How to Choose the Perfect Size for your Wedding Cake

When you start planning your wedding it can really be a bit of a minefield. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is "what size of cake do we need?" Selecting the right wedding cake size is crucial. To ensure you have the right amount of cake for your guests, and maybe even some leftovers for your first anniversary or a weekend treat, you need to do a little cake maths. Here's a guide on how to work out what size of wedding cake you need.

How many guests: Start by determining the number of guests who will be attending your wedding. Each tier will serve a certain number of people, and you'll want to match this to your guest list. Not everyone is going to have a slice of cake though so it's ok to cater for just under this number.

Cake Cutting Guide: My wedding cakes are a minimum of 5" tall so my standard cake serving is 1" x 1" x 5", which is known as a coffee or finger portion. Some bakers use slightly larger dimensions and you can also use a larger serving for a dessert portion.

Tiered Cakes: If you're opting for a tiered cake with multiple layers, each tier can be a different flavour. To determine the number of servings for each tier your cake designer will calculate them individually, and then add them up for the total number of servings. You can choose to have some tiers larger or smaller based on the number of guests you have.

Consider the Cake Cutting: It's worth bearing in mind that not all guests will eat cake, but some may want more than one slice. If you're planning to save the top tier you'll need to exclude those servings from your initial count.

Ask Your Cake Designer: We do this all day every day so we know what we're talking about and can provide recommendations based on your guest numbers, serving size, and the cake design you have in mind. We have the experience to guide you in selecting the right cake size for your wedding.

Extra Cake: Ordering a little extra cake is never a bad idea. You may want to take into account the possibility of unexpected guests or some guests wanting seconds. Having some leftover cake can also be a great way to enjoy the celebration for a few more days. I always tell my couples to bring a Tupperware container with them just in case there are any leftovers. After all, you've paid for a delicious cake, you might as well take it home and enjoy it. All of my cakes are baked fresh and can be frozen and will last for up to 6 months - possibly longer but I've never managed to not eat it before then! If you and your partner are big cake lovers, don't hesitate to order a larger cake than needed to ensure there's plenty for you and your guests. For guests who can't make your big day, you could consider posting a little box of cake to them or popping round for a visit with some.

Aesthetic Choices: Keep in mind the visual impact of the cake. If you want a grand, eye-catching cake as a focal point at your wedding, it may be larger than you first thought you needed. The best way to not have too much cake is to use separators or dummy tiers covered in fondant so they look like the real thing.

If you're getting married in Dundee, Perthshire or Fife or indeed anywhere in Scotland and you'd like to book me as your wedding cake maker then I would love to hear from you. I am always happy to chat through your ideas and hear all about your wedding plans.

Get in touch with me here and I will get back to you within 24 hours.

Peace, love and buttercream