How much wedding cake do I need?
HOW MUCH WEDDING CAKE DO I NEED?
When it comes to planning your wedding, there are many details to consider, and one of the most important is the wedding cake. From choosing the flavours to deciding on the design, every aspect plays a crucial role in creating a memorable centrepiece for your special day. However, a common question that often arises is, "How much wedding cake do I need?" Determining the right amount of cake to order can be tricky, as you want to ensure that all your guests get a slice of the deliciousness without having too much leftover. To help you figure out the perfect cake size for your wedding, we have put together some guidelines to assist you in your decision-making process.
GUEST COUNT
The number of guests attending your wedding is the most critical factor in determining the amount of cake you'll need. As a general rule, each tier of cake serves approximately 20 to 25 guests. However, this can vary depending on the size of the slices and the shape of the cake.
Consider reaching out to your preferred bakery and discussing your guest count and their recommendations based on the design you have in mind. Below you will find a little diagram I have made as a serving size guide.
SERVING SIZE
The portion size is another consideration when determining how much cake you need. Traditionally, wedding cake slices are approximately one inch wide, two inches deep, and four inches tall. However, many couples are choosing to provide larger slices to ensure their guests are fully satisfied especially if your wedding cake is being served as the dessert. If you plan on serving a dessert alongside the cake or have a variety of other sweet treats, you may opt for slightly smaller slices. Conversely, if the wedding cake is the main dessert, you might want to consider larger servings.
WEDDING CAKE STYLE
The design and style of your wedding cake can also impact the amount required. Intricate designs that include multiple tiers, intricate sugar flowers, or extensive detailing might require extra cake due to the amount of work involved. It's important to communicate with your wedding cake designer about the complexity of your design so that they can account for any additional cake needed accordingly.
EXTRAS AND TOP-TIER TRADITION
Lastly, it's worth considering if you would like to provide an extra cake for your guests to take home, as this might influence the quantity to order. Many couples choose to keep the top tier as a tradition to celebrate their first anniversary, but if you want to ensure there is enough left to serve all your guests and keep this tradition, it's best to order an additional smaller tier specifically for this purpose.
While these guidelines are useful starting points, it's always a good idea to consult with your baker to get their professional advice tailored to your preferences and needs. They have the expertise and experience to guide you in making the perfect decision when it comes to your wedding cake. Remember to provide them with your guest count, serving size preferences, and details about your desired cake design. As a rule of thumb, I generally advise my couples to feed 70-80% of the guests with the wedding cake, as naturally not all of the guests would have a wedding cake.
Your wedding cake is a centrepiece of the celebration, so let it be as perfect as everything else on your special day. Happy planning!
See you on the next one!
Abigail