The wedding cake is one of the centrepieces of your reception. It must be elegant, indulgent and in keeping with your theme. But how do you choose the right model from the many options? Croquembouche, wedding cake, naked cake, cupcakes… Each type of cake has its own specifics in terms of design, flavours, budget and adaptation to the number of guests.
In this article, we guide you step by step in making the right choice by presenting the most popular wedding cakes, their pros and cons, as well as advice for choosing well and for finding a pastry chef near you.
How to choose the perfect wedding cake?
Size and number of servings based on guests
The size of your cake depends directly on the number of guests. Here are a few benchmarks to avoid unpleasant surprises:
- 50 guests: With a small number of guests, it's hard to opt for a tiered cake with a "wow" visual effect. Favour instead a small, elegant croquembouche or a single entremet, elevated by a refined plate presentation.
- From 50 to 100 guests : opt for a 3- to 4-tier cake such as a wedding cake.
- 150 guests and more : favour an XXL croquembouche if your budget allows, or a less costly dessert buffet.
Flavours and tastes: which options to favour?
Traditional flavours like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry remain the most requested. However, current trends favour:
- Seasonal ingredients: In winter, for example, favour chestnut cream, while in summer, opt for seasonal fruits such as strawberry and raspberry for a touch of freshness.
- Exotic flavours : mango, passion fruit, coconut
- Bold pairings : lemon-basil, chocolate-raspberry
- Allergen-free options : gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan
Don't hesitate to plan a tasting with your pastry chef to be sure of your choice.
Design and decoration: 2025 trends
The design of your cake should harmonise with the style of your wedding. The trends for 2025 weddings are:
- The naked cake, a cake without icing, showcasing the layers of sponge
- Fresh flowers and edible blooms for a romantic finish
- Hand-painted cakes, true sweet works of art
Budget: how much does a wedding cake cost?
The price of a wedding cake varies depending on the number of servings, the design and the level of personalisation. Here are a few average estimates:
- Classic cake : between €3 and €5 per serving
- Elaborate wedding cake : between €7 and €12 per serving
- The croquembouche, the essential: On average, plan for €3 per choux, depending on your choice: three small choux per person (4 cm in diameter) or two larger pastry choux (around 7 cm in diameter).
- High-end made-to-measure cake : up to €20 per serving
Planning a budget accordingly is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.
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The 5 most popular types of wedding cakes
The traditional croquembouche
💡 Advantages : classic wedding symbol, ideal for large receptions
❌ Drawbacks : requires careful coordination (no refrigerator) or a last-minute assembly.
The American wedding cake
💡 Advantages : spectacular design, many personalisation options
❌ Drawbacks: Usually very sweet, which doesn't suit every palate, and requires the involvement of an experienced pastry chef or a professional skilled with fondant.
The naked cake: a natural trend
💡 Advantages : light, modern, perfect for a country wedding
❌ Drawbacks : very difficult to theme around your colour scheme given its design.
Cupcakes in a thousand colours
💡 Advantages : practical, allows better portion management, very colourful and very photogenic.
❌ Drawbacks : visually less impressive than a traditional cake
The dessert buffet for an original wedding
💡 Advantages : offers a variety of choices, ideal for pleasing every taste
❌ Drawbacks : can end up more expensive depending on the number of desserts offered
Tips for reducing the cost of your wedding cake
Order a dummy cake
An increasingly popular technique is to order a dummy cake (in polystyrene covered with fondant) for the presentation, and to serve servings of a simpler cake from the kitchen. This allows you to have a spectacular cake on a tight budget regardless of the number of guests.
Opt for a simpler cake
The more elaborate and detailed a cake is, the higher its price will be. A minimalist design, such as a naked cake or a cake with simple icing, can be just as elegant and cost less.
Replace expensive ingredients
Fresh fruits, sugar decorations or personalised figurines quickly drive up the bill. Favour simple decorations, such as natural flowers or a single-colour icing, for a chic, affordable result.
Call on a local pastry chef
Large chains and renowned pastry chefs often charge higher prices. Turn to a local artisan who can offer you a quality cake at a more reasonable price.
Where to order your wedding cake in the Var, the Alpes-Maritimes and the Bouches-du-Rhône?
If you are looking for an expert pastry chef in wedding cakes in the Var (83), the Alpes-Maritimes (06) or the Bouches-du-Rhône (13), several addresses are worth seeking out. You can turn to artisans specialising in the design of wedding cakes and personalised croquembouches.
Always ask for several quote and arrange a tasting before confirming your choice. It is also recommended to check reviews from previous couples to ensure the quality of the service.
FAQ: The most frequently asked questions about wedding cakes
As with all the planning of your wedding, it is advisable to handle it as early as possible and to discuss it first with your caterer, who often has a pastry service. You can then explore other professionals to find the cake that suits you.
Plan for refrigerated transport and avoid journeys that are too long, especially in summer, if you choose to transport it yourself. Ideally, have it delivered by your pastry chef. If your caterer offers this service, you'll have nothing to worry about.
The classics remain chocolate, vanilla and red berries, but original pairings are increasingly popular.
Yes, you can choose the flavours, the design, the colours and even add personalised figurines.
It is recommended to offer a gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan alternative to please all your guests. For example, a fresh-fruit salad or another individual dessert.
Yes, during negotiations they may decide not to separate the meal from the dessert.
