Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding comes with many challenges, and figuring out how much cake to order is one of them. While some couples opt for a cake with enough slices for each guest, others prefer to order less, as not everyone may want a slice. Some couples also choose to save the top tier of their cake, reducing the number of available slices. The size of the slices and the number of tiers will also impact how many people the cake can feed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of guests | 70-120 |
| Number of servings | 75 to 85% of guests |
| Standard serving size | 1-inch by 2-inch slice |
| Party-size serving | 1.5-inch by 2-inch slice |
| 6-inch tier | 10 servings |
| 8-inch tier | 20-28 servings |
| 10-inch tier | 40-45 servings |
| 12-inch tier | 50-56 servings |
| 14-inch tier | 80-86 servings |
| 16-inch tier | 100-110 servings |
| Half sheet cake | 64 servings |
| Self-serve cake station | Order less cake |
| Cake served with dinner | Order more cake |
| Leftovers | Add 20% more cake |
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What You'll Learn
The number of guests
A standard wedding cake serving is a one-inch by two-inch slice. Some couples opt for a "party-size" slice of one-and-a-half-inches by two inches. Based on a one-inch by two-inch serving, a six-inch tier will serve about 10 people, an eight-inch tier will serve approximately 20-28 people, a 10-inch tier will serve approximately 40-45 people, and a 12-inch tier will serve about 50-56 people.
If you are inviting 100 guests, you will need 100 servings of the bride's cake and 50 servings of the groom's cake. However, you can usually get away with ordering enough cake for 75-85% of your guests, as some may decline a slice. This means that for 100 guests, you will need approximately 75 slices of cake. In this case, a three-tier round cake with a 10-inch base tier, an eight-inch middle tier, and a six-inch top tier would be suitable.
If you are serving other treats at your reception, you may need fewer slices of cake. Additionally, if you plan to cut the cake before or during a dance party, not all guests may come to get a slice. On the other hand, if you plan to have a plated slice for each guest after their meal, you will need enough cake to deliver a slice to everyone.
Some couples choose to save the top tier of their cake, freezing it to eat on their first wedding anniversary. This will also impact the number of slices you can cut from the cake.
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Cake size and shape
The size and shape of your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you plan to invite and the number of tiers you want.
A good rule of thumb is to order enough cake for 75 to 85 percent of your guests, as not everyone will want a slice. If you want to be sure that everyone has the option of at least one slice and a taste of a second flavour, you might want to add an extra 20% of cake.
The number of slices you can get out of a cake depends on the size of the cake and the size of the slices. A standard wedding cake serving is a 1-inch by 2-inch slice, but some couples opt for a larger "party-size" slice of 1.5-inches by 2-inches. A 6-inch tier will yield about 10 slices, an 8-inch tier will yield about 20 to 28 slices, a 10-inch tier will yield about 40 to 45 slices, a 12-inch tier will yield about 50 to 56 slices, a 14-inch tier will yield about 80 to 86 slices, and a 16-inch tier will yield about 100 to 110 slices.
For example, if you have 100 guests, you'll need approximately 75 slices of cake. A three-tier round cake with a 10-inch base tier, an 8-inch middle tier, and a 6-inch top tier would be perfect for this number of guests.
If you are planning to serve other treats at your reception, you may need less wedding cake. You may also want to consider your service style. If you plan to serve a plated slice of cake to each guest right after their meal, you'll need enough cake to deliver a slice to everyone. However, if you plan to cut the cake in the middle of a dance party, not everyone may head over to the cake table.
Some couples choose to save the top tier of their cake, freezing it to eat on their first wedding anniversary. This can impact the number of slices you can get out of your cake, especially if it is a smaller cake.
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Service style
The service style of your wedding cake can significantly impact the amount of cake you need to order. For example, if you plan to have a plated slice given to each guest right after their meal, you'll need enough cake to deliver a slice to every guest. On the other hand, if you plan to cut the cake before or during a dance party, not all guests will head to the cake table.
Some couples prefer to have servers cut and serve the cake to each guest, with the option to take it home. This ensures that everyone gets a slice. However, if you prefer a self-service style, you can place the cake on small plates by the cake table, so guests can help themselves as they wish.
If you're serving cake after a full three-course dinner, some guests may decline cake or prefer a smaller portion. In this case, you can expect around 75-85% of your guests to enjoy a piece of cake. A standard wedding cake serving is a 1-inch by 2-inch slice, but some couples opt for a larger "party-size" piece of 1.5-inches by 2-inches.
To determine the right cake size, start by considering the number of guests and the number of portions. For example, a 6-inch tier will serve about 10 people, an 8-inch tier will serve approximately 20-28 people, and a 10-inch tier will serve about 40-45 people.
If you want to ensure that each guest has the option of trying multiple flavours, you may need to order more cake. Additionally, consider the impact of cutting the cake on the total number of slices. Ordering about 20% more cake than your guest count is a good rule of thumb to ensure everyone has enough.
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Saving the top tier
The number of people a wedding cake can feed depends on the size of the cake and the size of the slices. Typically, a standard wedding cake serving is a one-inch by two-inch slice. However, some couples opt for a "party-size" slice of one-and-a-half-inches by two-inches. For example, a 6" tier of a cake will serve about 10 people, while a 16" tier of a cake will serve about 100-110 people.
Many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. This is a well-known tradition. If you would like to do this, make sure not to include the top tier when calculating the amount of cake you will need for your guests. You can also save just a couple of slices if you don't want to save a whole tier.
Some couples are apprehensive about saving the top tier of their cake, worrying that it will get freezer burn and not taste good after a year. Some bakeries offer a free first-anniversary cake, so you can skip this tradition if you would prefer.
If you do decide to save the top tier of your wedding cake, there are some steps you can take to preserve it and avoid freezer burn. You can find guides online that explain how to wrap and store your cake in the freezer.
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Other treats
If you're looking for alternatives to a wedding cake, there are plenty of options to explore. Here are some ideas for other treats that can be served at your wedding:
Doughnuts
Doughnuts are a popular choice for weddings, offering a fresh and delicious option for guests. They can be presented in various ways, such as a doughnut tower or a simple plate of hot and fresh doughnuts. If you want to incorporate the traditional cake-cutting moment, a doughnut tower can be crowned with a small cutting cake.
Macarons
Macarons provide an elegant and colourful alternative to a wedding cake. They can be stacked to create a tower or displayed on a cake stand. Macarons offer a wide range of flavour options and can be customized to match your wedding colours or theme.
Cupcakes
Cupcakes are a classic choice for weddings, offering individual servings for guests. They can be decorated with intricate details, such as tiny tea candles, to create an aesthetically pleasing display. Cupcakes also allow for a variety of flavours, so there's something for every guest's taste.
Fruit-Based Treats
For a refreshing option, consider fruit-based treats such as chocolate-covered strawberries or tiny fruit-forward pastries. These can be elegant and simple, providing a sweet bite without being overly rich.
Ice Cream
Whether it's an ice cream truck, ice cream sandwiches, or apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a fun and refreshing choice for your wedding. It's especially perfect for outdoor weddings during warmer months.
When deciding on the quantity of these alternative treats, similar considerations apply as with wedding cakes. Not all guests may opt for a dessert, and some may want seconds or to sample multiple flavours. Adjust the quantities based on the number of guests and the variety of treats offered.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the number of guests you are inviting. A common calculation for wedding cake sizes allows for one slice of bride’s cake per guest and a half slice of groom’s cake. However, it’s common nowadays for some guests to decline a slice, so you can usually order enough cake for 75% to 80% of guests.
This depends on the size of each tier. A 3-tier cake with 8", 12", and 16" tiers will serve about 130 people with 1x2 inch slices. A 6", 8", and 10" tier cake will serve about 75 people with the same slice size.
First, decide how many slices of cake you will need using the method above. Then, starting with the smallest tier, calculate the number of slices it will yield. Repeat this process for each tier, adding up the total number of slices as you go, until you have accounted for the required number of slices.
