How to Choose the Right Cake Size for Your Wedding

Everyone wants a cake that looks amazing and feeds every guest without leaving a mountain of leftovers. The secret? Picking the right size from the start. Below you'll get a quick, no‑nonsense way to figure out how many slices you need, what tier options fit your venue, and how to keep costs in check.

Calculate Servings, Not Just Pounds

First thing’s first: count the people who will actually eat cake. Subtract the kids you’re serving cupcakes to, the guests who’ll skip dessert, and the ones who’ll just have a slice of wedding pie. A solid rule of thumb is 1 ½ slices per adult and half a slice per child.

Once you have that number, match it to standard cake sizes. A 6‑inch round serves about 12, an 8‑inch round feeds 20, and a 10‑inch round covers roughly 30. If you’re going tiered, add the sizes together: a 6‑inch bottom + 4‑inch middle + 2‑inch top usually serves 30‑35 people.

Pick the Right Tier Style for Your Venue

Small venues often work best with a single‑tier cake or a modest two‑tier design. Big ballrooms give you room for a three‑tier masterpiece. Remember, each extra tier adds about 10‑15 servings, but also adds to the price and setup time.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider a “fake” top tier—just a decorative piece that looks like a real layer. It keeps the visual impact while letting you serve most guests from a smaller, cheaper cake.

Don’t forget the table space. A large three‑tier cake needs a sturdy table and enough room for plates, knives, and a cake‑cutting station. Measure your cake table before you finalize the design.

Budget Tips That Won’t Sacrifice Style

Plain buttercream is cheaper than fondant, and it tastes better. Ask your baker if they can do a simple drip or fresh‑flower accent instead of a full‑cover fondant design. Those small details can make a big visual impact without blowing up the bill.

Another trick: order a half‑sheet of cupcakes or cake bites as extra servings. They’re easy to transport, feed extra guests, and can double as a dessert table filler.

Finally, book your baker early. Popular bakers charge premium rates for last‑minute orders, and you’ll miss out on the chance to tweak the size after a tasting.

Knowing how many people to feed, matching the tier layout to your venue, and using budget‑friendly decorating tricks will give you a cake that looks gorgeous, feeds everyone, and stays within your plan. Grab a notebook, run the numbers, and talk to your baker – the perfect cake size is just a few calculations away.