The Wedding Cabo Conundrum: How Big Is Too Big?

Deciding on the size of your wedding venue is a crucial part of planning your big day. The size of your wedding depends on your budget and your personal preferences. While the definition of a small, medium, or large wedding is somewhat subjective and often culturally specific, there are some general rules of thumb that can help you determine the right size for your celebration.

A small wedding typically includes 50 people or fewer, with some considering an intimate wedding to be between 50 and 75 guests, and a tiny or micro wedding having 15 or 20 guests or fewer. A medium-sized or average wedding usually falls between 50 and 150 guests, while a large wedding has over 150 attendees.

When choosing the size of your wedding, it's important to consider your budget, as the cost per guest can add up quickly. A larger guest list may require you to scale back in other areas, such as opting for a morning wedding with brunch instead of a full dinner. On the other hand, a smaller wedding can allow you to splurge on other aspects, like an open bar or entertainment.

Additionally, the style of your reception will impact how the space is used. For example, a large open room might hold 200 people for a mingling event but only accommodate 120 for a seated dinner. It's crucial to accurately estimate your guest count, taking into account factors such as travel distance, plus-ones, and children.

Ultimately, the perfect venue size depends on your unique needs and preferences for your special day.

Cake slice sizes

When it comes to weddings, cake slices are typically smaller than those served at parties. A standard slice of wedding cake is 4 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 2 inches long. This is in contrast to a party cake slice, which is usually 1.5 inches wide.

However, it's worth noting that the height of a wedding cake can vary, and taller cakes may be cut into thinner slices. For example, if a cake is taller than 7 inches, it may be cut into slices that are about 1 inch wide and then cut in half horizontally to create 2 servings from each slice.

When determining the size of your wedding cake, it's important to consider the number of guests you are inviting. Typically, you can estimate that 75% to 85% of your guests will enjoy a piece of cake. From there, you can decide if you want to have enough cake to feed every guest or have leftovers.

Round Wedding Cake Sizing:

• 6-inch cake: 12 servings
• 8-inch cake: 24 servings
• 10-inch cake: 38 servings
• 12-inch cake: 56 servings
• 14-inch cake: 78 servings
• 16-inch cake: 100 servings

Square Wedding Cake Sizing:

• 6-inch cake: 18 servings
• 8-inch cake: 32 servings
• 10-inch cake: 50 servings
• 12-inch cake: 72 servings
• 14-inch cake: 98 servings
• 16-inch cake: 128 servings

If you are having a large wedding, a tiered cake or a large sheet cake is a good option to ensure you have enough cake for your guests. These cakes are typically cut into smaller pieces, with slices ranging from 1 inch by 2 inches to 1.5 inches by 2 inches.

In addition to the number of guests, other factors such as budget, aesthetics, and the importance of the wedding cake on your priority list will also influence the size of your wedding cake. If you plan to have other desserts or a dessert display, you may need less cake.

Ultimately, the most important consideration is to ensure that you have enough cake for your guests to enjoy and that the cake fits within your budget and design vision.

Number of guests

The number of guests you invite to your wedding will depend on a few factors, such as your budget, the venue, and your personal preferences.

Elopement Wedding

If you're looking for something very simple, cheap, and stress-free, an elopement wedding might be the right choice. This usually includes 3 to 5 guests and can be a spontaneous event at the registry office. By having a smaller wedding, you can save money for your honeymoon and choose any venue or location without restrictions.

Micro Wedding

A micro wedding is a more intimate affair with 10 to 20 guests. It still includes all the usual ingredients of a traditional wedding, such as an officiant, witnesses, and a venue to accommodate your guests. This option is perfect for couples who want a cosy and intimate atmosphere while also staying within a smaller budget.

Small Wedding

A small wedding, sometimes called a 'friends and family' wedding, typically includes 20 to 60 guests. This option is ideal if you want to include all your close friends and immediate family. With a small wedding, you can still have a fancy affair while keeping the gathering exclusive. It's important to choose a venue that suits this size to ensure your guests can comfortably circulate and enjoy an intimate atmosphere.

Medium Wedding

A medium-sized wedding usually accommodates around 60 to 150 guests. This is the typical size for a wedding in the UK and fits within the classic ballpark that most guest numbers and budgets fall into. With this option, you'll have room for immediate and extended family, as well as more distant relatives and old friends. However, if your guest list is closer to 150, you may find it challenging to spend quality time with everyone.

Large Wedding

A large wedding starts at 150 guests and can go up to several hundred attendees. For this size, you'll need to choose a venue with experience handling such numbers and capable of accommodating everyone comfortably. A large wedding allows you to invite not just family and friends but also plus ones, old school friends, and even neighbours.

Mega Wedding

If you want to go even bigger, a mega wedding includes 300 or more guests. This option is for couples who want to share their love with everyone they know and then some. With a mega wedding, you can reconnect with family and friends you haven't seen in years and include everyone you want without agonising over the guest list. However, with a larger guest list, you'll have less time to spend with each guest, and it may be harder to say no to certain invitations.

Cake shape

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are many shapes to choose from, and couples often select the one that best reflects their taste and their wedding's aesthetic. Here is an overview of some popular wedding cake shapes:

Round

Round cakes are the most popular and traditional choice for wedding cakes. They can stand on their own as a single-tiered cake or be stacked to create a tall, multi-layered cake. Fondant is often used to cover round cakes, providing a sturdy base for various designs, textures, and colours. Round cakes are typically filled with strawberry, coconut, and other types of fillings.

Square

Square cakes have gained popularity as couples seek unique and modern designs. They provide a striking contrast to the round and curved shapes of traditional wedding cakes. Square cakes require more time and skill to craft than round cakes, particularly in creating sharp corners. As a result, they may be more expensive, depending on the baker. Square cakes also yield more slices than round cakes of a similar size.

Heart

A heart-shaped cake is a romantic choice for a wedding, whether it's a retro design or a display of several heart-shaped cakes. This shape is perfect for country, barn, and backyard weddings and can be embellished or left naked with fruits for a simple look.

Cylindrical

A cylindrical cake is a fun twist on the classic round cake, elongating the dessert without the need for extra tiers. This shape is gaining popularity, offering a modern flair to the traditional round cake.

Abstract

Abstract cakes feature odd shapes and asymmetrical designs, adding a unique flair to the typical round-tiered cake. When considering an abstract cake, it's important to ensure your baker can achieve the required symmetry by examining their previous work.

Hexagonal

Hexagonal cakes are a one-of-a-kind display, modernising the classic tiers with a geometric design. They are beautiful and not too difficult to cut, making them a good choice for those who want something different but still want to avoid the challenges of cutting complex shapes.

Custom

Custom-shaped cakes are a fun way to showcase the couple's personality and interests. For example, a cake in the shape of a hamburger reflects a favourite food. Any shape outside of round and square will be trickier to calculate serving numbers, so it's essential to work closely with your baker to ensure proper portions.

Rectangular

Rectangular cakes, also known as sheet cakes, offer a unique and modern look. They can be challenging to execute, so it's important to ensure your baker has the necessary skills by reviewing their previous work.

Mixed

Mixed-shaped cakes combine various shapes, heights, and decorative details to create a truly bespoke and geometric display. They are a good choice for extravagant, classic, or simple weddings, with the number of shapes varying according to the desired style and impact.

In summary, the shape of your wedding cake can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your celebration. Whether you opt for a traditional round or square cake or go for something more unique like a heart or custom shape, choosing a cake shape that reflects your taste and wedding theme will create a memorable dessert for your special day.

Cake height

The height of a wedding cake is determined by the number of tiers and the height of each tier.

The standard height for a wedding cake tier is 2 inches, with a 0.5-inch to a 1-inch layer of filling. Once the frosting and decorating are done, the cake will be about 5-6 inches tall. However, some bakers are now experimenting with taller tiers, such as 3 layers of 2-inch cakes with 2 layers of 1-inch fillings, resulting in a 9-inch tall tier.

The most popular wedding cake is a three-tiered cake with a 10-inch base, an 8-inch middle, and a 6-inch top tier. This combination is estimated to serve 74 guests.

When determining the height and size of your wedding cake, it is important to consider the number of guests, the venue, and the desired aesthetic. If you have a large venue with high ceilings, consider adding extra height to your cake with "dummy" tiers to make it stand out. On the other hand, if you have a small, intimate wedding, a shorter cake may be more appropriate.

Additionally, think about the other desserts you'll be serving. If you plan to have a dessert display or serve plated desserts, you can order less cake, as not all guests will want a slice.

Ultimately, the height and size of your wedding cake depend on your personal preferences and the number of guests you need to serve.

Additional desserts

While wedding cake is the most common dessert option for weddings, many couples choose to serve additional sweets to their guests. Here are some ideas for extra desserts to serve at your wedding:

Pies

Fruit pies are a great choice for an outdoor wedding, with strawberry rhubarb in the spring, pumpkin maple in the fall, blueberry in the summer, and apple in the winter. If you're having an intimate wedding, you could even bake the pies yourself to keep costs down. Set up a pie station with toppings like whipped cream, or slice up the pies into bite-sized squares for guests to graze on throughout the night.

Milk and Cookies

Milk and cookies are a simple, affordable, and on-trend option for wedding desserts. You can offer a few varieties of milk and cookies (e.g. chocolate chip, oatmeal, and butterscotch brown sugar) and display them in mugs on a table next to jugs of milk on ice, which doubles as a dessert table and wedding favour!

Cake Pops

Cake pops are easy to make, easy to decorate, and easy for guests to eat. They're also a fun parting gift for guests. You can create cake pop bouquets, a cake pop garden, or a cake pop wall for a wide variety of display options.

Ice Cream Sundaes

Ice cream sundaes are easy, affordable, and completely customisable. Simply supply a variety of ice cream and toppings and let your guests create their own sundaes.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a more affordable and easy-to-find alternative to cake, and they add variety to your dessert table. You can serve different flavours, toppings, icing colours, and fillings. There can be a doughnut for every wedding style, colour palette, and taste preference. Display your doughnuts with a doughnut wall or tower, or set up a DIY doughnut decoration station for your guests.

Other Dessert Ideas

• Cupcakes
• Macarons
• Waffles
• Churros
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Gelato
• Sorbet
• Parfaits
• Brownies
• Cinnamon rolls
• Candy
• Cheesecake
• Fruit tarts
• S'mores

Frequently asked questions