Wedding planning guide
Desserts
Wedding cake and desserts are one of the most personal parts of the reception — from a classic tiered cake to a dessert table, donuts, or a pie bar. The right baker balances how it looks in photos with how it actually feeds your guest count.
What to budget
Dessert pricing usually depends on serving count and design complexity rather than a flat fee. A few general patterns:
- Wedding cake is often quoted per slice/serving, and multi-tier designs or intricate detail work cost more.
- A dessert table or alternative (donuts, cupcakes, pie) can be priced as a flat package rather than per serving.
- Many couples order a smaller display cake for cutting/photos plus a larger sheet cake in the back to actually serve guests — a common way to balance look and cost.
- Delivery, setup, and any cake-cutting fee charged by your venue or caterer are often separate from the dessert order itself.
Questions to ask a desserts
- ?Do you offer a tasting, and is it included in the price?
- ?Can you accommodate dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, allergies) without changing the design?
- ?Do you deliver and set up on the wedding day, and is that included in the quote?
- ?What's your policy if our guest count changes close to the date?
- ?Do you charge separately for a display cake versus a larger cake meant to serve all guests?
Keep it all on the checklist
Once your dessert order is locked in, add it to your wedding checklist so tasting dates and final headcounts don't get lost.
Start your free checklistFrequently asked questions
How far in advance should we order our wedding cake or desserts?
Popular bakers, especially for peak wedding season weekends, can book up months in advance. Order once you have a confirmed date and a rough guest count.
Do we need a tasting before booking?
It's not always required, but it's strongly recommended — it's the easiest way to confirm flavor and design match what you're picturing before committing.
What's the difference between a display cake and a serving cake?
A display cake is the one shown and cut for photos, while a separate (often simpler) sheet cake is portioned and served to guests — a common way to get a photogenic design without paying detailed-decoration prices for every slice.
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