One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning? Choosing your wedding cake. With endless options in shapes, flavours, and designs, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That's why we've crafted this comprehensive guide - packed with expert tips, practical advice, and style inspiration to help you create your perfect wedding cake.
Key Considerations for Choosing Your Wedding Cake
- Taste & Flavour: Choose flavours you and your partner love. Each tier can be different-icing hides the inside.
- Style & Look: Decide if you want a traditional, elegant, quirky, or show-stopping cake.
- Venue Match: Formal cake for a formal venue; relaxed cake for casual settings.
- Safety First: For outdoor venues or where children are present, opt for stable stacked tiers.
- Guest Count & Budget: Small wedding or tight budget? Go with fewer tiers (e.g., two).
- Colour Scheme: The cake can enhance your reception's colour palette.
- Final Design: Choose after your flowers are confirmed, as they may influence the cake design.
Wedding Cake Prices
There are several factors that influence wedding cake cost, and most depend on the specific choices you and your partner make. Key factors include the size of the cake, the type and quality of ingredients used, the wedding location, and the experience level of your cake designer - highly skilled professionals typically charge more than amateurs. Additionally, intricate design elements, custom decorations, and the time required to execute these details can all significantly impact the final price.
Standard high street wedding cake prices are £200-£350, offering peace of mind with a wedding cake that's safe and professionally made. Bespoke wedding cakes typically start from £450 to £750 for a 3 tier wedding cake and can rise to £1,000–£2,000 for larger or highly detailed cakes featuring elements like handcrafted sugar wedding cake flowers. Top-tier wedding cake designers may charge even more for their artistry and expertise.
Your cake cutting is one of the most photographed moments of your wedding. Think of your wedding cake as both dessert and déco - a centrepiece worth investing in.
Wedding Cake Shapes
Have you noticed that almost every wedding cake in the UK is round and stacked? Circular cakes remain the most common choice for couples, thanks to their classic and elegant look. That said, if you're looking to make a statement, alternative shapes like a heart, oval, hexagonal, or even horseshoe designs can add a unique touch - and many experienced bakers still have the tins to make them. Heart shaped wedding cakes are quite popular; however, bear in mind that with a heart shape, you're often paying the same or even more for less cake due to the shape's reduced surface area and additional complexity.
Stacked Tiers or Pillars
The traditional wedding cake typically has three tiers, but there are no strict rules, just important considerations. Certain types of cake and icing may not be stable if built too high, so structure matters.
Tiers can be fully stacked, separated by pillars, or freestanding. Double-height tiers are also popular now, where two cakes are stacked and iced to look like a single, taller layer. Some very tall cakes include a fake base tier to boost height and visual impact while supporting the upper tiers. Still, don't underestimate the beauty of a single-tier cake, one well-decorated layer can be just as stunning as ten.
Your cake designer will help determine the ideal number of wedding cake tiers based on your guest count, design preferences, budget, and the type of cake and finish you choose.
The wedding venue also plays a role. For example, in a barn or marquee with an uneven floor or shaky table, a shorter, stacked cake is safer. In contrast, a formal venue like a stately home is a great setting for a tall, four-tiered cake with pillars or separators for added height and grandeur.
If you need help with the sizing we have a guide for round and square cakes.
Wedding Cake Flavors
The traditional British fruitcake has largely fallen out of favour - even royal weddings now feature more modern alternatives With hundreds of flavours to choose from, your wedding cake can be a unique reflection of your personal taste.
Seasonality can help guide your choice: light and fresh flavours work well for spring and summer weddings, while richer, spiced options suit autumn and winter celebrations. Can't decide on just one? Opt for a different flavour per tier. It's a great way to cater to different tastes - just remember to keep the most crowd-pleasing flavour (like vanilla or chocolate) as the bottom tier, since it's typically served first.
Be mindful though-offering multiple flavours might mean you need to order extra portions if guests want to try more than one.
Some popular wedding cake flavours include:
- Classics: Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruitcake, Coffee, Red Velvet.
- Fruity: Lemon, Elderflower, Passion Fruit and Raspberry, Strawberry and Champagne, Carrot and Orange.
- Unusual: Spiced Ginger, Pistachio and Cardamom, Lavender, Earl Grey, Amaretto.
Chocolate wedding cake is a guest favourite and can serve as both your wedding cake and dessert. While some couples opt for a dramatic white fondant exterior over chocolate sponge, most choose to embrace the chocolate theme fully. There are three popular finishes for chocolate wedding cakes: Ganache glaze, Chocolate decorations and Chocolate fondant
Wedding Cake Finishes
The finish or icing of your wedding cake doesn't just define its look - it often sets the tone for the entire design and can be a key factor when selecting your cake designer. As cake artist Alison Biddle, who ran Fancy That Wedding Cakes for over 20 years, explains: "Every good cake baker should be able to produce high quality sponges or cakes and should have access to various decorations to complete the cake, however different cake artists specialise in different types of cake finishes. If you know the type of icing you'd like on your wedding cake, and it is something more specialist such as a buttercream or royal icing finish, my advice would be to choose a cake designer who is a specialist in this type of wedding cake."
Fondant (Sugarpaste)
The most popular icing for wedding cakes, fondant is rolled out and draped over tiers for a smooth, modern finish. It's easy to work with, available in many colours, and ideal for creating a clean look. When mixed with gum tragacanth, it's used for delicate sugar flowers for a floral wedding cake.
Royal Icing
Made from egg whites and icing sugar, royal icing is used for fine piped details like beading and flowers. It hardens as it dries and was once common for covering entire cakes, though that's now rare.
Buttercream
Popular for its taste and softer texture, American buttercream creates a smooth, creamy finish and can be piped into decorative patterns. English buttercream is less sweet and firmer than Swiss or Italian styles, making it better suited for buttercream wedding cakes.
Wedding Cake Decorations
Your wedding cake decorations are what makes it truly personal. From a simple ribbon trim to intricate sugar flowers or hand-painted designs, there are endless ways to customise your wedding cake. Whether you prefer something traditional, modern, or inspired by pop culture, decoration techniques allow you to create a one-of-a-kind centrepiece. Popular options include fresh or sugar flowers, stencilling, edible lace, metallic accents, and themed toppers.
- Flowers: These could be fresh, pressed, fondant or sugar flowers. However, be aware of the risk of transfer from chemicals on fresh flowers. We recommend speaking to your cake maker and florist before using fresh flowers in your decorations, especially if you are thinking about using potentially toxic foliage such as ivy.
- Ribbons and bows
- Hand piping, such as ruffles, swirls or small details
- Hand-painted and calligraphy designs
- Edible embellishments such as hard sweets or chocolate pieces
- Moulded chocolate
- Metallic finishes like gold leaf and rose gold designs
- Fresh fruit
- Cake effects such as marbling or ombre
Wedding Cake Boxes
Standard cake stands are 16" wide and fit most cake styles. While venues often provide basic plastic stands dressed to look silver, upgrading to a real silver-plated stand - available at select venues or cake suppliers - adds elegance. Most couples use a traditional cake knife, but a ceremonial sword adds flair for dramatic cakes like croquembouche. For cupcakes or individual cakes, offer boxes so guests can take them home.
Delivering and Setting up the Wedding Cake
Many cake designers offer delivery and setup services to ensure your wedding cake is safely transported and beautifully displayed. They should coordinate with your venue or planner to time the setup once the room is fully prepared. If you're collecting the cake yourself, you'll be responsible for its condition from pickup. Request a sturdy box, transport it flat in the car boot (not on a seat or lap), and keep it cool until it's ready to be displayed.
Should You DIY Your Wedding Cake?
Yes, you can but it's rarely advisable. Without experience, the cost of wasted ingredients, practice runs, and necessary equipment often outweighs the price of hiring a professional. Domestic ovens also struggle with larger tiers, compromising both size and quality. Many couples who go the DIY route end up disappointed, wishing they had invested in a professional from the start.
A professional cake designer will have the proper tools and technical expertise to bake, decorate, and most importantly, stack and dowel your cake correctly. Wedding cakes are heavy and require internal support to stay stable.
Also, most venues require proof of liability insurance to accept cakes made outside of licensed businesses. Always check with your venue first. If insurance is required, it's best to leave the baking to the professionals.
How Much Cake Do You Actually Need?
Using a standard height 3 tier wedding cake as an example, the cost of ingredients and materials alone ranges from £40–90, an expense often overlooked by amateur bakers. However, the majority of the final cost reflects the time, skill, and craftsmanship involved, which is rarely fully covered by cake designers, especially for intricate designs.
A standard 3-tier wedding cake typically serves 80 to 100 guests, but this can vary based on several factors. Not everyone may opt for a slice, but if you're offering multiple flavours, it's wise to order extra portions so guests can sample more than one. The type of meal also plays a role - guests are more likely to eat cake after a buffet than a full 3-course dinner. If you're serving other desserts, expect lower demand for the cake.
Top tip: Ask your caterer to reserve slices for you and close family members who may miss out during the reception.
Why choose a Wedding Dessert Table?
A dessert table offers variety, visual appeal, and a fun way to match your wedding theme with treats like cupcakes, macarons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more. You can decorate it with flowers, fairy lights, or confetti for extra charm, and tailor the desserts to your colour scheme or style. It's also a flexible option that allows you to cater to different tastes without sacrificing the traditional cake-cutting moment-just select one standout cake from the table for photos. While a dessert table can seem costly, it's easily scaled to suit your budget. Opting for simple, affordable items like marshmallows, sweets, or homemade treats can keep costs down while still delivering a memorable and magical display.
What is a Cake Cutting Fee?
Most couples hire a specialist to supply their cake, but if your venue includes a cake in the package and you bring your own, you may be charged a small cake cutting fee. This covers staff time to cut, plate, and serve the cake. There may also be a fee to hire the venue's wedding cake stand or wedding cake knife if you're not using your own. Always check what's included in your wedding package to avoid surprises.
How Far in Advance Should I Order My Wedding Cake?
Baking, filling, decorating, and finishing a wedding cake takes several days, with most of the work done close to the wedding date. Since many designers limit themselves to just two or three cakes per week due to the time and skill involved, it's important to book early to secure your preferred wedding cake designer. Early booking also ensures they'll be available to deliver and set up your cake at the venue if needed.
What Happens at a Wedding Cake Tasting?
Wedding cake tastings are a key part of choosing both your cake and your cake maker. During a tasting, you'll sample their bakes (often from a wedding cake tasting box if not in person), review their portfolio, and discuss your wedding colours, theme, cake design, flavours, setup logistics, and pricing. Bakers typically offer a few sample flavours to showcase quality, so if you want to try a specific one, request it in advance. Use this time to gauge the quality of their bake rather than test every option. It's also a chance to connect with the baker, see their creativity in action, and ensure they're genuinely excited to bring your wedding cake vision to life.
How Should I Display My Wedding Cake?
Your wedding cake is more than dessert - it's a centrepiece. Display it on a dedicated table where guests can admire it before it's cut. Round cakes suit round tables, while linear designs may work better on rectangular ones.
Dress the table with fabric, florals, or décor that complements your wedding theme. A quality wedding cake holder or wedding cake stand - ideally 8cm wider than the base tier adds elegance, especially traditional silver stands.
Avoid wrinkled or ill-fitting tablecloths, and choose a spot away from heat, direct sunlight, and high-traffic areas to protect the cake's appearance and structure.
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Cake Maker
Match Your Style
From classic tiers to modern drip cakes, find a baker whose portfolio reflects your wedding vision. Look through plenty of photos to ensure they have experience with your desired style-especially for custom or intricate designs.
Think Local
Choosing a nearby baker helps avoid high delivery costs and transport risks. Visit local wedding fairs to meet bakers, sample their cakes, and see their work up close.
Check Reviews & Availability
Before falling in love with a baker, check independent reviews (like on Guides for Brides) and confirm their availability-especially for peak dates. Aim to book at least 6 months in advance.
Consider Dietary Needs
Ensure the baker can cater to gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free diets. It's safest to order a separate labeled cake for guests with allergies to avoid cross-contamination.
Book a Tasting
Come to tastings prepared with your venue, date, budget, and inspo images. Let the baker know in advance if you'd like to sample specific flavours like fruitcake. Tastings may have a fee, often deducted from your final order.
Some of our favourite UK wedding cake designers:
Cakeaways
Cakeaways offers award-winning, luxury wedding cakes in Oxfordshire, handcrafted with locally sourced ingredients for exceptional taste and stunning design. They specialise in bespoke cakes, elegant cupcakes, and personalised sweet treats to suit any theme, featuring realistic sugar flowers, hand-painted details, and custom edible decorations. With gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary options available, everyone can enjoy a slice of the celebration.
In past 12 months
Karen Liddle Cakes
With years of experience, Karen Liddle Cakes creates bespoke wedding cakes, cupcake towers, dessert tables, cheesecakes, cookies, and more - all freshly baked using high-quality ingredients. Choose from flavours like Madagascan vanilla, champagne & strawberry, salted caramel, and elderflower & lemon. Gluten- and dairy-free options are available. Karen offers a personalised service from consultation and tasting to design, delivery, and setup - either in person or virtually with postal cake tasting samples. Delivery is available across Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire.
In past 12 months
Karen Liddle Cakes
Fabulous wedding cakes, cupcakes, & favoursDovey Cake Design
Dovey Cake Design is an artisan cake studio in South Oxfordshire, owned by Clare, specialising in opulent wedding cakes and indulgent dessert tables with a classic yet fashion-forward flair. Known for her bold designs and exquisite sugar flower artistry, Clare blends traditional and modern techniques to create stunning, contemporary cakes that not only look dramatic but taste exceptional. Her signature style fuses elegant, home-baked flavour with artistic expression, resulting in statement cakes that perfectly reflect the unique details of your day. From consultation and tasting to design, delivery, and set-up, Dovey Cake Design offers a fully personalised, five-star rated service across the South East of England.
In past 12 months
Dovey Cake Design
Handmade couture wedding cakes and dessert tablesSassys Sugar Doughnuts
Sassy Sugar Doughnuts, based in Camberley, Surrey, offers artisan doughnuts for weddings and events, providing a fun alternative to traditional cakes. Specialising in bespoke doughnut towers, modern and rustic walls, and a charming vintage trailer, they create show-stopping displays in a variety of colours and flavours, including Belgian chocolate, sugar glaze, and cinnamon. Services include cutting cakes, Mr & Mrs doughnuts, and hot doughnuts served onsite. With a 5-star food hygiene rating and trained staff, Sassy Sugar Doughnuts delivers a unique, high-quality experience for any celebration.
In past 12 months
Sassys Sugar Doughnuts
Artisan Doughnut Towers, Walls and Vintage TrailerDesigner Cakes by Elle
Designer Cakes by Elle, based in Kingston upon Thames, creates award-winning, bespoke wedding cakes featuring elegant sugar flowers, intricate details, and exceptional flavour. Led by Cordon Bleu-trained chef Elle, with advanced certifications in cake decorating and chocolate work, the studio also offers macaron towers and boxed favours. With multiple industry awards, a 5-star hygiene rating, and features in Vogue and Brides, Elle combines culinary skill and creative flair to deliver truly memorable wedding cakes.
In past 12 months
Designer Cakes by Elle
For a bespoke wedding cake with exception design that will be the centrepiece of your special day, look no further than Designer Cakes by ElleDeluce Cakes
Deluce Cakes is West London's premier wedding cake designer, renowned for elegant, bespoke creations that blend stunning design with exceptional flavour. From classic tiers to modern showpieces, each cake is tailored to reflect your style and vision. Known for exquisite sugar floristry and artisan flavours, Deluce Cakes is a favourite at prestigious venues including Claridge's, The Savoy, and Cliveden House, earning consistent praise from couples and planners alike.
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Deluce Cakes
Deluce Cakes, West London's esteemed designer, will craft a bespoke wedding cake that perfectly complements your vision, elevating your celebration toCelebration Cakes by Catherine Scott
Celebration Cakes by Catherine Scott creates exceptional wedding cakes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire, tailored to reflect each couple's unique style. From elegant and traditional to modern and whimsical designs, every cake is crafted with the finest ingredients for unforgettable flavour. Known for personalised service and attention to detail, Catherine and her team work closely with couples to design stunning centrepieces that leave a lasting impression.
In past 12 months