Wedding Resources - average cost of a wedding cake?

average cost of a wedding cake?

I'm making a wedding cake for my friend in August. She is asking me for a price but I have no idea. I figured I would definitely add up all of the supplies and then add more for labor. Considering it's at the shore so I'm going to have to drive a half an hour plus putting the cake together there. Anyone have a price range?

Public Comments

I don't think there is an average cost. A large, ornate cake could cost as much a few thousand dollars. A smaller cake can probably run a few hundred, or less, depending on how much detail there is.
I think it depends on the size & the how intricate the design is. That said, I was looking for a 3-4 tier cake that would feed around 125 people, and the prices I found were in the $400-$500 range. This was in the LA area. === Edited to add: I agree with the others, though, that you should be charging less since you're not a professional (since you're asking the question). I also like the idea that you make the cake your gift. If you can't afford the materials yourself, you could have your labor be the gift.
A good cake could be from 500- 4000
Well you are talking about two different kinds of cakes. I have no doubt that the cake you make her will be beautiful, but unless you are a professional (in which case I think you would know costs), I think it is unfair to charge her the cost of a professionally made cake. It also depends on how much detail goes into it and how big it is. I think cost +$1.00 to 1.50/serving would probably be reasonable.
mine was about 250 dollars from publix grocery store. three layers the bottom one was 12" and the two top onbes were smaller of course. nothing extremely fancy, but it was decorated.... red velvet with cream frosting, red roses, vines and leaves decorations.
Most wedding cakes are priced "by the slice" and there is a wide variance from area to area and how invovled they are. You will probably see the range run from $5 or $6 to $10 or more. If you want to nail it down a little better, you can call a local place that does cakes and ask them what they charge. My suggestion is that you thank your friend for the opportunity to make her cake and let it be your wedding gift to her. It will save you from having to buy a gift and her from having to pay for a cake.
Consider local grocery stores like publix. Great cakes and they work with you if you want to change something. But depending on how elaborate your cake is, could range from $2 and up per person. Depends on where you live too.
In the UK It would be£200+
My cake served around 100 people and cost me $214 I went to a upscale bakery and had them make it, although my cake was very simple and I bought my own flowers and decorated it with the flowers after my aunt picked it up. If you are just decorating with frosting that obviously will cost less than buying flowers to decorate it. I know that my town, other bakeries were charging around $700 for the same amount of cake. I think anything over $200 for 100 people is a rip-off. I would suggest telling your bride that as long as she buys the supplies you'll make/decorate the cake. Then let that be your gift to her. I would not buy and make the cake for her though, that could end up costing you quite a bit.
Try a cupcake tower and a smaller cake for cutting and pictures. It'll be a lot cheaper and it's very 'in' right now.
If she is a friend then why don't you just give it to her for free and make it your gift?
My cake will be a little over 200 it will serve 100 people and it will have 4 tiers and will be done by a professional.She is an aquaintance and has a bakery that specializes in wedding cakes so she is giving me quite the discount, it also depends on the icing Im using fondant and filling and just how elaborate the decorations and design is. Mine will have edible pearls on the sides and calla lilies on the top and some on the side I will be buying the callas myself though.
If it's a friend I would adjust the price a tad to be nice. Most cakes around here cost between $300 and $700 depending on how big and elaborate. I'm paying 500 for a 3 layer square, swiss curl, Red velvet cake! Hope it turns out gorgeous.