Centrepiece cake price: croquembouche or wedding cake?
The celebration centrepiece remains the signature dessert of weddings, christenings and big parties. Whether it is the traditional choux croquembouche or the modern tiered wedding cake, its price depends mainly on the number of guests, the decoration and the delivery. Here are clear ranges and everything that affects the price, so you can order with confidence.
What is a celebration centrepiece?
In France, the centrepiece dessert (pièce montée) covers two very different families in both their making and their price.
- The croquembouche: a pyramid of cream-filled choux buns assembled with caramel and often decorated with sugared almonds, spun sugar or flowers. It is the classic French wedding and christening centrepiece.
- The wedding cake: a stacked tiered cake, covered in fondant or smoothed buttercream, decorated with flowers, sugar lace or modelling. This Anglo-Saxon version has become very popular for its spectacular look and design possibilities.
Both can serve the same number of guests, but the work time and techniques differ, which explains noticeable price gaps. To compare the wedding cake in more detail, see our guide to wedding cake prices.
The average price per guest
In France, a custom centrepiece usually costs between 4 and 9 € per serving, depending on the type, decoration and finish. The croquembouche tends to sit at the lower end, an elaborate wedding cake at the higher end. Here are indicative figures:
| Number of guests | Choux croquembouche | Tiered wedding cake | Typical occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 guests | 90 to 150 € | 120 to 200 € | Christening, family party |
| 40 guests | 180 to 280 € | 240 to 380 € | Communion, birthday |
| 60 guests | 260 to 420 € | 360 to 560 € | Intimate wedding |
| 100 guests | 420 to 700 € | 600 to 900 € | Large wedding |
| 150 guests | 620 to 1000 € | 900 to 1400 € | Reception, event |
These ranges generally include baking and careful decoration. A very elaborate design (spun sugar, hand-made sugar flowers, bespoke modelling) pushes towards the top of the range, sometimes beyond it for prestige pieces.
Croquembouche or wedding cake: which to choose?
The choice depends as much on taste as on budget and the visual effect you want. Here are the main points of comparison.
| Criterion | Croquembouche | Wedding cake |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Traditional, French | Modern, spectacular |
| Texture | Crisp choux, cream, caramel | Sponge, filling, fondant or smoothed buttercream |
| Possible decor | Sugared almonds, flowers, spun sugar | Modelling, sugar flowers, lace, drip |
| Starting price | More affordable | Higher depending on decor |
| Transport | Fragile (caramel sensitive to humidity) | Heavy but more stable once stacked |
If you are unsure, describe your event and budget to the professional via messaging: they will steer you towards the most suitable option. You can also explore the available work in our directory of bakers and cake designers.
What makes the price vary
For the same number of servings, the price can vary widely. The main factors are:
- The decoration: a croquembouche with sugared almonds costs less than a piece adorned with spun sugar or sugar flowers shaped one by one.
- Flavours and filling: pistachio-filled choux, fruit inserts or whipped ganache take more time and ingredients than a classic pastry cream.
- The structure: a four-tier wedding cake needs internal supports and a longer assembly than a standard croquembouche.
- Dietary constraints: gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan versions require dedicated recipes and a separate work station.
- Lead time: a last-minute order, when the professional must reshuffle their schedule, may incur a surcharge.
- The season: from May to September and around the holidays, high demand tightens prices and availability.
How many servings to plan?
For a centrepiece served as dessert, count about one serving per guest. A croquembouche serving is on average 3 to 4 choux; a wedding cake serving is a standard slice. If the centrepiece is the only dessert of a buffet, plan generously rather than tight, as showpieces invite seconds.
Here is a quick guide to adjust the order:
| Guests | Choux (croquembouche) | Tiers (wedding cake) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 60 to 80 choux | 2 tiers |
| 50 | 150 to 200 choux | 3 tiers |
| 100 | 300 to 400 choux | 3 to 4 tiers |
| 150 | 450 to 600 choux | 4 tiers + dummy tier |
For very large receptions, a dummy tier (decoration without cake) adds height without paying for unused servings. To refine your calculation, see our guide on how many servings to plan per guest.
The cost of delivery and assembly
The centrepiece is one of the most delicate pastries to transport. The caramel of a croquembouche fears humidity and heat, and a tiered wedding cake often has to be assembled on site. This service has a cost to anticipate:
- Pickup: often free, but you need a suitable vehicle and a short route.
- Local delivery: usually 20 to 60 € depending on distance, with assembly included for large pieces.
- On-site assembly: for tall wedding cakes and prestige croquembouches, the professional travels to assemble the piece on the day, a service charged 50 to 150 € depending on complexity.
Agree on the handover method (pickup or delivery) directly with the professional via messaging, specifying the address, time and access conditions. For a tall piece, a stable table and a shaded spot away from any heat source are essential.
How to pay the right price
Compare several makers near you, look at their work and reviews, and describe your need precisely (number of guests, theme, colours, dietary constraints, date and venue) to get a reliable quote. Feel free to share an inspiration photo via messaging: the professional assesses the work time and offers a suitable price.
On allogato, payment stays in escrow until good receipt: you order with no risk, and the professional is only paid once your centrepiece is received and conforming. The built-in messaging lets you talk before ordering, reviews are only published after an order has actually been served, and mediation is provided in case of a dispute. Remember to flag any allergy as soon as you make contact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of a centrepiece for 50 people?
On average 220 to 350 € for a choux croquembouche and 300 to 470 € for a tiered wedding cake, depending on the decoration and flavours chosen.
Is the croquembouche cheaper than the wedding cake?
Generally yes, for the same number of servings, because the wedding cake requires more decorating techniques (fondant, modelling, sugar flowers). But a heavily spun-sugar croquembouche can match the price of a simple wedding cake.
Is delivery included in the price?
Not always. A centrepiece is fragile and often assembled on site: pickup is sometimes free, while delivery and on-the-day assembly are charged separately, on average 20 to 150 € depending on distance and complexity.
How far in advance should I order a centrepiece?
Ideally two to four weeks, and more during the wedding season (May to September). The best makers fill up quickly for summer Saturdays.
Can I get a gluten-free or vegan centrepiece?
Yes, many professionals offer adapted recipes. Mention your need and any allergies from the start via messaging, as it may slightly change the price and lead time.
How can I be sure of the quality before ordering?
Look at the maker’s portfolio and verified reviews, chat via messaging to confirm the decor and the date, and benefit from escrow payment that protects your order until good receipt.