One of the most common questions I get asked by my couples is ‘how much do your cakes cost?’ and I’m often asked why there can be a price difference between wedding cake designers.
So in this blog, I’ll outline the factors that are taken into account when I price my wedding cakes. And using my own pricing structure as an example, I will also breakdown the elements that make up a wedding cake quotation.
Main factors that affect a wedding cake quotation:
1. Ingredients.
The quality of ingredients used by a wedding cake designer will have a significant impact on the cost of producing the cake. Organic ingredients for example are often more expensive and the cost of chocolate can differ hugely. I use organic and locally sourced ingredients were possible as sustainability is an important element of my business. I also place a huge emphasis on flavour so only use the finest Belgium chocolate as this has a significant impact on the flavour of my cakes.
2. Wedding Cake Design
Obviously, the design and size of your wedding cake will affect the price. Typically the larger the cake, the more expensive. However, the level of detail in the design and additional elements such as sugar flowers also play a part.
3. Skill & Experience
The skill and experience of your wedding cake designer will likely be factored into their pricing as well. Their knowledge and experience will be reflected in the quality, taste and finish of your wedding cake. They will have spent years practicing and perfecting their craft, honing their skills and talent. An established cake maker is likely to have gathered a plethora of equipment and tools along the way, all of which help in creating a beautiful wedding cake for your special day.
How I price my wedding cakes:
So, taking these factors into account, how does a wedding cake designer actually price their cakes? Obviously I can’t speak for all designers, but here are the 3 elements that make up how my cakes are priced:
1. Costs and Materials:
This is everything from the ingredients in the cake, to the box it is transported in to the utilities that help make it (oven, dishwasher etc).
2. Labour:
This is basically the time it takes me to make your wedding cake, multiplied by my hourly rate. My hourly rate reflects my skill set and experience level.
3. A profit %:
As a successful cake designer, building a profit into my pricing is essential. It allows me to continue to invest in all of the elements mentioned above (plus much more), which will directly benefit my customers and keep my business flourishing!
So there you have it. A brief insight into how a cake designer prices a wedding cake and the elements that are factored into it. There is a pricing guide on my website, which will give you a feel for what couples typically pay for a certain size and design of cake.
I hope you’ve found this useful! I’d love to hear from you if you are currently planning a wedding and looking for your cake designer ☺
Image credits:
- Megan Claire Photography
- Hannah Argyle Photography