Short answer
Traditionally the bride's family paid for the cake, but today anyone can buy it. Most couples now choose and pay for their own cake, or split the cost with parents or guests as a gift. There are no rules.
In the past, the bride's family covered the cake as part of the wedding costs. That tradition has largely faded. These days, the couple usually buys the cake themselves, often budgeting for it alongside the venue and catering. Some parents offer to pay for it as a wedding gift, and that is always welcome. You might also ask a guest who is a keen baker to make it as their present, though check your venue's rules on homemade food. The key is to talk openly with everyone involved early on. Decide who is paying before you order, so there are no surprises later. If you are having a small cake for cutting plus extra sheet cakes for serving, agree who covers each part. Some couples choose a smaller display cake and serve dessert instead, which can be simpler. Whatever you decide, the cake is yours to enjoy, and the person who buys it is simply the one who makes it happen. There is no etiquette that forces anyone. Just make sure the baker knows who to invoice and who to contact if plans change.
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