Wedding Cake Conundrum: To Slice Or Not To Slice?

Wedding cakes are a traditional part of the big day, but do you need to order a slice for every guest? The short answer is: it depends. If you're not offering other desserts, it's best to order enough cake to serve your entire guest list—or at least 85-90% of your guest count. Most guests will want to partake in this long-standing tradition, and it can be tricky to decide who gets a slice of cake and who misses out.

However, if you're offering other sweet treats like a dessert bar or a donut wall, you may want to order less cake. In this case, it's recommended to cater for 80% of your guest list to have cake, as some people will be too full or won't like cake.

If you're concerned about budget, there are ways to save money without compromising on the tradition of a wedding cake. You could order a smaller cake and supplement it with kitchen cakes (undecorated cakes that the venue's kitchen slices and serves to your guests). Or, you could have a single-tier or two-tier cake with kitchen cakes.

Whatever you decide, remember that it's your day, and there are no hard and fast rules.

How much cake is enough cake?

There are many conflicting opinions on whether everyone needs a slice of cake at a wedding. Some people believe that it is essential to have enough cake for all guests, while others suggest that it is not necessary as not everyone will eat cake. Ultimately, the decision depends on various factors, such as budget, the number of guests, and the availability of other desserts.

If you are not serving any other desserts, it is generally recommended to order cake for your total guest count or at least 85-90% of your guest count. Most guests will eat dessert, especially if it is delicious, and it would be disappointing for some guests to miss out on this traditional part of the wedding experience. However, if you are concerned about the cost, there are a few options to consider. You could order a smaller decorated cake and supplement it with kitchen cakes (undecorated cakes) or opt for a simpler 2-tier or single-tier cake along with kitchen cakes. Another idea is to discuss with your baker about making the cake slices thinner to increase the number of servings.

On the other hand, if you are serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you can order significantly less cake. In this case, you can probably get away with ordering about 50% cake and filling the rest with other dessert options. This is especially true if you have a dessert table or a Venetian hour with a variety of dessert offerings.

It is worth noting that the quality of the cake also plays a role in how much cake will be consumed. If the cake is from a good bakery and tastes amazing, you can expect more guests to want a slice. However, if it is a grocery-type cake, there may be more declines. Additionally, the timing of when the cake is served can impact how much cake is eaten. If it is served early, more guests are likely to eat it, whereas if it is served later in the night, fewer guests may indulge.

In conclusion, the answer to "How much cake is enough cake?" depends on several factors. To ensure you have enough cake, consider your guest count, budget, and dessert options. By combining different types of cakes and desserts, you can create a sweet ending to your wedding day that your guests will enjoy.

Should you offer cake or another dessert?

There are many options to consider when deciding whether to offer cake or another dessert at your wedding.

Firstly, it is important to note that wedding cake is a longstanding tradition that many guests look forward to partaking in. It is a chance to offer your guests a delicious experience and a sweet ending to their meal. If you are not serving other desserts, it is generally recommended to order cake for your total guest count or at least 85-90% of your guest count. This is because most guests will eat dessert, especially if it tastes good, and you don't want to leave anyone out.

However, if you are having other desserts, such as a dessert bar or a Venetian hour with multiple dessert options, you may not need to order cake for every guest. In this case, you can probably get away with ordering about 50% cake and filling the rest with additional desserts.

If you are on a tight budget, there are several cost-saving options to consider. You could opt for a smaller, two-tier cake or a single-tier cake on a tall stand, along with kitchen cakes (undecorated cakes that the venue's kitchen slices and serves). Another option is to have a small cake for the wedding party and sheet cakes for the guests. Sheet cakes are much less expensive, and no one will notice or care. You could also serve smaller slices of cake, which can help stretch your budget.

Additionally, consider the timing of your cake cutting. If you cut the cake early, it can serve as a signal to older guests that they are welcome to leave whenever they're ready. Cutting the cake early also ensures your photographer gets those pictures and makes slicing and serving easier for your catering staff.

In the end, the decision of how much cake to order is yours alone. But remember, most guests will want to be a part of the wedding cake experience, so it's important to have enough for everyone, even if it's a small slice.

How do you decide on the final number of slices?

Deciding on the final number of slices of cake at a wedding can be tricky, but there are a few guidelines that can help. Firstly, it is important to consider the number of guests you will be serving. A common calculation is to allow for one slice of cake per guest, but it is also worth considering that not everyone may want a slice, especially if other desserts are being served. So, ordering enough cake for around 80% of your guest list is usually a safe bet.

If you are serving a variety of cakes, such as a bride's cake and a groom's cake, the calculation changes slightly. In this case, you would typically allow for one slice of bride's cake per guest and a half slice of groom's cake. So, for 100 guests, you would need 100 servings of the bride's cake and 50 servings of the groom's cake.

Another factor to consider is the timing of when the cake will be served. If it is served after a full dinner, people may be too full to eat a large slice, so you could get away with slightly smaller portions. Similarly, if the cake is served later in the evening, some guests may have left or be too busy dancing and socialising to want a slice. In this case, catering for 60-70% of your guest list should be sufficient.

If you are concerned about wasting food or spending too much money, there are a few cost-saving options to consider. One option is to order a smaller, decorated cake for display and serving to the wedding party, and then have additional sheet cakes in the kitchen to serve to the rest of the guests. These sheet cakes are much less expensive and can be used to top up your slice count if needed. You could also ask your baker about creating a "'fake cake' with one or two layers made from styrofoam, which can be used for display and photos, while the rest of the cake is made from real ingredients.

Finally, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional baker to get their opinion on how much cake to order, as they will have experience in this area and can help you make the right decision for your specific needs.

What type of cake should you order?

When it comes to choosing a wedding cake, there are a few things to consider to ensure you order the right amount and type of cake for your special day.

Firstly, it is important to note that not everyone may eat cake at your wedding, especially if it is served late in the evening when guests may have left or be too full from dinner. However, it is generally recommended that you order enough cake to cover your guest count or at least 80-85% of your guest count. This ensures that all your guests can have a slice, even if it is a smaller one, and no one misses out on the traditional experience of partaking in the wedding cake.

If you are serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you can order less cake. In this case, you can probably order around 50% cake and fill the rest with other dessert options. If you are having a self-serve cake station, you can also get away with ordering less cake.

To save money, you could opt for a smaller decorated cake and supplement it with kitchen cakes (undecorated cakes that the venue's kitchen slices and serves). Alternatively, a simple 2-tier or single-tier cake can be a beautiful and cost-effective option, especially when paired with a tall cake stand and artfully decorated cake table. If you want a multi-tiered cake for display and photos, you can also have a layer or two of "fake cake" made from styrofoam.

When deciding on the type of cake, it is important to consider the flavour and design. You may want to choose a cake with multiple flavours to offer your guests a variety. It is recommended that you schedule a consultation and tasting to ensure you can sample the full range of options available. The design of the cake can be chosen to match the colour schemes of your wedding, such as your gown, flower arrangements, and venue.

Finally, don't forget to discuss with your baker how the cake will be cut and served. If you need to cut the cake yourself, ask for a cutting guide to know how many servings to expect from each tier.

When should you cut the cake?

The timing of your cake cutting plays a big role in your reception. In the past, the cake-cutting was the very last moment in the reception, signalling to guests that they were welcome to head home. Though it usually happens much earlier today, cutting your cake still serves that same purpose, especially for older guests.

Nowadays, the cake is usually cut towards the end of dinner, just before dancing begins, and is the last "official" event of the evening. Slicing on the earlier side will let your older guests know they're welcome to depart whenever they're ready and will signal that they won't miss any of the formalities if they choose to head home.

There are a few other bonuses to cutting the cake early (even before you take your seats for dinner). Firstly, it ensures your photographer gets those pictures. If you've scheduled your photographer to leave around 9 pm, cutting the cake at 7 pm means they won't miss it. It also makes slicing and serving easier for your catering staff. If you cut the cake before dinner, they can work on slicing it once entrées have been served, and can pass out pieces as a plated dessert course before dancing gets underway.

If you're serving your cake after dinner and you have a late-night snack or savoury table, cater for less cake. Sometimes 60-70% is absolutely fine. People will be drinking, dancing, and having a great time, and might not even notice the cake.

Frequently asked questions