Does Costco Sell Wedding Cakes? Your Guide to What's Possible (and What's Not)
Jun, 11 2025
Costco’s cakes have a huge fan base—ask anyone who’s tried the signature sheet cakes with that shockingly good mousse filling. But if you’re dreaming of a designer tiered wedding cake from Costco, you might want to pump the brakes. Right now, Costco’s bakeries in the U.S. don’t take custom wedding cake orders. Their main offering is still the classic half-sheet cake, available in chocolate or vanilla, with generic decorations for birthdays and celebrations. No multi-tier masterpieces or custom fondant flowers here.
That said, people get creative. Some couples have turned those big sheet cakes into wedding-worthy desserts with a dash of DIY. You can order several cakes, stack them up, and add your own decorations—think fresh flowers, cake toppers, or even fruit. It’s budget-friendly, feeds a crowd (one sheet cake serves about 48 people), and doesn’t break the $40 mark. Just don’t expect to walk in and order something that looks straight off Pinterest.
- What Kinds of Cakes Does Costco Actually Sell?
- Can You Order a Wedding Cake from Costco?
- Workarounds: Turning Costco Cakes Into a Wedding Cake
- How Much Does a Costco Cake Cost?
- Tips for Making It Work for Your Wedding
- Alternatives If You Want a Traditional Wedding Cake
What Kinds of Cakes Does Costco Actually Sell?
So here’s the real scoop: Costco’s bakery isn’t the spot for fancy, multi-tier wedding cakes, but it does churn out some seriously popular options. The cake selection is simple but does the job for birthdays, casual gatherings, and, yes, people’s weddings if you’re up for a little DIY magic. Right now, most Costco wedding cake seekers end up with the classic half-sheet cake. These come in only two main flavors—chocolate or vanilla—with plain or basic layered decorations.
Here’s what you can expect to find at most U.S. Costco locations:
- Half-sheet cakes: These are the OG Costco cakes. You can usually choose chocolate cake with chocolate mousse or vanilla cake with vanilla cheesecake mousse. Decorations are basic: balloons, roses, or simple designs.
- Round cakes and cheesecakes: Usually found in the refrigerated section, these aren’t customizable but are tasty. Think New York cheesecake or tuxedo chocolate mousse cake.
- Muffins and cupcakes: Not actual cakes, but many folks grab these for celebrations or a dessert bar at weddings.
Custom orders are limited these days. Pandemic changes scratched most customization and flavor variety from the lineup, leaving just a small range. Ordering is still old-school. You’ll need to fill out a paper form at the bakery counter—there’s no online ordering for cakes (at least as of June 2025).
“Costco’s sheet cakes are reliable, super affordable, and taste great. Just don’t expect major customization or anything too fancy.”
– The Kitchn (2024 review of Costco bakery)
To give you an idea, here’s what’s usually available (prices and choices can vary by location):
| Type | Flavor Choices | Servings | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Sheet Cake | Chocolate or Vanilla | 48 | $25-$30 |
| Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake | Chocolate | 12-16 | $16-$18 |
| New York Cheesecake | Cheesecake | 12-16 | $14-$16 |
You won’t get the wow-factor of a custom bakery, but you get lots of cake that’s crowd-pleasing and doesn’t blow the budget. If you’re crafty or just want dessert that actually tastes good, Costco’s cakes fit the bill for loads of occasions. Just don’t expect more than basic customization for now.
Can You Order a Wedding Cake from Costco?
If you walk up to the Costco bakery counter and ask for a tiered wedding cake, you’re out of luck. Costco wedding cake options have always been simple—mainly their half-sheet cakes with standard decorations. There’s no formal wedding cake menu, no fondant work, and no tiers. You can’t request stacked layers or custom flavors meant just for weddings.
Here’s how it works: You can order a decorated sheet cake. The bakery offers a few preset designs, mostly for birthdays, graduations, and basic celebrations. Some locations will let you choose colors or a basic message, but the design is always flat and rectangular. These cakes come in two classic flavors—chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and vanilla cake with vanilla mousse. That’s it. If you’re hoping for almond, red velvet, or anything fancier, it’s not happening at Costco this year.
Costco’s bakery staff can’t make exceptions. Rules are tight. If you try to special-order a custom wedding design, they’ll politely say no. During peak event seasons (like June and December), bakeries get extra strict—ordering ahead (at least 48 hours) is a must, and changes or customizations are almost never allowed.
Bottom line: Costco doesn’t officially make wedding cakes. What you see in the bakery is what you get. If you really want that big reveal moment—a classic layered cake with all the bells and whistles—you’ll need to look elsewhere or get creative with what Costco actually sells.
Workarounds: Turning Costco Cakes Into a Wedding Cake
So, Costco doesn’t do official wedding cakes, but that hasn’t stopped couples from making it work. You can totally hack a celebration cake situation without dropping a small fortune. Seriously, people have been pulling off DIY Costco wedding cake creations for years—and guests rave about the flavor.
The main trick? Use Costco’s half-sheet cakes as a base. Here’s how you can pull off a wedding vibe:
- Order multiple sheet cakes. One cake feeds about 48 people, which covers most small to mid-size weddings. For bigger weddings, just order more.
- Stack with style. If you (or someone handy) wants that tiered look, cut the cakes into different-size rectangles or squares, stack them with cake boards in between, and use extra frosting or filling as a glue. It’s easier than you’d think.
- Dress it up. Go wild with your own decorations—fresh flowers, berries, or cake toppers totally change the vibe. Some folks add a dusting of powdered sugar or drape fabric around the base for an instant glow-up.
- Mix and match flavors. Costco does chocolate and vanilla. Get both, and arrange them in layers or side-by-side so guests can pick their favorite.
Here’s a quick look at how much you’ll need based on your guest list:
| Guests | Sheet Cakes Needed | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1 | $30–$50 |
| 100 | 2 | $60–$100 |
| 150 | 3 | $90–$150 |
One thing to remember: you’ll have to do the stacking and decorating yourself (or delegate to a crafty friend). Don’t want the trouble? Just set up a cake table and present them buffet-style. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s tasty cake for your people.
If you want a little more variety, Costco often sells lovely cheesecakes, tuxedo chocolate mousse cakes, and fruit bars. Place them together and you’ve got a dessert spread bigger than Luna’s catnip haul.
How Much Does a Costco Cake Cost?
If you’re looking for a great deal, Costco’s cakes are hard to beat. The iconic half-sheet cake at Costco is famous for its low price and big serving size. As of June 2025, the standard Costco wedding cake option (which is really just their half-sheet cake) is about $24 in most U.S. locations. Prices sometimes dip a few bucks lower or higher depending on your region, but you’ll rarely see it go past $30.
Just to give you an idea: one of these half-sheet cakes serves about 48 people with big, party-sized slices. Do the math, and that’s roughly 50 cents per serving—wild compared to what traditional bakeries charge for custom wedding cakes, which can easily hit $5 or more per serving.
| Item | Approx. Price (June 2025) | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| Half-Sheet Cake | $24–$30 | 48 |
| Round Cake (select locations) | $13–$16 | 12–16 |
Something to know: Costco doesn’t charge extra for basic decorations (like buttercream roses or balloons) if you stick to what’s on their design sheet. But if you want anything custom (say, special wedding wording, custom colors, or logos), that’s not on the table—Costco keeps things simple and mass-produced, which is why it’s so affordable. There are no hidden fees, and all you have to do is fill out an order form in-store, usually one or two days in advance.
- Half-sheet cakes are by far the best value for a big crowd.
- You can stack a few half-sheets if you’re having a very large wedding.
- Don’t wait until the last minute—they sell fast, especially on weekends.
For couples on a budget, grabbing a handful of Costco cakes and jazzing them up at home is one of the smartest ways to serve a large group without blowing your cake budget.
Tips for Making It Work for Your Wedding
So Costco doesn’t do custom Costco wedding cake orders—but you can still pull off a budget-friendly wedding dessert that everyone will talk about. Here’s how you can turn those giant sheet cakes into something festive for your big day.
- Order in Advance: Don’t wait until the last minute. Costco’s bakery asks for at least 2 days’ notice for sheet cake orders, but play it safe and order up to a week ahead, especially before busy weekends.
- Choose Your Flavors: Costco’s standard sheet cakes come in either chocolate or vanilla, each with unique fillings. Chocolate gets chocolate mousse, while vanilla packs a vanilla mousse center. You can always buy both for variety.
- Decorate Yourself or with Help: Buy a plain cake (just ask for minimal decoration if possible) and level up with your own fresh flowers, berries, or a custom topper. Some couples get a friend or relative with a steady hand to add personal touches with store-bought icing.
- Stack or Display Creatively: For a "wedding cake" look, have your baker cut up the sheet cakes into neat squares or rectangles and arrange them on tiered stands. Some couples have even stacked the sheet cakes themselves, making a layered creation.
- Have a Cutting Cake: If you want the traditional cutting moment, get a small fancy cake from a local shop or baker just for photos, then serve the Costco cake to guests. Nobody will know the difference once it’s sliced and plated.
- Do a Taste Test: Buy a sheet cake a month or so before the big day and try it with a few friends or family. That way, you know exactly what you’ll be serving.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers if you’re doing the math on cake size and costs:
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One Costco Sheet Cake | 48 servings | Usually plenty for a small-to-medium wedding |
| Typical Price (2025) | $24.99 - $29.99 | Varies by region |
| Varieties | Chocolate or Vanilla | Each with mousse filling |
| Advance Order Time | 2-7 days | More is better |
If you want to keep things fuss-free, consider throwing in a dessert bar with Costco cookies or macarons (yes, they sell those big packs too). This way, everyone gets their sugar fix, and you don’t have to stress about the cake being "just right." And if you’re worried about the look, lots of couples have posted their Costco wedding cake DIYs online—definitely check out Instagram or Pinterest for some surprisingly cute examples.
Alternatives If You Want a Traditional Wedding Cake
If you’ve got your heart set on a classic tiered wedding cake, a Costco wedding cake isn’t really in the cards at the moment. But don’t worry—there are other ways to get the look, flavor, and wow-factor you want without busting your budget.
Local bakeries are still your best bet for a tall, decorated wedding cake. Many smaller shops offer a range of styles you can actually see and taste ahead of time. You get to pick flavors, fillings, and all the pretty extras, plus you can usually bring photo inspiration or discuss special dietary needs.
Not sure where to start your search or feeling overwhelmed by prices? Bridal websites and local Facebook groups make it super easy to read reviews and see pictures from real customers. Don’t be afraid to ask sellers for a quote or even samples—most bakeries expect it.
If you’re trying to cut costs, here are a few hacks that lots of couples use:
- Order a small display cake for the main photo and "cake-cutting moment," then serve guests slices from less expensive sheet cakes hidden in the kitchen.
- Look for grocery store bakeries—chains like Safeway, Publix, and even Walmart can create simple tiered cakes for a fraction of the cost of boutique bakeries.
- Consider naked or semi-naked cakes, which use less frosting and are usually cheaper but still feel trendy and elegant.
- IKEA and some ethnic bakeries sell layered cream cakes that can be stacked for a European vibe.
Here’s a quick comparison of cake sources and estimated prices for a cake serving 100 guests:
| Source | Estimated Cost | Customization | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bakery | $350–$800 | Full (flavors, decorations) | Highly personalized, higher cost |
| Grocery Store Bakery | $120–$300 | Moderate | Pre-set designs, good value |
| DIY Effort (Stacked Sheet Cakes) | $60–$120 | Low (but creative) | Requires time & effort, very affordable |
Finding your perfect wedding cake is all about balancing looks, taste, budget, and effort. Costco’s not the answer for show-stopping tiers, but you’ve got plenty of smart options to keep things festive—and delicious.