Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to deciding how much food to order. One of the most important considerations is the wedding cake, which can be a significant expense. The number of servings of wedding cake you need depends on several factors, including the number of guests, the size of the cake, the shape of the cake, and whether you are serving other desserts. In this discussion, we will explore these factors and provide recommendations to help you determine the appropriate amount of wedding cake for your special day.
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The number of guests
If you are planning to have a plated slice of cake served to each guest right after their meal, you will need enough cake to provide that same slice to everyone. On the other hand, if you plan to cut the cake in the middle of a dance party or serve it late at night, fewer guests will likely indulge in a slice. In this case, 60-70% of your guest count may be a more appropriate estimate.
To ensure you have enough cake, it is recommended to start by calculating the number of slices you will get from each tier of your cake, working from the smallest to the largest tier. For example, a six-inch tier will yield approximately 10-14 slices, an eight-inch tier will serve 20-28 guests, and a 10-inch tier will serve 40-45 guests. If you are expecting 100 guests, a three-tier cake with a 10-inch base, an eight-inch middle, and a six-inch top tier would provide approximately 75 slices.
Additionally, consider whether you will be serving other desserts or treats at your reception. The availability of alternative options may decrease the number of cake slices needed. If you are concerned about having enough cake or want to offer variety on a budget, you can also opt for a smaller display cake and supplement with additional sheet cakes to serve your guests.
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The type of cake
Secondly, consider the shape of your cake. Round cakes are traditional and classic, with a timeless appearance. They are typically cut into equal, uniform slices, making it easier to ensure consistent portions for guests. Square cakes, on the other hand, offer a modern and clean look, perfect for contemporary wedding themes. Other unique shapes include hexagonal cakes. The shape you choose will impact the number of portions, so keep that in mind when deciding.
Thirdly, think about your budget. Tiered cakes can be expensive due to the extra baking, stacking, and decoration work required. Each additional tier increases the cost, so consider your budget when deciding on the number of tiers. If you want a tall cake without the extra cost, you can opt for a pillar cake with structured supports or use platforms and cake dowels to lift and separate the tiers.
Additionally, the flavour of the cake is an important consideration. If you choose a single flavour, guests are less likely to have multiple slices. However, if you opt for a variety of flavours, such as lemon, sticky toffee, and chocolate, guests may want to try more than one slice.
Finally, decide if you want a display cake or a sheet cake. A display cake, often a tiered cake, is used for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and is usually smaller. A sheet cake, on the other hand, is kept in the catering kitchen and used to provide additional slices for guests. Sheet cakes are typically rectangular and less expensive due to their simpler design.
By considering these factors, you can choose the perfect type of cake for your wedding, ensuring you have enough delicious dessert for your guests to enjoy.
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Timing
First, it is recommended to start the wedding cake planning process early. This includes deciding on a cake baker, scheduling cake tastings, and finalizing the cake design and flavour. Some bakeries suggest scheduling a cake tasting appointment 3 to 6 months in advance, allowing time for a preliminary appointment and a follow-up to finalize the details. This early planning ensures you have a stress-free experience and can help the rest of your wedding planning process go more smoothly.
Second, keep in mind that some bakeries require a deposit to reserve the date and delivery of your wedding cake. This deposit is typically non-refundable and may be required at the time of booking or a few weeks before the event. For example, some bakeries ask for a $100 deposit, which becomes non-refundable two weeks before the wedding date. This is also usually the deadline for finalizing the cake style, flavour, and making any changes to the order.
Third, when it comes to the timing of cutting the cake at your wedding, there is no right or wrong time. Traditionally, the cake is cut shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins. Cutting the cake can be a symbolic gesture, and it is a memorable moment for both the couple and the guests. It can also signal that the major moments of the reception, such as speeches and parent dances, are coming to an end.
Additionally, consider the timing of serving the cake. To avoid waste, it is recommended to have catering staff bring out slices in waves to an obvious spot. The earlier you cut the cake, the more likely guests are to eat it. If you want cake to serve to your guests the next day, consider ordering extra.
Lastly, if you are planning to pick up your cake from the bakery, be sure to give them ample notice. Some bakeries require at least two weeks' notice for wedding cake orders, and they may not accept any changes to the order within a certain timeframe before the event.
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Other food options
If you're looking for alternatives to a traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and other sweet treats: You can create a beautiful display with these bite-sized desserts, and your guests can enjoy a variety of flavours and colours.
- Pies: Why not serve a variety of pies, either in addition to or instead of a traditional cake? You can even offer a small cake stand to elevate this classic dessert.
- Donuts: From apple cider donuts to a DIY donut bar with sprinkles and frosting, donuts are a fun and popular choice for weddings. You can even create a donut wall or tower for a unique presentation.
- Cultural inspirations: Take inspiration from other cultures, such as the French macarons, Spanish custard cakes, or Italian cannolis or gelato.
- Personalised treats: Opt for a treat that represents you and your partner, such as your favourite cookies or a special Oreo confection.
- Savoury options: If you and your partner are not big fans of sweets, consider a savoury "dessert" or late-night savoury snacks instead of a traditional cake.
- Seasonal treats: Incorporate seasonal fruits and berries into your dessert options, or go for a heart-shaped treat if your wedding is close to Valentine's Day.
- Other unique ideas: There are no rules when it comes to your wedding. Consider popsicles, brownies, half-baked cookies, churros, cream puffs, or even a Rice Krispie treat!
Remember, your wedding dessert is a chance to get creative and showcase your personality. Whether you stick with a traditional cake or opt for an alternative, your guests will appreciate the thought and effort that went into your special day.
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Cake size and shape
The size and shape of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the type of cake, and the number of flavours.
Firstly, consider the number of guests. A good rule of thumb is to cater to 75-85% of your total guest count, as not everyone will want a slice of cake. For example, if you have 100 guests, you will need approximately 75 slices of cake. If you're serving other desserts, you may need even fewer slices of cake.
Next, think about the type of cake and the number of flavours. If you have a variety of flavours, guests may be more inclined to try more than one slice. In this case, you may need to increase the size of your cake or provide smaller slices.
Now, let's discuss the shape of your cake. Round cakes are traditional and timeless, and they are typically cut into equal, uniform slices. The number of portions from a round cake depends on the diameter and height. For example, a 4-inch-tall round cake with a 6-inch diameter will yield approximately 10 slices. Square cakes are often chosen for a modern and clean look, while hexagonal cakes are also an option.
If you're looking for a grand centerpiece, consider a tiered cake. Traditional tiered cakes have at least three tiers, but some can have up to six tiers. These cakes are more expensive, as they require more time to bake, stack, and decorate. If you want the height without the extra cake, you can opt for "dummy tiers," which are platforms or cake dowels that lift the tiers and provide extra space for decorations.
Finally, if you have a large wedding party but don't want a large cake, you can choose a sheet cake. These cakes are typically rectangular and are kept in the catering kitchen to be sliced and served. They are a more affordable option and involve less intricate stacking and decoration work.
In summary, consider your guest count, cake type, and flavours when determining the size and shape of your wedding cake. Round, square, and hexagonal shapes are common, and tiered cakes can add a dramatic effect. Sheet cakes are a good option for large weddings, and dummy tiers can give height without the extra cake.
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Frequently asked questions
A common calculation for wedding cake allows for one slice of bride’s cake per guest and a half slice of groom’s cake. However, it’s common for some guests to decline a slice, so you can usually get away with ordering enough cake for 60-80% of guests. If you are serving other desserts, you can probably order about 50% cake.
The number of slices of cake you can get from a cake depends on the size of the cake and the size of the slices. A standard wedding-cake serving is a one-inch by two-inch slice, but couples may opt for a larger party-size slice. Based on a 1x2 inch serving, a 6" tier of cake will serve about 10 people, an 8" tier will serve approximately 20-28 people, a 10" tier will serve approximately 40-45 people, a 12" tier will serve about 50-56 people, a 14" tier will serve about 80-86 people, and a 16" tier will serve about 100-110 people.
Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice and can range anywhere from $3 to $10+ per slice. To save money, consider having a simple sheet cake in addition to a smaller, less expensive cake on display. You can also save by using the cake as dessert instead of serving it in addition to dessert.
