How much does a custom cake cost in Northern Virginia?

Custom cakes from Cakes by Steph in Leesburg, VA start at $85 for small celebration cakes (12–20 guests). Signature custom cakes range from $150–$350 (25–60 guests). Grand celebration cakes for weddings and quinceañeras range from $350–$800+. All commissions include a paid tasting experience ($55, credited to order) and custom design mockup.

How much does a wedding cake cost in Northern Virginia?

Wedding cakes from Cakes by Steph cost $350–$800+ depending on the number of tiers, guest count, sugar flower work, and design complexity. This includes a paid tasting experience ($55, credited to order), custom design mockup, white-glove delivery and setup, and day-of support.

Do you require a deposit for custom cakes?

Yes. A 50% deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due one week before your event. No date is held without a deposit, as weekend slots in Leesburg, VA book 4–6 weeks in advance.

How far in advance should I order a custom cake in Leesburg, VA?

For custom birthday cakes in Leesburg, VA, booking 2–4 weeks in advance is ideal. Wedding cakes and quinceañera cakes should be booked 6–12 weeks out. Weekend slots fill fast — the sooner you reach out, the better chance of securing your preferred date.

Do you deliver custom cakes throughout Northern Virginia?

Yes! Cakes by Steph delivers custom cakes throughout Northern Virginia including Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Lansdowne, Purcellville, Middleburg, Herndon, Reston, and the greater Loudoun County area. Stephanie personally handles every delivery.

What Peruvian desserts do you offer in Northern Virginia?

Cakes by Steph offers authentic Peruvian desserts in Northern Virginia including alfajores (dulce de leche sandwich cookies), tres leches cake, milhojas (thousand-layer pastry), and assorted gift boxes. All made from scratch using traditional family recipes passed down from a Peruvian pastry master.

Wedding Cake Planning in Northern Virginia — What I Wish Couples Knew

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I've had to turn away couples who reached out 3 weeks before their wedding because I was already booked. Here's everything I wish people knew before they started planning.

Wedding cake planning is one of those things that sounds simple until you're actually in it. Suddenly there are questions you never thought to ask, timelines you didn't know existed, and about seventeen opinions from people who are not getting married.

I've worked with a lot of couples here in Northern Virginia, and I've seen what stresses people out. So let me just tell you what I wish someone had told me when I first started doing this.

Book Earlier Than You Think You Need To

I'm not saying this to scare you. I'm saying it because I've had to turn away couples who reached out 3 weeks before their wedding because I was already fully booked. Spring and fall weekends in Northern Virginia go FAST. If your wedding is between April and October, reach out at least 4-6 months in advance. For peak dates — especially Saturdays in May, September, and October — 6-12 months is not too early.

I know that feels like a lot. But your cake is one of the most photographed things at your reception. It deserves the same planning attention as your dress and your venue.

How Many Tiers Do You Actually Need?

Here's a rough guide I give all my couples: 2 tiers for up to 50 guests, 3 tiers for 50-100, 4 tiers for 100-150, and 5+ for bigger receptions. A lot of couples also do a smaller display cake (the beautiful one for photos) plus a sheet cake in the back for serving. This is a great way to have a stunning cake without paying for a 5-tier masterpiece when you only need to feed 80 people.

Flavors That Work Really Well for Weddings

My most popular wedding flavors right now are:

Classic vanilla bean with Swiss meringue buttercream — never wrong, always elegant
Lemon with elderflower buttercream — especially beautiful for spring and summer
Chocolate with salted caramel — for the couples who want something a little more indulgent
Dulce de leche with vanilla sponge — this is my Peruvian-inspired specialty and honestly my personal favorite

I always recommend doing different flavors per tier if you have multiple tiers. It gives guests options and makes the cake feel more special.

What Working With Me Looks Like

Every wedding cake starts with a conversation — usually a DM or a text. We talk about your vision, your venue, your colors, your vibe. I'll ask you a lot of questions because the more I know, the better the cake.

From there I put together a proposal with pricing and a design concept. Once you're happy and the deposit is in, your date is locked. I personally deliver and set up every wedding cake — I don't hand it off to anyone else. Your cake will be exactly where it needs to be, exactly when it needs to be there.

If you're planning a wedding in Northern Virginia and you want to chat about your cake, just reach out. I genuinely love this part of my job.