Wedding Cake Tiers: How Many For 50 Guests?

Planning a wedding involves making a lot of decisions, and one of the most important (and sweetest) is choosing the perfect wedding cake. But with modern weddings breaking away from tradition, how do you know what size cake to get?

A wedding cake for 50 guests will typically be a 3-tier cake, with each tier providing a certain number of servings. A 3-tier cake with tiers measuring 10, 6, and 4 in diameter will provide around 50-56 servings. This is a great choice for presentation, as a taller cake with 3 tiers looks more impressive than a smaller cake with a bigger radius.

However, there are alternative options to consider as well. A 2-tier cake, with each tier measuring 6 in height, will provide 50 servings. This is a more budget-friendly option, costing between $250-$300. Another alternative is a 3-tier cake, with each tier measuring 4 in height, which also provides 50 servings. This option is perfect if you want to save the top tier for your first wedding anniversary, as it's a good size for boxing and freezing.

The number of servings you need will also depend on when you plan to serve the cake. If you're serving the cake in the evening, you can cater to around 90% of your guests, as not everyone will get around to having a slice. You might also want to consider having some cake leftover to enjoy the next day or to freeze for a later date.

So, when choosing the right wedding cake for 50 guests, consider factors such as presentation, budget, and your desire for leftovers or anniversary traditions.

Tier measurements and serving sizes

A two-tier wedding cake is ideal for serving 40 to 60 guests. The tiers are usually 6" and 8" in diameter or 8" and 10" in diameter. This combination will yield approximately 30 to 40 servings.

A three-tier wedding cake is perfect for medium to large weddings, serving about 70 to 90 guests. The tiers are typically a combination of 6", 8", and 10"" or 8", 10", and 12" in diameter. This option provides around 50 to 100 servings.

If you're looking to serve 50 guests, a two-tier wedding cake would be a suitable choice, with some leftover portions. You can opt for a combination of 6" and 8" tiers or 8" and 10" tiers, depending on your desired serving size and aesthetic preferences.

The shape of your wedding cake also influences the number of servings. Round cakes are a classic choice but may yield fewer servings compared to other shapes. Square cakes, for example, can provide more servings due to their ability to be cut into uniform portions. Hexagonal or octagonal cakes offer even more surface area, allowing for additional servings.

Additionally, the height of the tiers can vary. Traditional wedding cake tiers are typically 3 to 4 inches tall, while modern cakes may feature taller tiers, doubling the standard height.

When planning your wedding cake, it's important to consider factors such as the number of guests, desired serving size, and whether you want leftovers. You can also discuss options with your cake designer to ensure you get the perfect size and configuration for your special day.

Cost of a wedding cake for 50 guests

The cost of a wedding cake for 50 guests will depend on a number of factors, including the number of tiers, the complexity of the design, the ingredients used, the type of frosting, the location, and any additional decorations.

On average, couples in the USA spend around $350 on their wedding cake, but this can range from $125 to over $1,000. A single-tier cake, which typically serves 10-30 guests, is a popular choice for smaller, more intimate weddings and can be an elegant focal point for the celebration. For a wedding with 50 guests, a two-tier cake would be more suitable, with prices varying based on the factors mentioned above.

When it comes to portions, a standard wedding cake slice is typically around 1" by 2", but couples may opt for larger or smaller slices depending on their preferences. A two-tier cake with diameters of 6" and 8" or 8" and 10" can serve around 30-40 guests. If you're looking for a more generous portion, you can opt for slices that are 1.5" by 2".

To save money, consider a smaller cake and supplement it with other desserts like cupcakes or a sheet cake, which typically costs less than $3 per slice. You could also opt for a fake cake, where only the display cake is real, and the rest is a dummy cake. However, keep in mind that dummy cakes still need to be decorated, so they may not always be a cheaper option.

The cost of a wedding cake for 50 guests can vary significantly depending on your specific choices and location, so it's essential to get quotes from multiple bakeries to find the best option for your budget.

Presentation and decoration ideas

The presentation of your wedding cake is very important. A taller cake with three tiers, for example, will look more impressive than a smaller cake with a bigger radius. Being tall, it will draw more attention and become a focal point, even if your reception is a little crowded. You can enhance the presentation by adding decorations such as:

• A small wedding couple at the top of the cake
• Food-grade fireworks
• Satin ribbons
• Silk or edible flowers

If you want to save the top tier for your first anniversary, a 4" tier is a good size for boxing and freezing without taking up too much space.

When choosing flowers to decorate your cake, you could use artificial or silk flowers, which will save you some money. Real flowers can be used, but this is often a lot of work. Sugar flowers are a great custom and food-safe option.

You could also add sparkler candles to your cake to attract attention. Ensure you choose food-grade ones for a safe experience. Adding a satin ribbon in a colour that matches your theme will also enhance the decoration.

A cake topper is a traditional decoration that can make your cake more presentable. Using 3D scanning and printing, it can be custom-made to look like you and your spouse.

Don't forget about the surrounding elements on the table. The tablecloth and cake stand also have a large effect on the overall picture. You can also decorate with flowers, ribbons, candles, champagne, glasses, plates, plants, and cutlery.

Saving the top tier for your anniversary

A two-tier wedding cake is suitable for serving 40-60 guests. If you're planning to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, here's what you need to do:

Firstly, it's important to note that your cake will be stale after a year in the freezer, and poor preservation techniques can lead to a completely spoiled cake. So, if you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, you should start by removing any decorations, such as flowers and cake toppers, as these can spoil or get soggy. If you want to keep them as a memento, store them in a dry, room-temperature location.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without making a mess. Once the icing has firmed up, remove the cake from the fridge and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. This will help prevent freezer odours and burn from affecting your cake. After that, add a final layer of aluminium foil.

Now, place the wrapped cake in a large plastic container and store it in your freezer. It is recommended to keep it untouched for a year, so consider storing it somewhere else, like your parents' house, if you plan to move within that year.

Finally, on your first anniversary, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, take it out of the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying your stale but preserved wedding cake!

If you're not a fan of this tradition, you can always share the top tier of your cake right after your honeymoon or order a small replica of your cake from the bakery for your anniversary.

Alternative cake sizes and shapes

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are endless possibilities in terms of size and shape. Here are some alternative options to consider for your big day:

Square Cakes:

Square cakes offer a modern and clean look, making them a stylish choice for contemporary weddings. They can also be cut into various sizes, allowing flexibility with portion sizes. Square cakes typically yield more servings than round cakes, making them ideal for maximising servings. For example, an 8-inch square cake can serve about 32-40 guests, while an 8-inch round cake serves around 20-24.

Hexagonal or Octagonal Cakes:

These unique geometric shapes offer more surface area than traditional round cakes, allowing for additional servings. A hexagonal cake, for instance, provides a creative way to modernise your cake while still retaining the classic tiers.

Heart-Shaped Cakes:

For a romantic touch, consider a heart-shaped wedding cake. This on-trend shape is a whimsical alternative to the usual round or square tiers.

Cylindrical Cakes:

A cylindrical cake is another twist on the classic round cake. It elongates your dessert without the need for extra tiers, offering a gorgeous way to play with different shapes.

Mixed Shape Cakes:

Why choose just one shape when you can have a mashup? A mixed-shape cake combines various heights, shapes, and decorative details to create a truly bespoke and statement-making dessert.

Abstract Designs:

Add an abstract twist to your cake decorations to make a round-tiered cake seem more unique. Abstract designs can transform your cake into a true work of art.

Custom Shapes:

Think outside the box and choose a cake shape that reflects you and your spouse's personalities or interests. Whether it's a favourite hobby, food, or something else entirely, the possibilities are endless.

Rectangular Sheet Cakes:

Rectangular sheet cakes are a great option for larger weddings. They can be kept in the catering kitchen and sliced to serve, requiring less intricate stacking and decoration work.

Mini Cakes or Cupcakes:

Instead of a traditional tiered cake, consider offering mini cakes or cupcakes. These provide delightful variety and a pretty presentation. Typically, plan for at least one mini cake or cupcake per guest.

Dessert Tables:

Create a dessert table with a variety of treats to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Offer mini cakes, donuts, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, macarons, fruit tarts, and more. A well-curated dessert table can be a sweet highlight of your wedding.

Cake Shooters, Cake Pops, and Cake Jars:

For a contemporary twist, serve alternative portions such as cake shooters (miniature portions in shot glasses), cake pops (individually decorated cake balls on sticks), or cake jars (layers of cake and fillings in jars). These options add variety and provide a mess-free experience for your guests.

Frequently asked questions