What Percentage of Wedding Guests Actually Eat Cake?
Planning a wedding cake can feel like a high‑stakes decision. You want every guest to love a slice, but how many actually dig in? The short answer: roughly 80‑90% of guests take at least one bite, but the exact number depends on a few simple factors.
Why Some Guests Skip the Cake
Allergies and dietary restrictions are the biggest culprits. If you have a lot of guests with gluten‑free, dairy‑free, or vegan needs, you might lose 5‑10% of the crowd. Kids also tend to skip the fancy tiers, especially if the cake is overly sweet or decorated with lots of frosting. Finally, the timing of the cake matters – serve it after the main meal and you’ll see a higher uptake than if it’s presented right after the speeches.
Typical Consumption Numbers
Most UK wedding planners report that about 85% of guests will have a piece when the cake arrives. In a survey of 200 couples, 168 said "most" of their guests ate cake, 20 said "some" did, and only 12 reported a low turnout. If you’re serving a single‑tier cake for 150 guests, plan for 120‑130 slices. That leaves room for a second tier or alternative desserts for the small group that opts out.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Standard wedding (no special diets): 90% of guests eat cake.
- Mixed dietary needs (5‑10% special diets): 80‑85% eat cake.
- Kids‑heavy guest list: 75‑80% eat cake.
These numbers assume you’re offering a classic buttercream or ganache cake. If you introduce a heavy fruit cake, the percentage can dip an extra 5% because some people simply aren’t fans of that flavor.
Another factor is the size of the slice. A standard 2‑inch slice satisfies most adults. If you cut larger pieces, you’ll need fewer slices, but you risk running out faster. Keep the slice size consistent and let the cutter know the expected number of guests.
Don’t forget the “extra” dessert option. Offering a small platter of mini cupcakes, a cheese board, or a fruit tray gives non‑cake eaters something to enjoy and keeps the overall dessert budget in check.
To sum it up, aim for 85% of your total guest count when calculating cake portions. Adjust down if you have many known vegans, gluten‑free guests, or a lot of kids. And always have a backup dessert for the remaining 10‑15%.
By paying attention to these simple percentages, you’ll avoid ordering too much cake (and wasting money) while making sure the majority of your guests get that sweet, memorable moment after the ceremony.
