Catering For 50: Wedding Cake Costs And Flavors

Wedding cakes can be expensive, with some sources suggesting that they are usually priced at around $6-$7 per serving. However, there are ways to reduce the cost, such as having a small 'pretty' cake and a sheet cake in the back to serve the remaining guests, or opting for cupcakes instead. A 12 tier cake will serve about 50-56 people and is likely to cost in the region of $400.

Wedding cake prices per serving

Wedding cake prices can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the cake, the number of servings required, the complexity of the design, and the ingredients used. Here is a detailed breakdown of wedding cake prices per serving:

Pricing by Serving:

On average, wedding cakes range from $2 to $12 per serving, with the majority falling between $3 and $8 per serving. This pricing structure is based on the assumption that each guest will have one slice of cake. However, it's worth noting that some couples may opt for a smaller cake with fewer servings and supplement it with additional desserts or a more elaborate display.

Size and Number of Servings:

The size of the cake and the number of servings it yields play a significant role in determining the overall cost. For example, a 6-inch tier cake may serve around 10 people, while a 10-inch tier cake can serve approximately 40-45 people. Larger cakes, such as a 14-inch tier, can serve up to 80-86 people. When determining the size and number of servings, it's crucial to consider the number of guests and the desired portion size.

Complexity of Design:

The intricacy of the cake design can also impact the price per serving. Simple designs, such as a single-tier cake with minimal decorations, will likely fall on the lower end of the price range. In contrast, more elaborate designs, such as multi-tiered cakes with intricate sugar work, fondant details, or custom flavours, will command a higher price per serving. The time and skill required to create such designs are reflected in the cost.

Ingredients and Customisation:

The choice of ingredients and any customisations requested by the couple can also affect the price per serving. For instance, cakes with premium ingredients like fresh fruit, specialty fillings, or gourmet chocolate will be more expensive than those with standard ingredients. Additionally, if the couple requests specific flavours or designs that deviate from the baker's standard offerings, this may result in an increased cost per serving.

Additional Costs:

It's important to note that the price per serving may not include all associated costs. Some bakers may charge separately for delivery, setup, or cake-cutting services. These additional fees should be considered when budgeting for a wedding cake.

In conclusion, wedding cake prices per serving can vary widely depending on the specific details of the cake. Couples should carefully consider their requirements, including the number of guests, desired design, and budget, when selecting a wedding cake to ensure they receive the best value for their special day.

Wedding cake alternatives

A 12" cake tier will serve about 50 people, but if you're looking for alternatives to a traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Pies

A single large pie or a selection of smaller pies can be a great alternative to a wedding cake. You could even have a pie-cutting ceremony instead of a cake-cutting one.

Macarons

Macarons are a popular choice for weddings, and for good reason. They're colourful, tasty, and can be made in a variety of flavours. You could have a macaron tower or display them on a custom stand.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a fun and delicious alternative to cake. You could have a doughnut wall or tower, or even a doughnut bar where guests can add their own sprinkles and frosting.

Cheese

If you're not a fan of sweets, a cake made from wheels of cheese could be a good option. You could also have a charcuterie board with a variety of cheeses, meats, and other savoury snacks.

Other Desserts

There are plenty of other desserts that could take the place of a wedding cake. Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, s'mores, ice cream, churros, cream puffs, cake pops, and rice krispie treats are all options. You could even have a dessert bar with a variety of treats for guests to choose from.

Cultural Desserts

If you want to incorporate your heritage into your wedding, consider a cultural dessert. Italian millefoglie, French croquembouche, cannolis, Spanish custard cakes, and German apple strudel are all options.

Fruits and berries

A simple yet effective option could be to have a selection of fresh fruits and berries. This is especially good for a summer wedding.

Breakfast foods

Who says dessert has to be, well, dessert? If you're having a brunch wedding, why not serve breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, or cinnamon buns for dessert?

Candy

A candy bar with a variety of treats can be a fun alternative to a wedding cake, especially if you have a colourful theme.

Ice cream

An ice cream truck or sundae bar can be a great way to cool down guests at a summer wedding. You could even have ice cream sandwiches!

Wedding cake portion sizes

A 6-inch round cake tier will serve about 10 people, or 10-14 servings. A 12-inch round cake tier will serve about 50-56 people, or about 50-56 servings.

If you are planning on serving the cake as dessert, a slice measuring 2 inches by 1 inch by the height of the cake tier is a good size. This is an ample portion, especially if served with ice cream, fresh cream, or a fruit coulis.

If you are planning on serving the cake after a three-course sit-down meal, a smaller 'finger slice' of 1 inch by 1 inch by the height of the cake tier may be more appropriate. This is the classic 'wedding portion' and is usually served with coffee.

When determining the size of your wedding cake, it's important to consider the number of guests you are inviting, the size of the slices you want to serve, and whether you want to have any cake leftover. You can estimate that 75 to 85 percent of your guests will want a piece of cake, and you may also want to have enough for seconds or for guests to taste multiple flavours.

Other factors to consider when deciding on the size of your wedding cake include the venue, the decorations, and the service style. If your venue has a large room with high ceilings, a small cake may look out of place. On the other hand, if you are planning to have a plated slice of cake served to each guest after their meal, you will need to ensure you have enough cake for everyone.

Wedding cake delivery

Preparation

Before setting off, there are several steps you can take to ensure the safety of the cake during transit. Firstly, it is important to stack and decorate the cake securely. This can be done by using a central dowel system, where each tier (except the top one) is dowelled and built around a central dowel to hold all the tiers in place. For cakes with five or more tiers, it is recommended to only assemble the bottom three or four tiers, transporting the remaining tiers separately in a box. Fresh flowers or other decorations should be added to the cake once it arrives at the venue to avoid sliding or ripping through the sides.

When transporting the cake, it is best to use a van, SUV, hatchback, or a compact car with back seats that can fold down. The vehicle should be clean, and there should be no loose objects in the same space as the cake. Non-slip rubber shelf liners can be placed under the cake to prevent sliding, and a collapsible tray stand can be useful for setting down cake pans. An offset spatula is also essential for assembling the cake and can be used to lift and place tiers.

En Route

When driving, it is important to go slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden stops that could damage the cake. Using a GPS can help you find the venue with minimal fuss, and a "Cake Delivery in Progress" sign can be useful if you need to park illegally. The ideal temperature for a cake is refrigerator temperature, so the car's air conditioning should be on high and pointed towards the cake. If the weather is hot, the cake can be kept in a cooler with ice packs to prevent melting.

At the Venue

Upon arrival, it is a good idea to take photos of the cake and leave business cards on the cake table. Find the event manager and confirm where they would like the cake to be positioned. Before setting up the cake, check that the table is stable and the linens are correctly centred and reaching the floor. When assembling the cake, use an offset spatula to lift each tier and visually line it up with the parchment paper liner on the tier below. Finally, inform the person in charge of cutting the cake about the number of servings and any special instructions, such as removing dowels with pliers.

Wedding cake decoration

A wedding cake is a major part of your special day, and there are endless ways to make it your own. Here are some ideas for wedding cake decorations to inspire you:

Flowers

Sugar flowers, fresh flowers, or a combination of both are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. Sugar flowers can be crafted to look incredibly realistic, and they can be made well in advance. Fresh flowers are a lovely way to tie your cake into the rest of your wedding's floral theme. You could even press edible flowers into the icing for a unique, on-trend look.

Icing and Fondant

The type of icing or fondant you choose will impact the overall look of your cake. Buttercream is a popular choice, with its soft, creamy texture, but it is more susceptible to melting. Fondant, on the other hand, gives a smooth, seamless finish and is ideal for a hot climate. You could also opt for a semi-naked cake, with some of the cake layers left exposed, or a completely naked cake for a rustic, boho feel.

Colours

A white wedding cake is always classic, but you could add a pop of colour with icing in your wedding palette, or even a colourful cake stand. Sugar flowers or fresh fruit are another way to add a touch of colour. For a bold statement, why not try an ombré effect, or even a black cake?

Cake Toppers

Traditionally, cake toppers were miniature figurines of the happy couple, but modern-day toppers can be anything from classic monogram letters to clay animals, romantic phrases, or fresh flowers.

Tiers

Most wedding cakes have multiple tiers, and you can get creative with the shapes and sizes. A single-tier cake can still make a statement, especially if it's decorated to match the rest of your wedding.

Personalisation

Your wedding cake is a great opportunity to showcase your personalities and style. Anything from your favourite dessert, to how you met, favourite colours, and tiny details like gold-rimmed plates or your dress can be incorporated into the cake design.

Other Decorations

• Dragees – these are edible sugar balls coated in silver, gold, or chocolate.
• Buttercream rosettes – piped buttercream swirled into the shape of tiny roses.
• Beading – a border of icing dots along the perimeter of a tier.
• Latticework – a piping technique that mimics a wicker basket with interwoven lines.
• Ganache – a soft, spreadable chocolate frosting that is denser than mousse but less dense than fudge.
• Glaze – a thin, watered-down frosting used to lightly coat a cake.
• Gold leaf – a metallic foil made from 24-karat gold that can be applied to buttercream or fondant for a shimmering effect.
• Gum paste – a clay-like paste used to mould realistic-looking fruits and flowers.
• Royal icing – made from egg whites and confectioner's sugar, this hardens into a smooth covering and is often used for latticework, beading, and flowers.
• Pulled or spun sugar – a technique where boiled sugar is stretched to create flowers, ribbons, or bows.
• Ruffles – 3D "ruffles" piped around the cake with buttercream or ganache and a special piping tip.
• Watercolour effect – a technique where different colours of buttercream are layered and flattened with a spatula to create an abstract, textured effect.
• Sprinkles – a whimsical touch, perfect for a fun-loving couple.
• Stencilling – a precise way to decorate a cake with fondant icing and edible ink, or royal icing for a 3D finish.
• Pillars – placed between the tiers of a cake to create a towering effect.

Frequently asked questions