Wedding Cake Servings: How Many To Order?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to the cake. You want to make sure there's enough to go around, but you don't want to overspend or waste food. The general rule of thumb is to estimate that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will want a slice of cake. From there, you can decide if you want to have enough cake for every guest, if you'd like leftovers, and what size slices you'd like to serve. Standard wedding cake servings are 1-inch by 2-inch slices, while a larger party-size slice is 1.5-inches by 2-inches.

The number of tiers on your cake will also impact the number of servings. A traditional tiered wedding cake usually has at least three tiers, but can have up to five or six. A classic 3-tier cake with 12, 10, and 8-inch layers serves about 100 people. Narrower cakes will be smaller, more affordable, and serve fewer people.

If you're serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you may need less cake. Consider offering enough total dessert servings for all guests to have one and a half items, such as a slice of cake and a cookie.

Cake slice size: 1x2 inches or 2x2 inches?

When it comes to wedding cake, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have enough for your guests. Firstly, it's good to know that not everyone will want a slice of cake. You can estimate that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will want a slice, and some may even want seconds. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you're serving other desserts, you'll likely need less cake.

Now, onto the cake slice size. The standard wedding cake serving is a slice that measures 1 inch by 2 inches. A larger, party-size slice is 1.5 inches by 2 inches. A typical wedding cake slice is 4 inches tall, so it's more cake than it sounds. If you're serving cake as the main dessert, go for the larger slice. If it's an extra, served after dinner, a smaller slice is fine.

If you're concerned about having enough cake, it's worth noting that a lot of people don't eat wedding cake, finding it too dry or too sickly, and there are often other sweets on offer. You could also consider having a small display cake and a sheet cake to serve to guests, or even a few tiers of fake cake with a real cake to serve.

Here's a rough guide to the number of servings you can get from different sizes of cake tiers:

• 6-inch tier: 10 servings
• 8-inch tier: 20-25 servings
• 10-inch tier: 30-40 servings
• 12-inch tier: 40-60 servings

So, for example, a three-tiered cake with 10, 8, and 6-inch layers would serve about 100 people.

If you want to ensure your guests get enough cake, a good rule of thumb is to multiply the number of guests by 1.5 to get the number of servings you need. This will allow for those who want seconds and those who only want a small slice.

In summary, the standard wedding cake slice size is 1x2 inches, but you can go larger if the cake is the main dessert. However, with guests often bypassing the cake or only wanting a small slice, you may have more than enough cake with the smaller slice size.

Number of guests: 70-120 or 160?

When it comes to wedding cake, there are a few things to consider to ensure you have enough to serve your guests without having to resort to eating cake for weeks after your big day.

Firstly, the number of guests is the most important factor when determining the size of your wedding cake. For 70 guests, a two-tier cake will be more than enough, with 70-80 slices. If you want to provide a slice per guest, a three-tier cake will be required, which will provide around 90 slices. For 120 guests, a four-tier cake will be needed, providing 100-150 slices. For 160 guests, a five-tier cake will be required, which will provide 170-210 slices.

It is worth noting that it is common for some guests to decline a slice of cake, so you may not need a slice per guest. You can usually get away with ordering enough cake for 80-90% of your guests. If you are serving other desserts, you will also need much less cake. In this case, you can probably order about 50% cake and fill in with additional treats.

If you are planning to save the top tier of your cake for your first wedding anniversary, you will need to factor this into your calculations.

There are also ways to save money on your wedding cake. You could ask your baker for smaller slices, as these are often huge and may not be fully eaten. You could also create an illusion with "fake cake", opting for a layer or two of styrofoam to bulk out your cake for display and photos. For large weddings, you could also utilise sheet cakes, which are simple and less expensive, to be kept in the catering kitchen to provide extra servings.

Other desserts: yes or no?

When it comes to wedding cakes, the general rule of thumb is that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will want a slice of cake. This means that if you have 100 guests, you should plan to have between 75 and 85 slices of cake. However, it's important to consider other factors that may impact the amount of cake you need, such as the addition of other desserts.

So, the question is, should you offer other desserts at your wedding? There are a few things to consider when making this decision. Firstly, it's important to think about your budget. Desserts can be expensive, especially if you're serving a large number of guests. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to stick to cake only, as it can be more cost-effective.

However, if you have room in your budget, offering a variety of desserts can be a great way to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. For example, if you have guests who are gluten-free, vegan, or have other dietary restrictions, offering alternative dessert options can ensure that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. It can also be a good idea to offer a variety of desserts if you're serving a large number of guests, as it will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Another thing to consider is the time of day of your wedding. If your wedding is in the afternoon or early evening, you may want to offer a lighter dessert option in addition to cake, such as fruit skewers or petite desserts. This can be a good way to provide a refreshing end to the meal, especially if your wedding is during the summer or in a warm location.

Finally, think about the overall theme and style of your wedding. If you're having a beachside wedding, for example, you may want to offer desserts with tropical elements, such as key lime pie or mango coconut dessert shooters. Or, if you're having a summer wedding, you could offer seasonal desserts like a bold strawberry tart.

In conclusion, whether or not to offer other desserts at your wedding is ultimately a personal decision. Consider your budget, the number of guests you'll be serving, the time of day of your wedding, and your wedding theme when making your decision. Remember, the most important thing is to choose desserts that you and your partner enjoy and that reflect your preferences and style.

Cake flavours: one or many?

Deciding on a wedding cake flavour can be challenging, especially with the plethora of options available. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between one or many flavours:

Guest Preferences

While it is ultimately your wedding and you should choose what you like, it is worth considering your guests' preferences. If you want to ensure your guests enjoy the cake, opt for classic and universally loved flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet. These flavours are likely to be well-received by a wide range of guests.

Number of Guests

The number of guests you invite can help determine whether to offer one or many flavours. If you have a large guest list, offering multiple flavours may be more challenging and costly. In such cases, a single flavour that appeals to a broad range of tastes may be more practical. On the other hand, if you have a smaller, more intimate wedding, you may have more flexibility to offer multiple flavours to cater to different preferences.

Seasonality

Taking into account the time of year or season can help guide your flavour choices. For example, light and refreshing flavours like lemon or strawberry are ideal for summer weddings, while richer options such as spiced pear or chocolate are perfect for winter nuptials. You can also consider incorporating seasonal ingredients, such as a pumpkin spice cake for a fall wedding.

Personal Preferences

Your wedding cake can be a reflection of you and your partner's unique tastes. If you both have a favourite flavour or a flavour that holds special meaning, incorporating it into your wedding cake can make it more personal and memorable. Whether it's a unique combination like sake wine and black sesame or a classic like vanilla, choose something that speaks to you.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

It is essential to consider any food allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have. Ask your guests about these restrictions in advance, and plan your cake flavours accordingly. For example, if someone has a severe egg allergy, you may need to opt for a cake that does not contain eggs or provide an alternative dessert option for them.

Budget

Your budget will play a significant role in deciding between one or many flavours. Multiple flavours typically require additional costs for ingredients, baking, and decoration. If you are working with a limited budget, a single flavour may be more cost-effective, especially if you have a large guest list.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of cake flavours. Consider your guest list, budget, and personal preferences to make a decision that suits your wedding. Ultimately, remember that it is your special day, so choose flavours that you and your partner love and that will create lasting memories.

Cake tiers: 2, 3, 5 or 6?

The number of tiers you choose for your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you are inviting and the size of the cake slices you wish to serve. A standard wedding cake serving is a 1-inch by 2-inch slice, while a larger party-size slice is 1.5-inches by 2-inches.

A 2-tier cake with a 6-inch top tier and an 8-inch bottom tier will serve around 30-35 guests. If you are looking to serve a larger slice, you may need to consider a 3-tier cake. A 3-tier cake with a 10-inch base, an 8-inch middle, and a 6-inch top would serve approximately 74 guests with standard-sized slices.

For a 5-tier cake, you could consider a combination of 16-inch, 14-inch, 12-inch, 10-inch, and 8-inch tiers, which would serve a total of 264 guests with standard-sized slices.

Finally, a 6-tier cake with 16-inch, 14-inch, 12-inch, 10-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch tiers would serve approximately 304 standard-sized slices.

It is important to note that these estimates are for round cakes and that square cakes will yield a slightly higher number of servings. Additionally, you may not need to cater to every guest as not everyone will want a piece of cake.

Frequently asked questions