Wedding Cake Serving: Perfect Portion Sizing For Guests

When it comes to weddings, everyone wants a slice of cake – but how big should those slices be? Wedding cake portions are traditionally smaller than those served at parties, with slices measuring about 1x2 inches, compared to 1.5x2 inches for parties. If you're serving a cake as the only dessert at a wedding, you'll want to ensure there's enough for all your guests – a two-tier cake serves about 60 guests, a three-tier serves 100, and a four-tier serves 150. But if you're also offering other desserts, you can opt for a smaller cake. It's also worth considering the complexity of your cake design, as intricate decorations may reduce the overall amount of cake available to serve.

Wedding cake serving sizes

When it comes to weddings, you want to make sure there's enough cake to go around. But how big is a serving of wedding cake? And how much cake do you need for your big day?

Standard Wedding Cake Serving Size

A standard wedding cake serving is typically smaller than a slice of party cake. Wedding cake slices are usually rectangular and measure about 4 inches tall by 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep (or 1 x 1 x 4 inches). This is considered a "finger slice" and is meant to be a delicious sample of the cake, enjoyed casually later in the evening. If the cake is taller than 4 inches, the slices are often cut in half widthwise.

For a "dessert slice", which is served as dessert at the wedding breakfast, the portions are usually larger, measuring 2 x 1 x 4 inches, double the size of a finger portion.

Factors Affecting Wedding Cake Portions

The number of portions you can get from a cake depends on the diameter and height of the cake. Traditional wedding cake tiers are round and approximately 3-4 inches tall, but modern wedding cakes often feature taller tiers, up to 7-8 inches in height.

Here's a general guide to the number of servings per cake tier based on a traditional tier height of 4 inches:

• 6-inch round cake: About 10-12 portions
• 8-inch round cake: About 20-24 portions
• 10-inch round cake: About 30-38 portions
• 12-inch round cake: About 40-50 portions

A two-tier round cake will serve about 40-60 guests, a three-tier cake will serve 70-90, a four-tier cake will serve 100-150, and so on.

Square cakes can provide more portions than round cakes of the same size:

• 6-inch square cake: About 12-18 portions
• 8-inch square cake: About 32-40 portions
• 10-inch square cake: About 50-60 portions
• 12-inch square cake: About 72-96 portions

Tips for Determining the Right Wedding Cake Size

When determining the size of your wedding cake, the most important factor is the number of guests. It's recommended to cater for 90% of your total guest count, as not everyone will want a slice, and this will also reduce waste.

Other factors to consider include:

• Whether the cake will be served as dessert or in the evening after the wedding breakfast.
• If there will be other desserts in addition to the wedding cake.
• The complexity of the cake decorations, which may affect the size of each slice.
• The look you're going for, such as a specific number of tiers or extra space between tiers for flowers or other decorations.

Single-tier vs. multi-tier cakes

Single-tier cakes are a popular choice for smaller, more intimate weddings, serving between 10 and 30 guests. They provide an elegant and beautiful focal point for a smaller celebration. Couples can be as creative and unique as they like with a smaller cake, including intricate or minimalist designs, personalised decorations, flowers, or hand-painted details that reflect their style and wedding themes.

On the other hand, multi-tier cakes are for larger weddings. Couples can choose from two tiers for 40-60 guests, three tiers for 70-90 guests, four tiers for 100-150 guests, five tiers for 170-210 guests, and six or seven tiers for 220+ guests.

Multi-tier cakes bring a sense of awe and drama to a wedding reception. However, single-tier cakes can make just as big of an impact at a fraction of the size. Couples can choose a one-tier cake to match an intimate guest list or as a cutting cake for just the newlyweds to enjoy. A single-tier cake can be an elegant and delicious option for a wedding celebration.

When it comes to portions, it is recommended to plan for 1-2 slices of wedding cake per guest. However, if serving additional desserts or if guests are not big cake eaters, smaller portion sizes can be considered.

Wedding cakes are designed to be taller, allowing for larger portions. This way, the cake can be served as a dessert at the end of the meal. It is also tradition for couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake to enjoy on their first anniversary. The larger size allows for this portion to be set aside for the future celebration.

Round cakes vs. square cakes

Round cakes are the classic, traditional choice for wedding cakes. They are often seen as timeless and romantic, and are typically cut into equal, uniform slices, making it easier to ensure that each guest receives a consistent portion. The number of portions you can get from a round cake depends on the diameter and height of the cake. As a guide, a 4-inch-tall round cake with a diameter of:

• 6 inches yields about 10-12 portions
• 8 inches yields about 20-24 portions
• 10 inches yields about 30-38 portions
• 12 inches yields about 40-50 portions

Square cakes, on the other hand, offer a modern and clean look. They are versatile when it comes to portion sizes and can be cut into various sizes, allowing you to serve larger or smaller slices as needed. Square cakes usually yield more servings per tier than round cakes due to their shape. Similar to round cakes, the number of portions you can get from a square cake depends on its size. A 4-inch-tall square cake with a side length of:

• 6 inches yields about 12-18 portions
• 8 inches yields about 32-40 portions
• 10 inches yields about 50-60 portions
• 12 inches yields about 72-96 portions

When deciding between a round or square wedding cake, consider the look and theme of your wedding, your budget, and the number of guests. Round cakes are generally more versatile, with bakeries offering a wider range of circular size options. Square cakes, being more rare, are sometimes considered a specialty item and may be more costly to decorate due to their sharp edges. However, they offer better utilization of space and more servings, making them ideal for larger weddings.

Cake as the only dessert vs. cake with other desserts

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are two main options: cake as the only dessert or cake with other desserts. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

Cake as the Only Dessert:

• Number of Guests: If you plan to serve cake as the sole dessert, ensure there is enough for all your guests. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 1-2 slices per guest. For example, a two-tier cake serves 60 guests, a three-tier cake serves 100 guests, and a four-tier cake serves 150 guests.
• Portion Size: Traditional wedding cake portions are smaller, known as "finger portions," measuring about 1 x 1 x 4 inches. These are typically served in the evening after the main wedding breakfast. However, if serving cake as the only dessert, consider offering larger "dessert portions" of 2 x 1 x 4 inches.
• Dietary Restrictions: If some guests have dietary restrictions, ensure there are alternative dessert options or enough cake for those who can eat it.
• Leftovers: Consider if you want leftover cake to enjoy the next day or freeze for later. If so, you may need a larger cake.

Cake with Other Desserts:

• Variety of Options: Offering other desserts alongside the wedding cake allows for more variety and can cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. This can include cupcakes, dessert shooters, petite desserts, cheesecake, cake pops, pies, tarts, macarons, donuts, or an ice cream sundae bar.
• Portion Size Flexibility: With additional desserts, you can opt for a smaller wedding cake. Consider a one or two-tier cake that serves a portion of your guests, knowing that you have other treats to enjoy.
• Visual Appeal: A dessert table offers more opportunities for creative displays and decorative presentations. It can add visual variety and elegance to your wedding reception.
• Cost: Depending on your choices, a dessert table may be more or less expensive than a larger wedding cake. It allows for customization to fit your budget.

Ultimately, the decision between cake as the only dessert or cake with other desserts depends on your preferences, budget, guest count, and desire for variety. Both options can be tailored to create a sweet and memorable experience for your special day.

Saving the top tier for your first anniversary

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a long-standing tradition. It is said to bring good luck to the newlyweds and is a way to relive the memories of your wedding day and rekindle those newlywed feelings.

However, cake is highly perishable, and even with proper preservation, it will likely be stale after a year in the freezer. If you still want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, here is a step-by-step guide to give you the best chance of enjoying it on your first anniversary:

Step 1: Remove all decorations

Take off the cake topper, large sugar flowers, and any other adornments. Smaller sugar flowers and icing details can remain, but it is best to remove them all to be safe.

Step 2: Transfer the cake to plastic

If your cake is on cardboard, transfer it to a plastic or foil-covered board. Leaving it on cardboard will cause the cake to absorb the taste of cardboard, making it taste unpleasant.

Step 3: Pre-freeze the cake

Place the cake in the freezer, unwrapped, for about an hour to let the frosting firm up. This step will prevent the soft, sticky frosting from creating a mess when you wrap the cake.

Step 4: Wrap the cake

Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it with plastic wrap. It is recommended to use at least five layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer odours and burn from penetrating the cake.

Step 5: Add a final layer

After mummifying your cake with plastic wrap, add a final layer of aluminium foil for extra protection.

Step 6: Place the cake in a container

Put your wrapped cake in a large plastic container and store it in your freezer. Make sure to label the container so you know what it is.

Step 7: Thaw the cake

About 24 hours before you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the freezer and place it directly in the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This gradual defrosting process will help preserve the texture and flavour of the cake.

Step 8: Bring to room temperature

On your anniversary, remove the cake from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying it.

Remember, even with proper preservation, the cake will likely be stale and may not taste as good as it did on your wedding day. You may want to consider ordering a fresh replica of your wedding cake from your baker to enjoy on your first anniversary instead.

Frequently asked questions