Key points
- Buttercream usually tastes better to most guests and costs less, typically 20 to 30% cheaper than fondant.
- Fondant gives a smooth, flawless finish and holds up better in warm rooms and marquees.
- Buttercream can soften in heat, so tell your cake maker about summer, outdoor or marquee weddings.
- Many designs can be made in either finish, so talk through the look you want with your cake maker.
What is the difference?
Buttercream is a soft, creamy icing made from butter and sugar. It can be smoothed, textured, piped into ruffles and swags, or left semi-naked so a little sponge peeks through. Fondant, also called sugarpaste, is rolled out and draped over the cake to give a perfectly smooth surface, ideal for sharp edges, sugar flowers, drapes and fine detail.
Side by side
| Buttercream | Fondant | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Creamy and rich, loved by most guests | Sweeter and firmer; some guests peel it off |
| Look | Soft, textured, romantic, vintage piping | Smooth, crisp and formal, perfect for detail |
| Price | Usually 20 to 30% cheaper | Usually costs more because it takes longer |
| Warm rooms | Can soften in heat and sun | Holds its shape better in heat and humidity |
| Best for | Relaxed, rustic, garden and vintage weddings | Formal, grand and showstopper designs |
Based on guidance from The Vanilla Valley and Irish cake maker price lists.
Thinking about your venue
Northern Ireland's weather is rarely a problem indoors, but venues can get warm, especially in summer, in marquees, glass-walled rooms or near a sunny window. Buttercream softens as it warms, while fondant copes better with heat and humidity, which is why it is often recommended for outdoor and marquee weddings or cakes that will be on display for a long time.
Wherever you are getting married, tell us about your venue and where the cake will sit. We agree the delivery time and position with your venue so your cake looks perfect when you walk into the room. Read more about delivery and set-up.
Can I have both?
Yes. Some couples choose fondant for a showpiece tier and buttercream for the rest, or pair a fondant display cake with a buttercream table or cutting cake. Ganache, a smooth chocolate and cream coating, is another option that sits somewhere between the two.
Our advice
Choose the look you love first, then we will recommend the best finish for your venue, season and budget. Browse our buttercream cakes and classic cakes for inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
Is buttercream or fondant better for a summer wedding?
Fondant holds up better in heat and humidity, so it is often recommended for summer, outdoor and marquee weddings. Buttercream can work too if the cake is kept cool and set up close to the time it is needed.
Which tastes better, buttercream or fondant?
Most guests prefer the taste of buttercream. Fondant is sweeter and firmer, and some people remove it before eating.
Is fondant more expensive than buttercream?
Usually. Fondant cakes take longer to finish, so they often cost 25 to 35% more than the same cake in buttercream.
Sources
- The Vanilla Valley: buttercream vs fondant wedding cakes
- Gabi Bakes: wedding cake prices in Ireland 2025
- Wedissimo: wedding cake cost
Figures are from the sources listed and are a general guide. Every Busy Whisk cake is quoted individually.
