Choosing your wedding cake size is one of the most practical decisions in the whole planning process — and one of the most confusing. How many tiers? How many portions? Does it matter how the cake is being served?
We’ve answered these questions a few hundred times, so here’s everything you need to know — straight from our studio in Woodstock.
First: How Are You Serving the Cake?
This is the question most couples don’t think to ask, and it changes everything.
Served alongside other desserts (Signature Collection) The wedding cake is served in addition to other dessert items — sometimes during the pre-drinks reception, or as part of a dessert display. Because it’s not the only sweet option, slices are smaller and a cake feeds more people.
Only dessert — sit-down plated (Dessert Collection) The wedding cake is the dessert — served as a full plated slice to each guest after the main course. Think fresh berries, a coulis, or chantilly cream on the side. Every seat needs a portion, so sizing is more generous.
Only dessert — platter style (Signature Collection) The cake serves as the main dessert but is placed on platters for guests to help themselves rather than being plated. For this style we recommend a cake from our Signature Collection, sized at 1.5 times your guest count to account for varied portion sizes and the informal nature of self-service.
This distinction matters because the same sized cake can serve very different numbers depending on how it’s being served. Knowing your serving style before you enquire means we can guide you to exactly the right size.
How Many Portions Do I Actually Need?
A common question — and there’s no single right answer, but here’s how we think about it:
Served alongside other desserts, we recommend catering for a minimum of 80% of your guest count. Because the cake is one of several sweet options, not every guest will take a slice, and portions are smaller. 80% is a comfortable minimum — a buffer above this is always a good idea.
Only dessert — sit-down plated, plan for 100% of your guest count. Every guest receives a plated portion, so there’s no room to underestimate here.
Only dessert — platter style, we recommend sizing at 1.5 times your guest count. With guests serving themselves, and with there not being any other dessert options guests will come back for seconds. Sizing generously avoids any risk of running short.
When in doubt, size up. Running short of wedding cake is a much bigger problem than having leftover slices. Any leftover cake can be boxed up for guests to take home, saved for a post-wedding breakfast the next morning, or will keep well for a few days if stored correctly.
What About Extra Guests?
If your guest count is between sizes, or if you want to make absolutely sure everyone is served, there are two options:
1. Go up a size — the next tier up gives you a meaningful portion buffer and also adds visual height and drama to the cake, which is rarely a bad thing.
2. Add a cutting cake — a simple, undecorated cake baked in the same flavour, kept in the kitchen and cut when needed. It won’t be on display, but it ensures no one goes without. Ask us about this when you enquire.
Does the Number of Tiers Affect Portions?
Yes — but not in the way most people assume. More tiers means more portions, but the relationship isn’t linear. Our 4-tier Chrissie size feeds 160 people when served alongside other desserts, while our 2-tier Kate size feeds 64. The dramatic visual difference between the two is substantial.
Each of our named cake sizes is detailed in the Wedding Lookbook — including exact tier dimensions, approximate portions, and starting prices. It’s the best reference point when you’re trying to match a design to your guest count.
Taller cakes also create a stronger focal point for the cake cutting photos at the reception — which for many couples is part of the brief, not just a by-product of needing to feed more people.
Ready to Start Planning?
The best way to begin is to download our Wedding Lookbook — it covers everything from cake designs and portion guidance to flavour options, tasting boxes, wedding favours, mini desserts, and the full ordering process.
👉 Download the Crumb Wedding Lookbook
Once you’ve had a look through, fill in the enquiry form on our weddings page and we’ll put together a quote based on your specific requirements.
Wedding season runs September to April, with October through March being our busiest months — dates fill up well in advance. The earlier you enquire, the better.
We can’t wait to make your wedding cake dreams come true.
xox Anmar
