Cake pricing

by Dawn Gullusci
(Danbury, CT)

Hi Lorilee,

Can you please tell me what is appropriate when pricing a special occasion cake that can take up to 3 days to create? Would you price it per how many people the cake actually serves or how many people are at the event? I am having an issue with people telling me they are only serving 15ppl when a cake is taking me 3 days to complete!
Thank you


Hi Dawn,

That is a great question and a dilemma that I and other cake decorators can appreciate. I have seen some of your cakes and they are very detailed and beautifully crafted. I hope you don't mind I added one of them to this post as an example of your intricate work.

Your cakes are much more than just a cake that serves 15 people. You are a designer as well as a baker and should be paid well for it.

When you meet with a customer and they explain to you what they want, tell them you will get back to them with a quote within a certain amount of time. (say 24 hours) This way you can really give thought to how much is fair to you and to them. (you may already do this)

Our cakes, (works of art), as you know always take longer and are more involved than we think. So keep that in mind as you price things. Come up with a loose chart (for your eyes only) to refer to that have general prices and then add on from there. It is a pain to do but next time you make a sugar rose for instance, time it and keep track. Same goes for all of your decorating.

Decide how much you are worth per hour as well. Take your general price for a plain cake and then add on the hours. If people don't like your prices you can always explain or have a brochure that explains your pricing and why. You will burn out quickly if you under charge and start feeling cheated for not being paid enough.

So only charge per serving if it is a undecorated cake. Price your decorated cakes much higher. This is why I only do wedding cakes at this point. The smaller cakes are just not worth it for me as I do make cakes part time now. Each cake is an individual unique creation that takes time and thought, patience and hard work. Do not give it away. I hope that helps Dawn.