Choosing the right wedding cake size!
You’ve been dreaming about your wedding cake for months—maybe even years. You've got Pinterest boards full of inspiration, color swatches in hand, and a vision for the perfect design. But then comes the practical question: How big does your cake need to be?
With 15 years of experience designing wedding cakes, I’ve guided hundreds of couples through this exact question. Here’s what you need to know to get the size just right—both for your guest count and your overall wedding vision.
Start With Your Guest List
The first step is to look at your guest list. This is the foundation for determining how much cake you’ll need. Then ask yourself: Will the cake be the main dessert, or part of a late-night sweets table?
If it’s the main dessert, you’ll want one slice per guest—no exceptions.
If it's being served later in the evening, after dinner and dancing, then you can plan for around 50–60% of your guest count. Not everyone will feel like cake at 10 PM, especially if there are other options available.
Always Plan for a Little Extra
Venues don’t always cut cake perfectly according to standard serving guides. I always recommend rounding up just a bit—you’ll never regret having an extra slice or two. Plus, it’s a sweet treat for the morning after!
Understanding Serving Sizes
In wedding cake world, a standard serving is 1” x 2” x 5.5”. That height—about 5.5 inches—is standard for my tiers at Fancy That Cake. These aren’t slivers—they’re generous slices designed to satisfy.
But here's the thing: cake pans come in standard sizes, and guest lists rarely match those sizes exactly. It’s normal to be slightly over or under the perfect number. My advice? Always err on the side of too much rather than too little.
Match the Cake to the Room
One mistake I see couples make is choosing a cake that's too small for their venue. A small, single-tier cake in a grand ballroom with high ceilings can feel lost. If you're working with a larger space, consider scaling up your cake design.
The good news? You don’t need to bake extra just to add height. Styrofoam "dummy" tiers are a fantastic option to add grandeur and elevate the visual impact of your cake, without increasing the number of servings.
Display It Like the Work of Art It Is
Your cake is more than dessert—it’s a design element. Don’t hide it in a corner! Give it a place of honor where guests can admire it and take photos. After all, you’ve invested time and love into making it a part of your big day.
Don’t Forget About the Top Tier
If you're following the tradition of saving the top tier for your first anniversary (a sweet way to relive your wedding memories), remember to exclude it from your guest-serving count. It’s your keepsake, not part of the total servings.
Trust Your Cake Designer
This is where your cake designer comes in. With 15 years of wedding cake experience, I’ve seen every combination of guest counts, venues, and visions imaginable. Helping you choose the right size—both practically and aesthetically—is what I do best. Let me help you bring your dream cake to life, slice by slice.
