Published 7 May 2026 · By Paulina · 8 min read

How Much Does a Wedding Cake
Cost in London?

The complete pricing guide from a London cake maker. Real prices, honest advice, and tips to get the most from your wedding cake budget.

One of the first questions every couple asks when planning their wedding is: how much does the cake cost? It is a completely reasonable question, and one that deserves a straight answer. The truth is, wedding cake prices in London vary enormously depending on size, design complexity, flavour choices and the baker you choose. In this guide, we break down exactly what you can expect to pay, what drives the cost, and how to get the most from your budget.

Average Wedding Cake Prices in London

Here is a realistic breakdown of what wedding cakes cost in London in 2026, based on our own pricing and what we see across the industry:

Cake SizeServesPrice Range
Single tier10 to 20 guests£100 to £200
Two tier30 to 50 guests£200 to £400
Three tier60 to 100 guests£300 to £600
Four tier100 to 150 guests£500 to £900
Five tier150 to 200+ guests£800 to £1,500+

These are typical prices for bespoke, handcrafted wedding cakes from independent London bakers. Supermarket cakes will cost significantly less, but they are mass produced and offer limited customisation. High end luxury bakeries in central London may charge considerably more.

What Affects the Price of a Wedding Cake?

Number of Tiers

More tiers means more sponge, more filling, more decoration and more structural work. Each additional tier adds roughly £100 to £200 to the total cost, depending on complexity.

Decoration Style

This is where the biggest price differences come in:

Flavour Choices

Standard flavours like vanilla, chocolate and lemon are included in the base price. Premium flavours like pistachio and rose, salted caramel with Biscoff, or prosecco and elderflower may cost a small supplement because of ingredient costs.

Dietary Requirements

Gluten free and vegan wedding cakes are absolutely possible and we make them regularly. There is usually a small supplement of around 10 to 15 percent to cover the cost of specialist ingredients.

Delivery and Setup

Most London cake makers include local delivery, but if your venue is further afield there may be a delivery charge. Setting up a multi tier cake at the venue requires skill and care, and some bakers charge separately for this. At Bake You Happy, delivery and setup across London and Essex is included in our pricing.

How to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake

If your budget is tight, here are some genuinely useful tips:

  1. Choose buttercream over fondant. It tastes better, looks modern and costs less
  2. Use fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers. Ask your florist to set aside some stems for the cake. The visual impact is stunning at a fraction of the cost
  3. Go for a smaller display cake plus a sheet cake. Have a beautiful two tier cake for photos and cutting, then a plain sheet cake in the kitchen to serve guests. Nobody will know the difference
  4. Choose a semi naked or rustic design. Less decoration means less labour and lower cost
  5. Order early. Booking well in advance gives your baker time to plan efficiently, which can sometimes result in better pricing
  6. Consider a dessert table. Instead of a massive tiered cake, have a smaller centrepiece cake surrounded by cupcakes, brownies and treats. It feeds more people and creates a stunning display

Wedding Cake vs Dessert Table: Which Is Better Value?

This is one of the most common questions we get asked. The answer depends on what you want from your wedding sweet course:

A traditional tiered wedding cake is the classic choice. It creates a beautiful centrepiece, gives you that iconic cake cutting moment, and photographs beautifully. But it only offers one or two flavours.

A dessert table offers incredible variety. Guests can help themselves to cupcakes, macarons, brownies, cake pops and more. It creates a social, interactive experience and caters to different tastes and dietary needs. For the same budget as a three tier cake, you can often feed more guests with a dessert table.

The most popular option right now? A small one tier or two tier cake for the cutting ceremony, plus a dessert table for guests. Best of both worlds.

What Size Wedding Cake Do I Need?

The number of guests is the main factor. Here is a quick guide:

Remember, you do not need to feed every guest from the cake itself. Many couples serve the cake alongside other desserts, so you can go a size smaller than the guest count suggests.

When Should I Order My Wedding Cake?

We recommend booking your wedding cake at least 8 to 12 weeks before the big day. During peak wedding season from May to September, popular bakers fill up fast. If you have your heart set on a specific baker, booking 3 to 6 months ahead is wise.

A deposit of around £50 to £100 typically secures your date. The balance is paid a few weeks before the wedding. Learn more about our ordering process.

Why Choose a Local London Baker?

There is a big difference between a supermarket cake and a handcrafted bespoke wedding cake from a local baker. When you work with someone like Bake You Happy, you get:

Every wedding cake I make is designed from scratch. No templates, no shortcuts. Your cake will be as unique as your love story.

Explore Our Wedding Cake Options

Ready to Discuss Your Wedding Cake?

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