A Massive Wedding Cake To Feed 120 Guests

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding on the size of your wedding cake. The last thing you want is to run out of cake or have lots of leftovers. So, how big of a wedding cake do you need for 120 guests?

Tier sizes: 6, 8, 10, 12

A 3-tier cake with 6", 8", and 10" tiers will yield around 100 servings, which will not be enough for 120 guests. However, you can add a 12" tier to the 6", 8", and 10" tiers, resulting in a 4-tier cake that will serve around 130 guests.

If the couple wants to save the top tier, you can exclude it from your calculations and start with the next size down, which is the 8" tier. In this case, a 3-tier cake with 8", 10", and 12" tiers will yield around 100 servings, which may be enough depending on how much cake you expect guests to eat.

If the couple does not want to save the top tier, you can still use a 3-tier cake with 6", 8", and 10" tiers, but you will need to supplement it with additional cake. One option is to add a 14" tier to the 6", 8", and 10" tiers, resulting in a 4-tier cake that will serve around 128 guests. Another option is to use a 3-tier 6", 10", and 14" cake, which will serve around the same number of guests.

You can also suggest using a "fake tier" or "dummy tier" in addition to the edible cake to add height and grandeur without increasing the amount of cake. This can be a cost-effective option as you are paying for the additional labour of decorating the cake rather than the ingredients.

Round cakes: 6-inch round cake = 10-12 portions

A 6-inch round cake is a good option for a smaller gathering, but it will not be enough to serve 120 people. A 6-inch cake yields about 10 to 12 portions, depending on the height of the cake and the size of the slices. If you are serving a 6-inch cake at a wedding, the slices are typically smaller than a party-sized slice. Wedding slices are typically 1 x 2 inches, while party slices are 1.5 x 2 inches.

If you are set on a round cake, you will need to bake multiple tiers to serve 120 people. A 3-tier cake with 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch tiers will yield about 150 slices. You could also do a 4-tier cake with 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch tiers, which will yield about 130 slices.

Another option to serve 120 people is to add a "fake tier" to your cake. This is a decorated piece of Styrofoam that adds height and drama to your cake without adding more cake. You can also serve a sheet cake alongside your round cake to ensure you have enough portions.

When planning a wedding cake, it's important to consider not only the number of guests but also the desired slice size and the height of the cake. The cake portion guide can help you determine the right size cake for your event.

Square cakes: 6-inch square cake = 12-18 portions

A 6-inch square cake can serve 12 to 18 people, depending on the size of the slices. This is a great option for a single-tier cake, but if you're looking to feed a larger group, consider adding additional tiers in larger sizes.

For example, a three-tier square cake with tiers measuring 6 inches, 10 inches, and 14 inches would serve 148 people, according to one source. This assumes that the couple will keep the top 6-inch tier, as is tradition.

If you're looking to serve 120 people and want to stick to a three-tier cake, you could use 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch tiers, which will serve 130 people.

It's important to note that the size of the cake slices will impact the final number of servings. Wedding cake slices tend to be smaller, measuring about 1 x 2 inches, while party servings are typically larger, at 1.5 x 2 inches.

Additionally, the type of cake can also affect the number of servings. For example, a traditional fruit cake can be cut into very small, precise pieces, while an ice cream cake may begin to melt before serving is complete, so you'll want to have extra on hand.

When planning a wedding cake, it's always a good idea to add some extra servings to account for potential last-minute guest additions or guests who want seconds.

Finally, don't forget to consider the visual impact of the cake. Some couples prefer a taller cake for added drama and height, which can be achieved by adding fake tiers or using a pedestal cake stand.

Sheet cakes: an option for large weddings

Sheet cakes are a great option for large weddings. If you're planning to have around 120 guests, a standard 3-tier cake will provide more than enough slices, with some leftover for the married couple to enjoy the next day. However, if you want to avoid having too much leftover cake, you can consider adding a sheet cake to your order.

Sheet cakes are typically rectangular and are kept in the catering kitchen to be sliced and served. They involve less intricate stacking and decoration work, making them a more cost-effective option. This can be a good solution if you want to have a large wedding but don't want an overly large cake.

For example, if you have a 3-tier cake that serves as your display cake, you can add a sheet cake or two to ensure you have enough servings for all your guests. This way, you can have the dramatic effect of a taller cake without worrying about running out of servings.

When deciding on the size of your wedding cake, it's important to consider the number of guests, the time of serving, and any dietary restrictions. If you're serving the cake in the evening, you can cater to around 90% of your guests, as not everyone will get around to having a slice.

Additionally, you might want to consider having some extra cake or a whole tier to freeze and enjoy at a later date. This can be a nice option if you want to save the top tier for your first anniversary, following a long-standing tradition.

By combining a beautifully decorated tiered cake with a sheet cake, you can have the best of both worlds—a stunning display and enough servings for all your guests at your large wedding.

Dessert portions: 2 x 1 x 4 inches

If you're planning a wedding, one of the most important considerations is the wedding cake. It's a wonderful tradition and can function as a piece of décor, a conversation starter, and a delicious treat for your guests.

When it comes to dessert portions, a wedding cake slice is typically 2 x 1 x 4 inches, double the size of a finger portion. This is a crucial factor in determining the size of your wedding cake, as you'll want to ensure there's enough to go around.

For a wedding of 120 guests, a three-tier cake with tiers measuring 6", 10", and 14" will provide approximately 128 servings. Alternatively, a four-tier cake with tiers measuring 6", 8", 10", and 12" will yield around 130 servings.

It's always a good idea to have slightly more cake than you need to account for guests who want seconds. Additionally, consider whether any guests have dietary restrictions and plan to provide alternative dessert options for them.

Discuss these factors with your wedding cake designer, who can advise on the perfect size cake for your special day.

Frequently asked questions