Most Wedding Cake Guests: Who Eats The Cake?

When it comes to wedding cake, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how many guests will eat it. It depends on a few factors, including the number of guests, the type of dessert being served, and how the cake is served. A common calculation for wedding cake is to have one slice of the bride's cake per guest and a half-slice of the groom's cake. However, it's not uncommon for some guests to decline a slice, so ordering enough cake for 80% of guests is usually sufficient. If you're serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you'll likely need even less, as some guests may opt for those options instead. The method of serving the cake also plays a role in how much you'll need; a self-serve cake station may require less cake than if the cake is served at each guest's table setting. Ultimately, it's important to consult with a professional baker to get their opinion on how much cake to order based on your specific guest count and preferences.

Self-serve vs. table service

When it comes to wedding cake, there are two main serving options: self-serve or table service. Here are some considerations for each option to help ensure you have enough cake for your guests:

Self-Serve

If you opt for a self-serve cake station, you can typically order less cake. Not all guests will want a slice, especially if it's later in the evening and the party is in full swing. People may choose to continue dancing instead of eating cake.

With self-serve, you also have more flexibility if you're offering multiple cake flavours or types. Guests can easily help themselves to their preferred option, and there's no need to worry about how slices are distributed at each table.

However, it's important to note that with self-serve, you may need additional staff or volunteers to cut and plate the cake for guests, especially if you want to ensure neat, even slices.

Table Service

If you choose to have the cake plated and served at guests' tables, it's generally recommended to have a slice for each person. This way, you ensure that everyone who wants cake gets a slice, and there's no need for guests to miss out on the dancing or other activities to get their cake.

Table service can be more efficient, especially if you have a large number of guests, as it saves everyone from having to line up at a self-serve station. However, it may require more coordination with your catering staff or venue to ensure the cake is served in a timely manner.

Other Considerations

Regardless of the serving style you choose, there are a few other factors to keep in mind:

• Guest Count - When ordering your cake, you may not have an exact guest count, especially if you're ordering 6 months or more in advance. A good rule of thumb is to assume that about 20% of invited guests won't be able to attend.
• Other Desserts - If you're offering a full dessert table or serving dessert with dinner, you'll likely need less cake. In this case, you can probably order about 50% cake and supplement with other dessert options.
• Saving the Top Tier - If you plan to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, remember to account for those servings when planning the rest of your cake order. A typical 6-inch round top tier serves about 14 people.
• Design and Cost - If you want a large, elaborate cake but are concerned about having too much cake, consider using Styrofoam tiers to achieve the desired look without the excess. Alternatively, if you want a simpler or more affordable cake, sheet cakes can provide extra servings at a lower cost.

In conclusion, when deciding between self-serve and table service for your wedding cake, consider the number of guests, the flow of your event, and your desired level of formality. Both options can work well, but proper planning is essential to ensure you have enough cake to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth!

How many guests will eat cake?

It's hard to say exactly how many guests will eat cake at your wedding, as it depends on a number of factors. Firstly, consider how many guests you plan to invite. A good rule of thumb is that 20% of invited guests won't be able to attend, so you can plan for 80% of invitees to show up.

Next, think about whether you're serving other desserts in addition to the cake. If so, you'll need less cake, as some guests will opt for an alternative dessert. If cake is the only dessert, it's best to plan for one slice per guest.

Another thing to consider is how the cake will be served. If it's self-serve, you can get away with ordering less, as some guests may be too busy dancing to want a slice. However, if the cake is being served at the tables, you should plan on serving a piece to everyone.

Finally, don't forget to take into account whether you want to save the top tier of your cake. Typically, a 6-inch round top tier serves about 14 people, so you'll need to add those servings to the other tiers or order extra cake to compensate.

In general, it's a good idea to consult with a professional baker to get their opinion on how much cake to order. They may suggest that you order enough cake for just 80% of your expected guests, as it's common for some guests to decline a slice. However, if you want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to indulge in a sweet treat, ordering enough cake for your total expected guest count is a safe bet.

How much cake to order

Ordering a wedding cake is a tricky business. You want to make sure there's enough to go around, but you don't want to be left with a ton of leftovers. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you figure out how much cake to order.

Guest Count

Firstly, consider how many guests you're planning to invite. When ordering a cake, you might not have an exact number, but you should have a rough idea. A good rule of thumb is that about 20% of invited guests won't be able to attend. So, if you're inviting 150 people, you can expect around 120 guests.

Other Desserts

If you're planning to have a dessert table or serve dessert with dinner, you'll need less cake. In this case, you can order about 50% cake and fill the rest with other dessert options. However, if the cake is the only dessert, it's best to plan for one slice per guest.

Serving Style

The way the cake is served will also impact how much you need. If it's self-serve, you can order less, as not everyone will want a slice. On the other hand, if the cake is plated and served at the tables, you'll need enough for each guest.

Saving the Top Tier

If you plan to save the top tier of your cake, you'll need to add those servings to the other tiers. A typical 6-inch round top tier serves about 14 people.

Design and Budget

If you want a large cake but are concerned about having too much cake, consider using Styrofoam tiers to achieve the desired look without the extra cake. Alternatively, if you want a smaller cake but need more servings, sheet cakes are a more affordable option to boost the number of servings.

A Safe Estimate

As a general rule, it's recommended to order one serving per guest. However, if you want to cut costs, you can order for 20% less, as not everyone will eat cake, especially if there are other dessert options. So, for 150 guests, you could plan for 120-130 servings.

Consult a Professional

The best way to ensure you order the right amount of cake is to consult a professional baker. They can provide guidance based on your specific needs and guest count.

Saving the top tier

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, ask your cake baker for any recommended preservation methods for your specific cake. Different cakes have different shelf lives, and your baker will know which cakes are best for longer storage. For example, oil-based, dense, and moist cakes tend to last longer, while cakes with delicate ingredients like white cake, fresh fruit, and whipped cream fillings will dry out faster.

Secondly, if you are having a cake-cutting ceremony and want to save the top tier, be mindful of how and where you cut the cake. Avoid cutting the cake with a sawing motion, as this may cause the cake to shake and possibly fall over. Instead, only slice pieces from the bottom tier, leaving the top tier untouched.

Thirdly, prepare ahead of time by asking your catering staff to remove the top tier of the cake immediately after the cutting ceremony. They can box it up and ensure it is ready for transportation. If you are going on your honeymoon or planning to move soon after the wedding, appoint a family member or friend to take the cake and prepare it for preservation.

Finally, when you are ready to freeze your wedding cake, follow these steps:

• Remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers and cake toppers, and set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.
• Chill the cake to allow the icing to harden and prevent making a mess.
• Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant.
• Add at least two layers of foil to shield the cake from anything else in the freezer.
• Seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag, label it, and store it safely on a freezer shelf, ensuring it is out of the way.

When you are ready to eat your preserved cake, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, leave it at room temperature on the counter for five to six hours, unwrapped, before enjoying your treat!

Other desserts

If you're looking for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for other desserts to serve at your wedding:

Pies and tarts

A pie or a tart is a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake. You could opt for a single large pie or tart, or offer a selection of mini pies or tarts in different flavours. This is a good option if you're looking for something a little less sweet than a cake.

Macarons

Macarons are a classy and elegant option for a wedding dessert. They can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as on a tiered serving platter or in a tower that looks like a cake. You can choose different flavours and colours to match your wedding theme, and they make a great visual impact.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular choice for weddings, as they offer a variety of flavour and icing combinations. They can be displayed on a tiered stand, similar to a traditional wedding cake, and are easy for guests to help themselves to.

Crepe cake

A crepe cake is a unique and impressive option for a wedding dessert. It consists of paper-thin French pancakes layered with whipped cream or fruit preserves. It can be decorated with powdered sugar, flowers, or fruit for a beautiful and elegant display.

Ice cream

Ice cream is a fun and refreshing choice for a wedding dessert, especially for a summer wedding. You could have an ice cream sundae bar with a variety of toppings, or opt for an ice cream cake that can be tiered and decorated just like a traditional wedding cake.

Cheesecake

A cheesecake is a rich and indulgent dessert option for a wedding. It can be decorated with fresh fruit or left plain, showing off the gorgeous layer of graham cracker crust.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a fun and festive choice for a wedding dessert. They can be displayed on a tiered stand or as a wall or tower, and can be iced in your wedding colours. They are easy to serve and don't require any slicing.

Cookies

Cookies are a classic and comforting dessert option. You could opt for a chocolate chip cookie cake, with layers of cookies secured with attractive icing techniques, or choose another type of cookie such as French macarons or Oreo cookies.

Other ideas

• Creme brulee
• Cake pops
• Rice Krispie treats
• Churros
• Brownies
• Candy
• Gelato
• Fruit tarts
• Cinnamon rolls
• Millefoglie
• Nordic Kransekake
• S'mores
• Pancakes or waffles
• Bundt cake
• Sfogliatelle
• Madeleines
• Pie

Frequently asked questions