Home-Baked wedding cakes

Couples planning a wedding, and sometimes their parents or a venue coordinator who recommends you.

A quoted price per cake based on size, flavours and decoration, with a deposit to secure the date. Extras like dessert tables, cake toppers and delivery add to the order.

• Baking and cake decorating
• Design and attention to detail
• Good communication with nervous clients
• Planning and time management

• Food businesses usually need to register with their local council at least 28 days before trading, so check with yours
• Allergen rules: you must be able to tell customers about the 14 main allergens, so check Food Standards Agency guidance
• Public liability and product liability insurance
• Check whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows a business at home
• Cakes are fragile, so plan safe delivery and cover for a missed wedding date
• Weddings cluster in spring and summer, so income can be uneven through the year

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the baking and decorating equipment you need, packaging and insurance. These are estimates, so list your own kit before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,500, depending on how many weddings you take and your pricing, from about 8 hours a week. These are estimates. Weddings cluster in spring and summer, so income can be uneven.

Check how and when to register your food business with your local council, as timing may matter. Also check allergen rules using Food Standards Agency guidance, insurance, and whether your landlord or mortgage lender allows a business at home.