Average Price of a Wedding Cake in the UK

What Is the Average Price of a UK Wedding Cake?

One of the most common questions couples ask when planning their wedding is: “How much does a wedding cake actually cost?”

If you have searched online, you may have seen a wide range of figures and understandably, this can feel confusing. As a wedding cake designer based in Hertfordshire, I want to offer a clear, realistic answer based on real cakes, real prices, and my professional experience.

The short answer:

The average price of a professionally made UK wedding cake in 2024–2025 is typically between £350 and £750, depending on size, design, and complexity.

Below, I will explain what influences that price, share real examples from my own studio, and help you understand what you are paying for when you book a wedding cake.

My Experience as a Wedding Cake Designer

I have been designing and making wedding cakes since 2015 and run Thistleberry Cake Studio, a mid-range wedding cake studio based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, serving couples within a 20-mile radius and into London.

Each year I create around 12–15 bespoke wedding cakes, working closely with couples to design cakes that suit their guest numbers, style, and budget without unnecessary upselling or hidden costs.

The UK Average Price of a Wedding Cake

Based on my experience and industry knowledge, most professionally made wedding cakes in the UK fall into the following ranges:

• £350–£500
  Simple two- or three-tier buttercream or semi-naked cakes with minimal decoration.

• £500–£750
  Three-tier cakes with fondant finishes, fresh flowers, textured buttercream, or moderate design detail.

• £750+
  Larger cakes, luxury finishes, or designs featuring intricate hand-crafted elements such as sugar flowers.

Mid-range cake designers typically charge around £5–£7 per serving, with the final price influenced far more by design complexity than by size alone.

Real Wedding Cake Examples from Thistleberry Cake Studio

To give you a clearer picture, here are three recent wedding cakes I have made, with full transparency around pricing.

Example 1: Four-Tier Fondant Cake

• Sizes: 6”, 8”, 10" and 12” tiers

• Finish: Smooth fondant with fresh flowers

• Price: £880, excluding delivery and on-site setup

This cake required sharp edges, precise finishing, and careful construction, all of which increased the time involved.

Example 2: Semi-Naked Buttercream Cake with Fresh Fruit

• Sizes: 4”, 6” and 8” round tiers

• Finish: Semi-naked buttercream with abundant fresh fruit

• Price: £420, including delivery and setup

This cake was delivered to Central London, which factored into the price due to travel time, congestion charging, and logistical planning.

Example 3: Tall Buttercream Cake for 150 Guests

• Sizes: 6”, 8” and 10” tiers

• Structure: Tall cakes with four layers per tier

• Finish: Buttercream with fresh flowers

• Price: £500 for the cake, plus £80 delivery to Southwark, London

Although this cake served more guests, the design itself was less time-intensive than some smaller, more intricate cakes.

What Really Affects the Cost of a Wedding Cake?

Design and Time

The biggest factor in wedding cake pricing is how long the design takes to create. Cake makers price primarily based on labour and complexity, not just ingredients.

Sugar Flowers

Handmade sugar flowers significantly increase the cost. Each sugar flower can cost £15–£20, reflecting the hours of skilled work involved.

Number of Servings

Guest numbers determine cake size, structure, and baking time, all of which influence price.

Flavours and Dietary Requirements

Dietary requirements usually involve recipe substitutions and often do not increase the price. Premium flavours may cost slightly more, but typically only by £5–£10, depending on ingredients.

Delivery and Setup

Delivery is a specialist service. It includes secure transport, time, fuel, and safe on-site assembly — especially important for London venues.

Common Misunderstandings About Wedding Cake Pricing

One of the most common misconceptions is that bigger automatically means more expensive. In reality, a small but highly detailed cake can cost more than a larger, simpler one.

Another misunderstanding is that premium flavours or dietary requirements dramatically increase costs. In most cases, this simply isn’t true.

Finally, couples are often unaware that delivery and setup are separate professional services — and essential for ensuring your cake arrives safely and looks perfect on the day.

What Is Included When You Book a Professional Wedding Cake?

When you book a wedding cake from Thistleberry Cake Studio, you are not just paying for cake.

Your price includes:

• Professional design consultation and expert advice

• Time spent planning sizes, structure, and finishes

• High-quality ingredients and careful baking

• Structural engineering for tiered cakes

• Safe transport and on-site setup

Lower-priced cakes may exclude some or all of these elements, which can increase risk on the wedding day.

Final Thoughts: Is a Wedding Cake Worth the Cost?

A wedding cake is both a centrepiece and a shared experience for your guests. When priced professionally, it reflects skill, time, and responsibility — not just ingredients.

If you are planning your wedding and would like guidance on cake sizes, styles, and realistic pricing, I would be happy to help.

View our wedding cake category

Book a consultation with Thistleberry Cake Studio

I believe in transparent pricing, thoughtful design, and cakes that are delicious to eat as they are lovely to look at.