Cake Serving Sizes: How Much Wedding Cake Do You Need?
Planning a wedding cake can feel like solving a puzzle. You want enough slices for every guest, but you don’t want a mountain of leftover frosting. The good news is that figuring out the right cake size is mostly about numbers and a few practical choices.
First, figure out your guest list. Most couples count everyone who will have a plate – not just the people you expect to eat cake. If you’re inviting 120 guests, plan for 120 servings. That’s the baseline.
Basic Serving Charts
Here’s a quick reference most bakers use:
- 6‑inch round – serves 6–8
- 8‑inch round – serves 12–15
- 10‑inch round – serves 20–25
- 12‑inch round – serves 35–40
- 14‑inch round – serves 45–55
- 16‑inch round – serves 60–70
If you prefer sheet cakes, a standard 2‑by‑3‑foot sheet feeds about 40 people. Double‑layer sheets double that number. Use these figures as a starting point, then adjust for your crowd.
Factors That Change the Numbers
Not everyone will take a full slice. Kids usually eat half, and if you’ve got a dessert bar or other sweets, fewer guests will reach for cake. Subtract about 10‑15% from the total if you plan on offering alternatives like cupcakes, macarons, or a candy table.
Another tip: consider the cake’s shape. Tiered cakes often have a smaller top tier that feeds fewer people. When you add a 6‑inch top tier to a 12‑inch middle tier, you’re really serving the middle tier’s 35‑40 guests, not the whole tower.
Don’t forget the cake cutting ceremony. The couple’s first slice usually ends up on a plate, not a guest’s plate, so you can count that as one extra serving.
If you’re looking to save money, a “half‑and‑half” cake works well. Order a smaller main cake for the cutting and serve cupcakes or mini desserts for the rest of the guests. This way you get the classic ceremony without the cost of a massive cake.
Talk to your baker about waste. Many bakers will let you take home leftover cake or will freeze it for you. Knowing that you can keep the leftovers reduces the pressure to over‑order.
Finally, use a simple calculator. Take your guest count, subtract 10% if you have other desserts, then match the result to the serving chart above. That number tells you the smallest round cake you need, or whether a sheet cake is more efficient.
Planning your cake serving sizes doesn’t have to be stressful. Start with your headcount, adjust for other sweets, pick a shape that fits your venue, and talk to your baker about leftovers. With these steps you’ll get a perfect amount of cake – enough for every smile, and no waste on your special day.
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