Wedding Cake: Enough Dessert Or Just The Appetizer?

Wedding cakes are a time-honoured tradition, but are they enough to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth? Wedding cakes are not going out of style, but couples are increasingly opting for smaller cakes or supplementing them with dessert tables. While it's ultimately up to the couple to decide how much cake or dessert to serve, it's worth considering factors such as the number of guests, their dietary preferences, and whether children will be in attendance. A general rule of thumb is to provide about 85-90% of your guest count in dessert portions, but this can vary depending on the type of reception and whether other desserts are being served. So, is wedding cake enough for dessert? The short answer is that it depends – while some guests may be satisfied with a slice of cake, others may prefer a variety of dessert options to choose from.

Wedding cake as the only dessert

Wedding cake is a classic staple of any wedding, but is it enough for dessert? Well, that depends on a few factors. Firstly, consider the number of guests you'll be inviting and the expected attendance rate. If you invite 200 people, you can estimate that around 80% or 160 guests will attend your wedding.

Now, let's talk about how many of those guests will actually want dessert. At a typical wedding, 80-90% of guests will indulge in a sweet treat if it's easily accessible, like at a dessert table. However, if guests have to get their own slice of cake from the cake table, that number may decrease. Also, keep in mind that some guests might be too busy dancing, mingling, or might be on special diets.

So, for our example, let's say you invited 200 people and expect 160 to attend. You can plan on serving dessert to about 80-90% of that number, which is 128 to 144 servings. If you're only serving wedding cake, that's a lot of slices!

But what if you're also offering other desserts like cookies, cupcakes, or a groom's cake? In that case, you can reduce the number of cake slices. Just remember, when there's a dessert buffet, people tend to take more than one option to avoid missing out. A good rule of thumb is to plan on guests taking about 3 mini desserts or 1 slice of cake plus 1 mini dessert.

There are also other factors to consider. If you're having an afternoon wedding and not serving a full meal or alcohol, more people will likely opt for dessert. Similarly, if you're having a formal dinner with waiters serving dessert, you'll want to ensure there's enough cake for everyone.

While it's ultimately your decision as a couple, it's worth noting that wedding cake is a tradition many guests look forward to. It's a delicious experience and a great photo opportunity. To avoid disappointment, consider ordering enough cake for your guest count or at least 85-90%.

If you're concerned about leftovers, don't worry. Your guests will happily take care of any extra slices, and you can always provide individual cake boxes for them to take home. Alternatively, you can discuss with your baker about creating a smaller decorated cake for the ceremony and adding kitchen cakes (undecorated cakes) to serve your guests.

In conclusion, wedding cake can be enough for dessert, but it's important to consider your guest count, expected attendance, and the presence of other dessert options. By planning appropriately, you can ensure your guests have a sweet end to a wonderful celebration.

Other desserts offered

If you're looking to offer your wedding guests something more than just wedding cake for dessert, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for other desserts that you can offer alongside (or instead of) the traditional wedding cake:

• Cookies: Cookies are a popular choice for wedding desserts, as they can be made in a variety of flavours and styles to suit different tastes. From chocolate chip to shortbread, there's sure to be a cookie flavour that your guests will enjoy.
• Mini cakes or cupcakes: These individual-sized treats can be a fun alternative to a traditional wedding cake, and they're perfect for guests who want a variety of flavours. Cupcakes are also less messy than cake, so they're a good option if you're looking to avoid any potential spills or stains.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit, such as berries, grapes, or pineapple, can be a refreshing option for guests who may not want something too rich or sweet. It's also a healthy alternative for those watching their sugar intake.
• Tarts: Mini tarts, such as lemon tarts, can be a delicious and elegant option for wedding desserts. They can be made in a variety of flavours and are perfect for those who want something a little more sophisticated.
• Macarons: These colourful French pastries are a great choice for those who want something a little different. They come in a variety of flavours and can be tailored to match your wedding colours or theme.
• Parfaits: For a more refined option, consider offering parfaits or other fancy desserts. These can be made ahead of time and can be tailored to your guests' tastes, making them a versatile choice.
• Cake pops: Cake pops are a fun and trendy option for wedding desserts. They're easy to eat and can be made in a variety of flavours, making them a popular choice for guests of all ages.
• Donuts: Donuts are a popular choice for wedding dessert tables, and they can be offered in a variety of flavours and styles. From classic glazed to filled donuts, there's sure to be something for everyone.

When deciding on the amount and type of dessert to offer, it's important to consider the number of guests you'll have, their dietary restrictions, and the other food and drinks being served. It's generally recommended to have at least one serving of dessert per guest, and more if you're offering a variety of options.

Dessert tables vs wedding cake

When it comes to weddings, dessert is a must. But what kind of sweet treat should you offer your guests? A wedding cake is traditional, but dessert tables are becoming increasingly popular. So, which is the better option? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Wedding Cake

A wedding cake is a classic choice for a reason. It's a traditional, elegant option that makes a statement at your reception. Opting for a wedding cake also means you get to experience the joy of the cake-cutting moment, which is a highlight for many couples. It's a tradition that is significant as it's the first official activity you do together as a married couple. Furthermore, a wedding cake is usually more budget-friendly than a dessert table. You can also save the top tier of the cake to enjoy on your first anniversary.

However, one of the downsides of a wedding cake is that you need to choose a flavour that will satisfy all your guests, especially if there are a lot of children attending. If you're having an outdoor wedding, a wedding cake may also struggle to survive the elements.

Dessert Table

Dessert tables offer more variety, both visually and in terms of taste. They're a great option if you want to incorporate a range of decorative platters, towers, and even dessert walls. They're also perfect for picky eaters, as guests can choose from a selection of treats. If you're serving alcohol at your wedding, a dessert table is a great option as people tend to graze more when they've been drinking.

One of the main downsides of a dessert table is the cost. While it can be customised to fit your budget, it often works out more expensive than a wedding cake. Another thing to consider is that someone will need to keep an eye on the table to ensure there's enough for everyone, especially if there are a lot of children.

So, which is the better option? Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and the needs of your wedding. If you want to stick to tradition and have a stunning centrepiece for your reception, a wedding cake is the way to go. However, if you're looking for more variety and want to give your guests plenty of options, a dessert table may be a better choice.

How much cake is needed?

When it comes to wedding cake, there are a few different approaches you can take to ensure you have enough for your guests.

Firstly, consider the number of guests you'll have and whether you want to provide one slice of cake per person. While some people suggest that not everyone will eat the cake, especially if it's served after a large meal, others argue that it's better to have too much than to run out. If you're serving cake as your main dessert, it's generally recommended to have enough for 80% of your guests. This means that if you have 100 guests, you'd need 100 servings of the bride's cake and 50 servings of the groom's cake.

However, if you're serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you can order less cake. In this case, you could probably order about 50% cake and fill the rest with additional desserts. For example, if you have 80 guests, you could order a cake that serves 65, along with three dozen cookies and fruit. This would give you about 1.26 servings of dessert per guest, not including fruit.

Another option is to have a small cake for the traditional cake-cutting moment and then serve sheet cake or another type of dessert to your guests. This way, you can ensure that there's enough for everyone without having to order a large, expensive cake. You could also provide boxes for guests to take leftover slices or other treats home with them.

Finally, consider the time of day you'll be serving the cake. If it's served later in the night, after a full day of eating and drinking, you may be able to get away with ordering less, as some guests may be too full or too busy dancing and enjoying themselves to notice the cake.

In summary, the amount of cake you need depends on the number of guests, the type of cake, the timing of the cake-cutting, and whether you're serving other desserts. By considering these factors and seeking the advice of a professional baker, you can ensure you have enough cake to satisfy your guests' sweet tooth without wasting food or spending more than necessary.

Tradition

Wedding cakes have been a longstanding tradition dating back to Roman and Medieval times. Over the centuries, several traditions have been created around the cake, which remains an important aspect of any wedding. Here are some of the most common wedding cake traditions:

Cutting the Cake Together

The couple cutting the cake is often one of the sweetest moments of any wedding reception. Historically, the bride cut the cake herself to symbolise losing her virginity, but now couples cut the cake together. The cake-cutting symbolises the first activity done as a couple.

Feeding Each Other Cake

The tradition of the couple feeding each other the first bites of wedding cake dates back to Ancient Roman times. It symbolises the couple's first feat together as a unified team and their commitment to creating a sweet life together.

Groom's Cake

A groom's cake is a smaller, separate cake from the wedding cake. It often contains the groom's favourite sports team logo or something else he loves. This tradition dates back to Victorian England, when there were three cakes served at weddings: the guest cake, the bride's cake, and the groom's cake.

Tiers for Each Partner

If a couple doesn't want to do separate cakes, they can instead devote a tier to each person, with each tier reflecting their favourite flavours.

Saving the Wedding Cake for the First Anniversary

Preserving the top tier of the wedding cake to eat on the first wedding anniversary is a longstanding tradition. In the past, the cake would be eaten at the christening of the couple's first child, which often occurred within the first year of marriage.

Multiple Tiers

Having a multi-tiered cake is a tradition that dates back to medieval times when bakers would make wedding cakes with as many layers as possible, and the couple would kiss over the cake.

Cake Toppers

Wedding cake toppers date back hundreds of years. The topper is a chance for the couple to show off their personality, with classic choices including "LOVE" or "Mr. and Mrs." toppers, or small replicas of the couple (and their pets).

White Wedding Cake

White wedding cakes date back to the Victorian era when white sugar was extremely expensive, so a white cake symbolised the family's wealth and social standing. Over time, the white cake also came to symbolise the bride, as brides commonly wear white wedding dresses.

Frequently asked questions