Cake Size Guide: Picking the Right Wedding Cake Size

Planning a wedding means juggling a lot of details, and the cake is one of the big ones. Too small and guests will be disappointed; too big and you waste money. Here’s a straight‑forward way to decide how big your cake should be, without any guesswork.

How Many Guests Per Tier?

The easiest rule of thumb is to match cake tiers to your guest list. A single‑tier cake (usually 6‑8 inches in diameter) serves about 12‑15 people. Add a second tier (10‑12 inches) and you get roughly 30‑40 servings. A third tier (14‑16 inches) pushes you past 70 plates, and a fourth tier can handle 100‑150 guests.

Most couples find a two‑tier cake works well for 50‑80 guests. If you have 100 people, a three‑tier cake gives you a little extra for those who want a second slice. Remember, you can always supplement with a sheet cake or cupcakes for larger crowds.

Budget & Styling Tips for Your Cake Size

Size and price go hand in hand. Bigger cakes need more frosting, support structures, and decoration time, which all add up. To keep costs down, consider these tricks:

• Choose a simpler design. A smooth buttercream finish is cheaper than intricate sugar flowers.
• Limit the height. A wide, low tier can look dramatic without the extra labour of tall, towering cakes.
• Use fresh fruit or a single accent flower instead of full‑coverage icing. It adds visual punch for less cash.

Another smart move is to order a smaller finished cake for the cutting ceremony and have a larger “display” cake sit on a separate stand. The display cake can be a simple, decorative model that looks great in photos while the real cake is easier to slice.

Timing matters, too. Most bakers need 2‑3 weeks notice for a custom wedding cake, especially if you’re requesting a larger size or special flavors. Book early and confirm the exact number of servings so the baker can plan correctly.

Don’t forget dietary needs. If a portion of your guests are vegan or gluten‑free, ask the baker to make a small, separate layer. It’s usually cheaper than redesigning the whole cake.

Finally, think about the venue. Some places have size restrictions for tables or weight limits for cake stands. Check with your venue coordinator before finalising the tier heights.

By matching the tier count to your guest list, keeping the design simple, and planning ahead, you’ll end up with a cake that looks stunning, tastes great, and stays within budget. Your guests will love it, and you’ll avoid the dreaded “do we have enough cake?” panic on the big day.