, whether you'd like to have cake leftover, and the size of the slice of cake you'd like to serve.
Are cupcakes cheaper than cake for wedding? ›
Choosing cupcakes, pies, or doughnuts for your wedding can be cheaper than getting a wedding cake. While the actual pricing will depend on your bakery, these items don't require much decorating time, so you'll be saving on labor for your wedding dessert.
Do I really need a wedding cake? ›
The short answer to whether or not you need a wedding cake is NO! Some couples just do not want cake! Totally fine. Just replace your cake with a dessert bar including pies, macaroons, dessert-flavored popcorn, cookies, brownies, donuts, you name it!
