Choosing the Perfect Wedding Cake Size: What to Consider

Deciding on the size of your wedding cake can be simple, especially if budget and leftovers aren’t major concerns. Your cake maker will guide you, but it’s helpful to consider a few factors that might influence your decision — some of which you may not have thought about!

Many couples start their cake journey by exploring designs, with size as a secondary thought. But the design you fall in love with might not match your guest count or serving style, meaning adjustments to size or proportions may be necessary.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Guest Count: Knowing how many people you’ll be serving is essential.

• Serving Style: Will the cake be served as dessert or later in the evening? Dessert portions are larger than finger portions.

• Leftovers: Do you want to save a tier or share slices with family and friends the next day?

  
  

Portion Planning Tips

Most cake makers recommend catering for 75–80% of your total guest count when serving finger portions. Why? By the time cake is served, some guests may have left, or might skip dessert if evening snacks are available. Ordering for a smaller portion helps reduce waste while still ensuring enough cake for those who want a slice.

If you’re serving cake as dessert, make sure to account for every guest at the wedding breakfast — and consider adding a few extra portions, just in case. It’s better to have a little more than to run out, especially when cake is the sweet finale to your meal!

What About Leftovers?

Every couple is different. Some want extra cake to share with family after the wedding, while others prefer no leftovers — especially if they’re heading straight off on their honeymoon. It’s all about what works best for you!

Balancing Size and Design

Once you know how much cake you need, ask yourself: does the size match your vision?

• Too Big? Opt for a cutting cake — an extra, unseen cake served from the kitchen. Your guests won’t notice the difference, and you avoid unnecessary leftovers.

• Too Small? If your budget allows, size up for maximum impact. Or, to avoid excess servings, add dummy tiers. These polystyrene tiers are decorated to match the rest of the cake, creating a grand look without the extra portions.

Just remember, swapping real cake for dummy tiers might not save much money. The cost lies in the artistry and time required for decoration, whether the tier is edible or not.

The Sweet Spot

Ultimately, whether you want plenty of leftovers or a statement cake without waste, there’s a solution to suit every couple’s needs. Your cake maker can help you strike the perfect balance between style, portion size, and practicality — so you can enjoy your big day without worrying about the last slice!

You can visit our website here for our basic portions guide of some popular wedding cake sizes.