Wedding Cake

The cost of a wedding cake varies by type of cake, the kind of baker and geographic region.

Typical costs:

    * The average cost of a wedding cake is $543, according to The Bridal Association of America.

    * For wedding cakes, most bakeries and pastry chefs charge by the slice. A low-end option would be a smaller tiered cake in chocolate or vanilla paired with a sheet cake for cutting for around $1.50 a slice.

    * A mid-range two- or three-tiered cake in a standard flavor such as chocolate, vanilla, carrot cake or lemon poppy seed with buttercream icing and minimal fondant decorations can run $5 or $6 a slice.

    * A high-end multi-tiered gourmet cake with flavored fillings, fondant icing and elaborate fondant, gum paste and sugar decorations can run $10 or more per slice.

Additional costs:

    * Decorations make a big difference in the per-slice cost. Fresh flowers are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to decorate a cake.

    * Fondant, which can cover a cake in a smooth, satiny shell, is one of the most expensive; it can add $1 or more per slice. Elaborate fondant decorations increase the price even more.

    * Cheesecakes and cakes with nuts, dried fruits or special cream fillings can add $1 or more per slice.

    * Most tiered wedding cakes must be delivered and assembled on site by the baker or a staff member to prevent a cake mishap, and delivery charges can be $50 to $100 or more, depending on distance and size of cake.

    * Some caterers charge a cake-cutting fee when figuring the total cost of your wedding cake. Cake-cutting fees can run $1 or more per slice.

Discounts:

    * Check to see whether your caterer can serve as your cake baker; big catering companies and hotels often employ an in-house pastry chef. By going this route, you could eliminate cake cutting and delivery fees. TheWeddingChannel.com offers tips for saving on a cake.

    * If you want the look of a tall, tiered wedding cake without the price, ask your baker to put one tier of real cake, which you will cut into, on top of fake tiers made of Styrofoam and icing; then have a sheet cake waiting in the back to be cut.

    * If you are on a strict budget, the Association for Wedding Professionals International suggests looking for a wedding cake baker who is fairly new to the business or attending a wedding show if you decide to sign a contract that day. The AWPI lists wedding shows by region.

Shopping for a wedding cake:

    * Ask to see a portfolio, and ask for references. Weddings.About.com provides a list of questions to ask a prospective cake designer.

    * Tip: Try to arrange cake tastings with several bakers before choosing one. Many bakers offer free tastings, but some charge a small fee.

    * Tip: Start shopping around for a baker well in advance of your wedding date. Most bakers will do only a few weddings per week, so dates book up quickly.

    * TheKnot.com offers a list of wedding cake bakers by city.