Wedding Cakes in the UK
The wedding cake is one of the most iconic elements of any celebration, serving as both a stunning centrepiece and a delicious treat for your guests. From traditional tiered fruit cakes to modern buttercream creations, the UK has an incredible community of talented cake artists who can bring any vision to life.
Your wedding cake should reflect your personal style and complement your overall wedding aesthetic. Whether you dream of an elaborate sugar flower masterpiece, a simple and elegant design, or something entirely unconventional, there is a cake maker who specialises in exactly what you are looking for. The cake cutting ceremony remains a beloved tradition, and your cake will be photographed extensively, making it worth investing in both appearance and flavour.
Find Wedding Cakes by Location
Browse wedding cakes in popular UK locations:
How to Choose Your Wedding Cake
Begin by browsing portfolios and Instagram accounts of cake makers whose style appeals to you. Look for consistency in quality and finishing, and note whether their designs align with your vision—be it romantic and floral, sleek and modern, or rustic and textured.
Schedule tastings with your shortlisted bakers. This is your opportunity to sample flavours and fillings, discuss your ideas, and assess their understanding of your vision. Bring inspiration images, colour swatches, and details about your venue and theme.
Consider the logistics. How will the cake be transported and set up? Does the cake maker deliver and assemble on site, or will your venue handle setup? How should the cake be stored, and how long before the wedding should it be cut?
Discuss dietary requirements. Can they accommodate guests with allergies or dietary restrictions? Many bakers offer gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options, either for the entire cake or as separate portions.
Finally, understand the pricing structure. Wedding cakes are typically priced per slice, with elaborate designs, sugar flowers, and multiple tiers increasing the cost. Some couples choose a smaller display cake for photos and cutting, with additional sheet cake in the kitchen to serve all guests.
Popular Types of Wedding Cakes
Traditional Tiered Cakes
Classic stacked designs, often with royal icing or fondant, perfect for formal celebrations.
Buttercream Cakes
Soft, textured finish in various styles from smooth to rustic, with delicious flavour.
Naked & Semi-Naked Cakes
Minimal frosting exposing cake layers, often decorated with fresh flowers or fruit.
Sugar Flower Cakes
Elaborate designs featuring handcrafted sugar flowers that look remarkably realistic.
Alternative Desserts
Cheese towers, macaron towers, doughnut walls, and other non-traditional options.
Cupcake & Dessert Tables
Individual portions displayed beautifully, often with a small cutting cake.
Costs & Budgeting (UK)
Wedding cake prices in the UK vary widely based on size, complexity, and the baker's reputation. Simple designs start around £300 to £500, while elaborate multi-tiered cakes with intricate decoration can cost £800 to £2,000 or more.
Factors affecting price include the number of tiers and servings, complexity of design and decoration, whether sugar flowers or fresh flowers are used, and the flavours and fillings chosen. Premium ingredients and allergen-free options may also add to the cost.
To manage budget, consider a beautifully decorated display cake with sheet cake for additional servings, choose fresh flowers instead of labour-intensive sugar flowers, or opt for simpler designs that still make an impact.
FAQs
How far in advance should I book my wedding cake?
Popular cake makers book 6 to 12 months in advance. Contact bakers early to check availability, though the detailed design consultation usually happens closer to the wedding.
Can wedding cakes accommodate dietary requirements?
Many bakers offer gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and other dietary options. Discuss requirements during your consultation so they can advise on possibilities and any additional costs.
How many servings do I need?
Plan for one slice per guest, or slightly less if you have an extensive dessert table. Your baker can advise on tier sizes needed for your guest count.