Wedding Cake Servings: How Much Do You Need for Your Guests?
First thing’s first – you don’t want a tiny cake that leaves guests hungry, and you also don’t want a massive slab that goes to waste. The sweet spot is a cake that feeds everyone comfortably and still leaves a little extra for the next day. Below you’ll get a straight‑forward way to work out exactly how many slices you need, plus some handy tricks for cutting and storing.
Calculate the Right Size
Start with your guest count. For a typical plated service, plan on about one to one‑and‑a‑half slices per guest. If you expect a big appetite or want a generous slice, aim for 1.5. For a buffet style where guests serve themselves, one slice per guest is usually enough.
Next, pick a cake shape. Round cakes are measured by diameter, square cakes by side length, and sheet cakes by length and width. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Round 8‑inch: feeds 12–14 people.
- Round 10‑inch: feeds 20–24 people.
- Round 12‑inch: feeds 30–36 people.
- Square 10‑inch: feeds 20–24 people.
- Sheet 12 × 18 in: feeds 30–48 people, depending on cut size.
If your guest list is 120, a two‑tier 12‑inch round plus a 10‑inch round usually does the trick. You can also add a small “cake topper” tier for the couple if you want extra flair without adding many servings.
Tips to Make Serving Easy
1. Mark the cuts ahead of time. Ask your baker for a cut map or use a food‑safe marker on the cake surface. Clear lines make the cutter’s job fast and keep slices even.
2. Use the right knife. A serrated cake knife works best for layered cakes, while a smooth slicer is perfect for sheet cakes. Warm the blade in hot water for a clean cut on dense buttercream.
3. Prep plates in advance. Stack plates on a table near the cake so servers can slide a slice onto each plate quickly. This avoids bottlenecks during the reception.
4. Save leftovers smartly. Wrap any extra pieces tightly in cling film, then a layer of foil, and freeze. Most cakes stay tasty for up to three months. A simple “keep‑for‑anniversary” plan makes the leftover cake part of your celebration.
5. Consider a second‑day cake. Some couples order a smaller “next‑day” cake for the anniversary. It’s a sweet way to reuse the same flavors without the waste.
These tips keep the cake portioning process smooth so you can focus on dancing and celebrating.
Bottom line: know your guest count, pick the right shape, and add a little extra for safety. With a clear cut plan and proper storage, your wedding cake will be the highlight of the day and still be delicious weeks later.
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