Picture a party table where one thing grabs all the attention: a colorful tower of macarons, standing tall, ready for everyone to dig in. But once you start looking for this Insta-ready centerpiece, you’ll quickly see the price tags vary—a lot.
So, how much will you pay for a macaron tower? It depends on how many macarons you want, the size of your tower, which bakery you choose, and even the extra touches like custom colors or delivery. Some people spend less than $100 on a small, cute tower for a snack table. Others drop $300 or more on a show-stopping macaron tower for a wedding or big event.
If you’re just comparing single macaron prices, you might miss some surprise fees. Certain bakeries include the display stand rental in the cost, while others add it on. You might also see extra charges for specialty flavors, hand-painted details, or delivery and setup. Getting a clear quote upfront is a must, especially if you want to stick to your event budget.
- What Is a Macaron Tower?
- Breaking Down the Cost
- Tips for Saving Without Compromising Style
- What to Know Before Ordering
What Is a Macaron Tower?
A macaron tower is pretty much what it sounds like—a striking display made by stacking rows of macarons on a stand, creating a tiered, pyramid-like shape. These towers are popular at weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and upscale events because they look fancy but are totally edible and fun to share. If you want your party to feel like it came straight from a Parisian patisserie, this is the way to do it.
Most towers hold anywhere from 25 to 200+ macarons. The macarons are arranged on clear plastic or acrylic stands that range from just a few tiers (for small gatherings) up to 10 or more (for big celebrations). Here’s what you’ll usually get when you order a macaron tower:
- Rows of perfectly arranged, fresh macarons in flavors you choose
- A rented or included display stand (check if you have to return it)
- Optional finishing touches—like flowers, ribbons, or themed colors
- Sometimes, assembly and delivery (usually for bigger towers)
Most bakeries recommend ordering at least 3-5 macarons per guest if the tower will be your main dessert, but less if there are other sweets on the table. Serious foodies may want to try different flavor combos, and most bakeries let you customize every tier.
Here’s a quick look at tower sizes and how many people they usually serve:
Tower Size (Tiers) | Approx. Macarons | Guests Served |
---|---|---|
5 | 35–50 | 10–15 |
7 | 70–90 | 20–30 |
10 | 150–200 | 50–70 |
If you spot the words "croquembouche" or "macaron cake" when shopping, know those are different treats—a croquembouche is made of cream puffs, not macarons.
The macaron tower price also includes how much wow factor you want. Fancy designs and rare flavors usually bump the price up. But even the simplest towers score major points on any dessert table.
Breaking Down the Cost
Okay, let’s talk real numbers for a macaron tower price. When you ask about the cost, you’ll notice it’s all over the place—and it’s not just about how many macarons you choose. Here’s what actually affects the total:
- Number of Macarons: Most towers start at 40-60 pieces for a simple celebration. A standard medium tower (about 8 tiers) often takes 100-130 macarons. If you want a giant showpiece for a wedding, think 180-200 or even more.
- Flavor Choices: Classic vanilla or chocolate is usually included in the basic price, but fancy flavors (like pistachio or rose) usually cost extra. Some bakeries charge 10-20% more for multiple flavors in one tower.
- Color Customizations: Want macarons that match your theme perfectly? Custom colors or hand-painted designs can add $10-$50, depending on the complexity.
- Stand Rental: Not every shop includes the tower display in their price. Some charge a flat fee (like $30-50) or require a deposit that you get back when you return the stand.
- Delivery and Setup: Delivery starts around $15 for local drop-off, but can go up to $70 or more if you want the bakery to set up the tower for you.
Let’s put some of this into a table based on what bakeries typically charge in 2024 across cities like New York, Miami, and São Paulo.
Number of Macarons | Typical Price Range (USD) | Notes |
---|---|---|
40 | $60 - $80 | Great for 6-8 guests, mini tower |
90 | $150 - $190 | Medium tower, 12-15 guests |
150 | $250 - $320 | Large event, 25+ guests |
200+ | $350 and up | Weddings; often custom order only |
Just remember, these numbers cover the basics—you might still pay extra for premium flavors, stand, or delivery. Don’t be shy about asking for a detailed quote so you’re not caught off guard when the bill comes. And if you’re working with a tight budget, asking about package deals or seasonal specials is totally fair game.

Tips for Saving Without Compromising Style
It’s totally possible to have a gorgeous macaron tower without blowing your budget. Here’s how to keep costs down and still make an impression.
- Macaron tower price drops fast if you skip custom flavors and go for classic options like vanilla, chocolate, or raspberry. Most bakeries charge less for the basics since they’re made often and require fewer specialty ingredients.
- Order the size you actually need. Macaron towers look bigger than you might expect once stacked up. For a birthday party with 20 guests, a 35-macaron tower usually works great. Bigger events might call for 70 or more, but you can always buy extra macarons in a matching color to serve on trays if you want to stretch your display.
- Pick up the tower yourself. Lots of bakeries add a hefty delivery or setup fee, especially for downtown venues or tight wedding schedules. Picking up your own order can save $20, $50, or more—plus, you can check the tower before you leave the shop.
- Reuse or rent the stand and decorations. Some places let you rent the display stand, which costs way less than buying a custom one. If you already have a cake stand or tiered tray, ask if you can get the macarons boxed and arrange them yourself—it’s easy, and you’ll save cash.
- Consider a mix of sizes. Adding mini macarons along with regular ones fills gaps and adds texture to the tower, often at a lower price per piece. Some bakeries even offer “filler” macarons at a discount to bulk up your display without making it obvious.
Bottom line? Get clear on what’s included before you commit. Always ask bakeries for an itemized quote so you don’t end up surprised by display fees or flavor upcharges. These small moves make a big difference—your guests will remember the delicious macarons, not what you paid for them.
What to Know Before Ordering
Before spending on a macaron tower, a few key things can save you money and help avoid event-day headaches. Not every bakery works the same way, and the details can make a big difference in what you get—and what you pay for.
First, always double-check what is included in your quote. Some shops charge extra for the display stand or for setting up at your venue. Others roll it into the main price. Don’t forget to ask about lead times; some bakeries need a week or more to prep a custom order, especially for bigger towers. For popular dates like spring weddings, you might want to book at least a month ahead.
If you’re after special flavors, ask how much those cost per piece. Flavors like pistachio, passionfruit, and rose almost always cost more than basics like vanilla or chocolate. Custom colors and hand-painted designs are another upgrade. Want your macarons to match your party theme perfectly? Be ready to pay a premium for that.
Dietary needs matter too. Vegan or gluten-free macarons require different ingredients, which usually means a higher price tag. Always tell your baker if you have allergy concerns, so they can keep your order safe from cross-contamination!
Delivery is a detail people often miss. Carrying a huge tower of delicate macarons is risky, so check if the bakery offers delivery and setup or if you’ll be on your own. Some charge a flat rate; others base it on distance.
- Get samples if you can. Taste before you make your final call—it’s common, and bakeries expect it for events.
- Ask about cancellation and refund policies. Surprises happen, and you want to know your options.
- If you need a macaron tower price quote, give the bakery the right info: guest count, flavors, colors, date, location, and any allergies.
Here’s a quick look at what might affect your final bill:
Factor | Typical Extra Cost |
---|---|
Specialty flavors | $0.25–$0.75 per macaron |
Custom colors/designs | $20–$50 per tower |
Display stand rental | $10–$40 |
Delivery/setup | $25–$100 (depends on distance and time) |
Dietary customization (vegan/gluten-free) | $0.30–$1.00 per macaron |
If you’re shopping around, get at least two or three quotes for the same setup. Prices and included services can swing a lot between bakeries, even in the same city.
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