Your wedding cake isn’t just dessert it’s a centerpiece of your reception, a photo-worthy moment, and a sweet memory guests will always remember. But before you choose flavors and decorations, one big question comes up: how much cake do you actually need?
From cake tiers to serving sizes, this ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know about wedding cake sizes and servings so you can order the perfect cake for your big day.
1. How Many Guests Are You Serving?
The size of your cake depends on your guest list. On average, most couples order enough cake for 80–90% of their guests, since not everyone will want a slice. For example:
- 100 guests → 80–90 servings
- 150 guests → 120–135 servings
Always confirm with your baker whether you’re ordering for the full guest list or just a percentage.
2. Standard Wedding Cake Serving Sizes
Cakes are typically portioned as “wedding servings” (1×2 inch slices). Here’s a quick guide by tier:
- 6-inch round cake → 12 servings
- 8-inch round cake → 24 servings
- 10-inch round cake → 38 servings
- 12-inch round cake → 56 servings
When stacked, these tiers multiply. For example:
- 3-tier cake (6”, 8”, 10”) → about 74 servings
- 4-tier cake (6”, 8”, 10”, 12”) → about 130 servings
3. Popular Tier Combinations
- Small wedding (50–75 guests): 2–3 tiers
- Medium wedding (100–150 guests): 3–4 tiers
- Large wedding (200+ guests): 4–5 tiers, or sheet cakes in the back for extra servings
Pro Tip: You don’t need all your cake on display! Many couples use a “faux tier” (decorated but not real cake) to add height and keep costs down.
4. Sheet Cakes & Backup Servings
For big weddings, bakers often make a smaller tiered cake for display and photos, and then serve additional sheet cakes from the kitchen. Guests won’t know the difference, and it saves money while ensuring everyone gets dessert.
5. Cutting & Serving Your Cake
Professional caterers or bakers know how to cut wedding cakes efficiently so you get the maximum servings. Make sure you designate someone to cut properly or your 130 serving cake could turn into just 80 servings by accident.
6. Tips for Choosing the Right Cake Size
- Always order slightly more than your estimated servings (a few extra slices never hurt).
- Consider other desserts if you’re having a dessert bar, you may need less cake.
- Think about height vs. width tall cakes look dramatic, but wider cakes feed more people.
- Ask your baker for a custom serving chart it will be specific to your cake design.
Conclusion
Your wedding cake should be as practical as it is beautiful. By knowing the right size and serving guide, you can make sure everyone gets a slice of sweetness without overspending. Whether you go with three tiers or five, the perfect cake is the one that fits your guest count, style, and budget. 💕