Wedding Cake Layers: Average Sizes For Tiers

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are many factors to consider, such as the number of guests, the desired number of servings, and design preferences. The standard size of a slice of wedding cake is typically considered to be 4 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 2 inches in length. This is smaller than a typical party cake slice, which is usually around 1.5 inches wide.

A basic guideline for portion sizes suggests that a 1-tier cake with a 6 or 8-inch diameter can provide around 10-12 servings, making it ideal for intimate weddings or as a supplementary dessert. A 2-tier cake with a 6 and 8-inch or 8 and 10-inch diameter can offer approximately 30-40 servings, suitable for small to medium-sized gatherings.

The height of each tier is also important to consider. The average height per tier is typically between 3 to 4 inches, with some tiers reaching up to 6 inches. Bakers often use two layers of cake, each about 2 inches high, with a 0.5 to 1-inch layer of filling. Once the frosting and decorations are added, the total height of the cake can be around 5 to 6 inches.

To add height to the overall cake, some bakers use pillars or thick cake plates to separate the tiers, which can increase the total height by a few inches. Ultimately, the size of a wedding cake depends on the couple's preferences, the number of guests, and their desired portion sizes.

Standard height tiers

The standard tier height is also used as a basis for calculating the number of servings a cake will yield. The standard serving size is a slice of cake that is 4 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 2 inches in length. This is often referred to as a "finger slice" and is considered a casual portion to be enjoyed later in the evening.

However, it's worth noting that the height of cake tiers can vary. Some bakers create taller tiers that are 7 to 8 inches in height, double the standard height. These taller tiers offer a more modern look and can be quite stunning when done well.

The height of a wedding cake tier ultimately depends on the number of layers used, the height of each layer, and the amount of frosting or buttercream between the layers. Bakers can adjust these factors to create tiers of varying heights to suit different design preferences and serving size requirements.

Taller height tiers

To achieve this height, a cake designer might use three 2-inch layers with two 1-inch layers of filling in each cake. This is in contrast to the more standard two layers, each approximately 2 inches high, with a 0.5-1 inch layer of filling.

Some bakers prefer to use two 2-inch pans, collaring the 8-inch pans and above, resulting in cakes that are a hair over 5 inches tall. Others opt for four 1-inch layers of cake filled and frosted, resulting in a tier that is about 5+ inches tall.

A taller height tier can also be achieved by using three layers of cake, each layer torted to just under 1.25 inches in height, with three layers of buttercream, resulting in a tier that is approximately 5.5 inches tall.

It is worth noting that taller tiers can be harder to work with and more challenging to move around due to the uneven weight distribution. Additionally, very tall slices of cake may not fit well on dessert plates.

Single-tier cakes

Single-tier wedding cakes are a great option for smaller weddings or those who are not big fans of cake. They are also budget-friendly and reduce the chances of food wastage. Despite their petite size, these cakes can be detailed and intricate.

There are a variety of flavours to choose from for a single-tier cake, including lemon, raspberry, chocolate, and hazelnut. These cakes can be decorated with fresh flowers, greenery, berries, or edible gold leaves. They can also be personalised with playful figurines or monogrammed with the couple's initials.

The size of a single-tier cake can vary depending on the number of guests. A small cake can serve around 19 people, while a medium or large cake can accommodate about 34 to 54 guests. An extra-large single-tier cake can even feed approximately 77 people, making it a great option for larger gatherings.

Multi-tier cakes

• Two tiers: 40-60 guests
• Three tiers: 70-90 guests
• Four tiers: 100-150 guests
• Five tiers: 170-210 guests
• Six or seven tiers: 220+ guests

The height of each tier is typically between 3 and 4 inches. However, modern wedding cakes often feature taller tiers, ranging from 7 to 8 inches. Each tier can be made up of multiple layers of cake with filling in between. The standard serving size for a wedding cake is 1 inch wide and 2 inches long, resulting in a slice that is 4 inches tall.

When planning a multi-tier cake, it's important to consider the cake's stability and ease of transportation, especially if there are significant differences in tier sizes. For example, a cake with a 12-inch base, a 10-inch middle tier, and an 8-inch top tier may be more stable and easier to transport than one with a 2-inch difference between tiers.

Additionally, the number of servings per tier can vary depending on the shape of the cake. Round cakes are typically cut into uniform slices, while square cakes offer more flexibility in portion sizes. Here are some estimates for the number of servings per tier for round and square cakes with a height of 4 inches:

Round cakes:

• 6-inch cake: About 10-12 servings
• 8-inch cake: About 20-24 servings
• 10-inch cake: About 30-38 servings
• 12-inch cake: About 40-50 servings

Square cakes:

• 6-inch cake: About 12-18 servings
• 8-inch cake: About 32-40 servings
• 10-inch cake: About 50-60 servings
• 12-inch cake: About 72-96 servings

When determining the size of your multi-tier wedding cake, it's crucial to consider factors such as the number of guests, the desired serving size, the cake's design, and any dietary restrictions your guests may have.

Tier combinations

A single-tier cake is a popular choice for smaller, more intimate weddings, serving between 10 and 30 guests.

A two-tier cake is suitable for 40 to 60 guests.

A three-tier cake is suitable for 70 to 90 guests. A simple three-tier cake could have a 6-inch top layer, a 10-inch middle layer, and a 14-inch base, with a 4-inch difference between each layer.

A four-tier cake is suitable for 100 to 150 guests.

A five-tier cake is suitable for 170 to 210 guests.

A six or seven-tier cake is suitable for 220+ guests.

The number of portions you can get from a cake depends on its diameter and height. Here is a guide to the approximate number of portions from a round cake with a height of 4 inches:

• 6-inch round cake: About 10-12 portions
• 8-inch round cake: About 20-24 portions
• 10-inch round cake: About 30-38 portions
• 12-inch round cake: About 40-50 portions

Frequently asked questions