Wedding Cake Serving Guide For 30 Guests

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on the perfect wedding cake. One of the most important considerations is ensuring that there is enough cake to feed all the guests. But how do you determine the right size wedding cake to feed 30 people? This guide will help you understand the factors that influence cake size and provide recommendations for creating a delicious and memorable dessert for your big day.

Single-tier cakes can serve 30 people

Single-tier cakes are a popular choice for smaller, more intimate weddings. They can serve between 10 and 30 guests, depending on the size of the cake and the serving size. For a wedding cake, the slices are typically smaller than for a regular party cake. Wedding servings are based on slices that measure about 1 x 2 inches, whereas party servings are usually about 1½ x 2 inches.

To feed 30 people with a single-tier cake, you will need to consider the diameter and height of the cake. A 10-inch round cake that is 4 inches tall will yield approximately 30 to 38 servings. This should be plenty to feed 30 people, especially if you are also serving other desserts or cakes at your wedding.

If you want to be sure you have enough cake, you could consider making a slightly larger cake. A 12-inch round cake that is 4 inches tall will yield approximately 40 to 50 servings. This will give you some extra cake, which can be useful if you have a few more guests than expected or if you want to save some for the bride and groom to freeze for their first anniversary.

When planning your single-tier wedding cake, it's important to consider the shape of the cake as well. Round cakes are the traditional choice and are typically cut into uniform slices. Square cakes, on the other hand, offer more versatility in portion sizes and can be cut into various sizes to serve larger or smaller portions as needed.

Round cakes are easier to cut uniformly

A round cake with a 10-inch diameter can serve about 30 to 38 people, depending on the size of the slices. If you want to feed 30 people, a 3-layer 9-inch round cake should be enough, with some leftovers.

Round cakes are typically cut into equal, uniform slices. This makes it easier to ensure that each guest receives a consistent portion. While it can be tricky to cut a round cake uniformly, there are some methods that can help.

One method is to cut the cake into even triangles. First, use a large knife that can cover the entire diameter of the cake. Dip the knife into warm water, then wipe it dry before making a scoring line across the middle of the cake. Make another line at a 70-degree angle from the first line to create a 1/3 piece of half the cake. Continue scoring and cutting the cake to create 10 equal-sized triangular pieces.

Another method is to cut the cake into small squares. Place the cake on a cutting board and cut it down the middle vertically, then turn it 90 degrees and cut it horizontally to create four equal quarters. Lay one of the quarters flat on the board and cut it in half vertically and horizontally to create four smaller squares. Repeat this process with the remaining quarters.

A third method is to cut the cake into outer and inner sections. Mark a smaller circle in the centre of the cake, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Cut around the edge of this inner circle to create an outer ring. Set the outer ring aside and cut the inner circle into four equal square pieces. Then, cut the outer ring into equal-sized wedges.

Sheet cakes are a good option for large weddings

Sheet cakes are typically rectangular and are not intended to be seen by guests. They are often used in addition to a smaller tiered cake, providing extra servings without the need for a larger, more expensive cake. This allows couples to have a beautiful, elegant tiered cake for their wedding while still ensuring there is enough cake for all their guests.

The number of servings that can be obtained from a sheet cake depends on its size and the size of the slices. For example, a quarter sheet cake can provide 24 servings of 2" x 2" pieces, while a half sheet cake can provide up to 108 servings of 1" x 2" pieces. These cakes can also be customised to match the flavours and colours of the main wedding cake, so guests won't know the difference between the cakes.

Sheet cakes are a practical and economical choice for large weddings, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a delicious slice of cake without the need for a large and costly tiered cake. They allow couples to have the best of both worlds, combining a stunning display cake with a practical way to serve a large number of guests.

Wedding cake slices are smaller than party slices

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are two types of portions: finger portions and dessert portions. Finger portions are typically 1x1x4 inches, while dessert portions are double the size at 2x1x4 inches. Finger portions are considered a delicious sample of the cake and are often enjoyed casually later in the evening. On the other hand, dessert portions are served as part of the wedding breakfast.

While wedding cakes are typically served in smaller portions than party cakes, it's important to ensure that there is enough cake for all your guests. A single-tier wedding cake can serve between 10 to 30 guests with finger portions, making it a popular choice for smaller, more intimate weddings. If you're expecting more guests, a multi-tiered cake is a better option. A two-tier cake can serve 40 to 60 guests, while a three-tier cake can cater to 70 to 90 people.

The shape of the cake also affects the number of portions. Round cakes are the traditional choice, known for their classic and timeless appearance. They are typically cut into uniform slices, making it easier to ensure consistent portions for guests. The number of portions from a round cake depends on its diameter and height. For example, a 10-inch round cake can yield about 30 to 38 portions.

Square cakes, on the other hand, offer more versatility in portion sizes. They are often chosen for their modern and clean look, perfect for contemporary wedding themes. A 10-inch square cake can provide approximately 50 to 60 portions.

When determining the size of your wedding cake, it's crucial to consider the number of guests, the time of serving, and whether there will be other desserts. It's always better to have more cake than less, as you want to ensure your guests get to enjoy your special cake.

Two-layer cakes are standard

A two-layer cake with 8-inch rounds will serve about 15 people, with a quarter or more of the cake left over. A 3 or 4-layer cake with 9-inch rounds would be ideal for serving 30 people.

Standard wedding cakes have 4-inch-high tiers, and the servings are generally 1x2x4 inches. An 8-inch square cake, 4 inches high, will give you approximately 32 servings.

If you are serving a wedding cake as dessert, you will want to cater to 100% of your guests, taking into consideration any dietary requirements. For evening receptions, you would only need to cater to about 90% of your guests as not everyone will want a slice of cake.

Frequently asked questions