How much does a wedding cake cost?
The average wedding cake costs about $500, usually priced per slice at $4–$12 depending on tiers and decoration.
Short answer
The average wedding cake costs about $500, and most couples pay between $350 and $700. That's roughly 2% of a typical wedding budget. Use the calculator below to see it alongside every other category.
Wedding Cake cost by tier
| Tier | Typical cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $125 – $350 | Small tiered cake or sheet cake backup. |
| Average | $350 – $700 | Three-tier cake serving 100+, standard decoration. |
| Custom | $700 – $1,500+ | Elaborate design, sugar flowers, extra tiers. |
Build your full wedding budget
The wedding cake is one line in a bigger plan. Enter your total budget to split it across every category — venue, catering, photography, flowers, and more — and see where this line fits.
Remaining to allocate
$0
- Total budget
- $30,000
- Allocated
- $30,000
Budget breakdown
Venue & catering
40% of budget
$12,000
Photography & video
12% of budget
$3,600
Attire & beauty
7% of budget
$2,100
Flowers & decor
8% of budget
$2,400
Music & entertainment
8% of budget
$2,400
Cake & desserts
2% of budget
$600
Stationery
2% of budget
$600
Wedding rings
3% of budget
$900
Planner & coordination
3% of budget
$900
Miscellaneous & buffer
15% of budget
$4,500
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding cake cost?+
The average wedding cake costs about $500, usually priced per slice at $4–$12 depending on tiers and decoration. Nationally it averages about $500, with most couples paying between $350 and $700. Your price depends on location, season, and exactly what's included.
What percentage of the wedding budget is the wedding cake?+
Plan on roughly 2% of your total budget for this category. Enter your budget in the calculator on this page to see that share in real dollars, then adjust the line to match quotes you receive.
How can I save money on a wedding cake?+
Order a small display cake and serve a hidden sheet cake from the kitchen — guests never notice the difference. Booking early and comparing at least three quotes also helps you avoid paying a premium.
Are these wedding cake prices exact?+
No — they're U.S. national planning averages, not quotes, and are not financial advice. Real costs vary widely by region, date, and vendor. Use them as a starting range and replace the figure with an actual quote as you book.
Figures are U.S. national planning estimates, not quotes, and are not financial advice. Real wedding cake prices vary by location, season, and vendor — always get a written quote.