Wedding Cake Size Guide For 170 Guests

Planning a wedding involves a lot of decision-making, and one of the most important choices is the wedding cake. But how do you determine the right size? This guide will help you choose the perfect wedding cake for your big day, ensuring that all your guests get a taste of the delicious treat while also minimising waste.

The size of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the serving size, the type of cake, and whether you will be serving other desserts. Traditional wedding cake slices are typically around 1 by 2, but couples often adjust the portion sizes based on their preferences and the style of their wedding.

For a wedding of 170 people, a 5-tier cake is recommended. This will provide approximately 150-200 servings, ensuring that there is enough cake for all your guests. However, if you're serving other desserts or expect some guests to not eat cake, you may need a slightly smaller cake.

By considering the number of guests and desired portion sizes, you can choose the perfect wedding cake to make your special day even sweeter.

A five-tier cake is the recommended option for 170 people

The number of tiers in a wedding cake is important, not only for ensuring you have enough cake but also as a stunning centrepiece for your reception. The traditional wedding cake has three tiers, but cakes with five or even six tiers are becoming more common.

The number of portions you can get from a round cake depends on the diameter and height of the cake. A 12-inch round cake, for example, can provide about 40 to 50 portions. A 10-inch cake will serve approximately 30 to 40 people, an 8-inch cake will serve 20 to 25, and a 6-inch cake will serve 10.

Of course, you don't have to stick to a single round cake and could opt for a square or hexagonal cake, which can provide more portions. For example, a 10-inch square cake can serve around 50 to 60 people.

If you're concerned about having too much cake, you could also consider a smaller cake with additional treats such as cupcakes, brownies, or macarons. This way, you can still have a show-stopping cake while ensuring there is enough to go around.

You can also choose a four-tier cake for 150 people and add extra treats

A four-tier cake is usually enough to serve 100 to 150 guests. If you're planning a wedding for 170 people, you could opt for a four-tier cake for 150 people and supplement it with extra treats to ensure there's enough for everyone.

There are a few ways to go about this. You could have a four-tier cake as the main cake and order additional sheet cakes to be cut and served to your guests. Sheet cakes are typically rectangular and are kept in the kitchen, so they involve less intricate stacking and decoration work. This can also be a more cost-effective option.

Another idea is to have a smaller four-tier cake and supplement it with cupcakes, brownies, macarons, or other sweet treats. This way, you can ensure there's enough for everyone, and your guests will have a variety of options to choose from.

Additionally, consider the timing of when you plan to serve the cake. If you're serving it in the evening, you may be able to cater to a lower percentage of guests as some may be dancing or drinking and not notice if there's no cake.

When deciding on the size of your wedding cake, it's important to discuss your plans with your cake designer. They are the experts and can provide valuable advice on the right size and options for your special day.

If you want a three-tier cake, you'll need to supplement with a sheet cake

If you want a three-tier cake for your wedding, it's important to know that the number of servings it provides depends on the diameter and height of each tier. A three-tier cake with tiers of 6", 8", and 10" diameters can serve around 50-100 guests. However, if you're expecting around 170 guests, you'll need to supplement your three-tier cake with an additional cake to ensure there's enough for everyone.

A sheet cake is a great way to boost the number of servings without adding more tiers to your main cake. Sheet cakes are typically rectangular and are kept in the catering kitchen to be sliced and served. They don't require intricate stacking or decoration work, making them a more affordable option.

When deciding on the size of your sheet cake, consider the number of additional servings you'll need to accommodate your 170 guests. A quarter sheet cake, with dimensions of 9" x 13" x 4", can provide 24 servings of 2" x 2" pieces or 18 servings of 2" x 3" pieces. If you require more servings, you could opt for a half or full sheet cake. A half sheet cake, measuring 12" x 18" x 2", can provide 54 servings of 2" x 2" pieces or 36 servings of 2" x 3" pieces. A full sheet cake, with dimensions of 16" x 24" x 2", can accommodate up to 96 guests with 2" x 2" pieces or 64 guests with 2" x 3" pieces.

By combining a three-tier cake with a sheet cake, you can ensure that your wedding cake not only looks stunning but also provides enough servings for all your guests to enjoy.

The number of tiers will depend on the height of each tier

The number of tiers on your wedding cake will depend on the height of each tier. Traditional wedding cake tiers are round and approximately 3-4 inches tall. However, modern wedding cakes often feature taller tiers, which can be around 7-8 inches tall. A change in tier height will affect how the cake serving size is calculated.

If you want a towering masterpiece of a cake, you can opt for taller, slimmer cakes for each tier. This way, you can achieve extra height without having to add more tiers. For example, a 12-inch round cake with a height of 4 inches will serve about 40-50 people, whereas a 12-inch cake with a height of 8 inches will serve more people.

The number of tiers you choose will also depend on the overall number of guests you need to serve. A five-tier cake is typically recommended for 170-210 guests. However, you may also want to consider the skills of your cake designer, as a cake with many tiers can be challenging to create.

Additionally, the shape of the cake will also impact the number of portions you can get from each tier. Round cakes are typically cut into uniform slices, making it easier to ensure that each guest receives a consistent portion. The number of portions from a round cake depends on its diameter and height. For example, a 10-inch round cake with a height of 4 inches will serve about 30-38 people.

Square cakes, on the other hand, offer more portions due to their shape. A 10-inch square cake with a height of 4 inches can serve approximately 50-60 people. So, if you're looking for a modern and clean look with more portions, a square cake with taller tiers might be a better option.

You should plan for 1-2 slices per guest

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on the perfect wedding cake. If you're aiming to serve 170 people, here's a detailed guide to help you plan for 1-2 slices per guest:

Understanding Portion Sizes

Firstly, it's important to understand the standard portion sizes for wedding cakes. Traditional wedding cake slices are typically around 1 inch by 2 inches, known as Finger portions. These are considered casual samples, often served later in the evening. If you plan to serve the cake as a dessert, you'll need larger "dessert portions", which are double the size at 2 inches by 1 inch by 4 inches.

Choosing the Right Cake Tiers

Now, let's determine the appropriate number of tiers for your guest count. A good rule of thumb is to have a two-tier cake for 40-60 guests, a three-tier cake for 70-90 guests, a four-tier cake for 100-150 guests, and a five-tier cake for 170-210 guests. So, for 170 people, a five-tier cake would be the ideal choice.

Customising Your Cake

Consider whether you want to serve only the wedding cake or offer additional desserts. If the cake is the main dessert, ensure it's large enough for all your guests. You can also opt for a statement cake with "cake dummies", which create the illusion of a towering confection without the need for excessive amounts of cake. Additionally, think about the shape of your cake—square and hexagonal cakes can yield more servings than traditional round cakes.

Catering to Dietary Restrictions

Don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions among your guests. It is recommended to remove guests with dietary restrictions from your serve count and provide them with alternative sweet options. Discuss this with your cake designer to ensure there is enough cake for the remaining guests.

Saving Some for Later

Finally, decide if you want to save some cake for the next day or for a special event in the future. The top tier of the wedding cake was traditionally saved for the couple's first anniversary or the birth of their first child. If you wish to follow this tradition or simply enjoy leftovers, be sure to factor this into your final cake size.

Planning for 1-2 slices per guest will ensure your 170 guests have a delightful cake experience at your wedding, with just the right amount of sweetness to celebrate your special day.

Frequently asked questions