Wedding Cake Tip #4 - Size Matters

Generally, the most difficult task in the wedding cake planning process is determining how big or how small to make it. It is never a nice feeling to think that some of the guests might be left out and not get a piece to enjoy. Since so people love the cake tradition and anticipate the serving and eating of the wedding cake, size really does matter. So let's provide you with a few tips to help determine the correct size.

The first thing you should do is to refer to the RSVPs that you have received. Take a count of how many guests have indicated that they will attend the reception. Don't forget to check whether the guest is one person, two people, or multiples, as in children. Do not leave the children out if they have been invited, as this is a special part of the wedding day ritual that they do not want to miss. They are very eager to eat the cake, and also, depending on the type of cake ordered and tradition practiced, to get their keepsake piece to hide under their pillow.

Next, determine whether or not you need a section of the cake for a future special occasion. For example, will you keep a layer for one of your anniversaries or for your first child's birth? Obviously, if the answer is yes, you need to order a cake with that extra tier or top layer.

Further, when you need a bigger cake, it is not necessary to order more tiers or layers. The cake that is ceremoniously cut for the pictures can be smaller, and then slabs of cake can be used to serve as well. Ordering the slabs will be less expensive than having a five foot high cake due to the display fixtures and setup. Also, if you are really worried about not having enough cake, ordering an extra slab cannot hurt and then if it is left over, you can freeze it or send some home with guests.

Remember too, that if the cake is the dessert, then more people will want larger pieces. Dessert buffets are quite popular at weddings now and if there are special confectioneries such as chocolate fountains, the cake may not need to be as large. It might end up wasted because people will be too full to eat it. Plus, they might choose something different over the cake.

Finally, what time you serve the cake will determine how large or small to order. For example, if your reception is tea and cake only with no other food, then adequately sized pieces should be offered. If the cake is being served after a midnight snack at the reception, fewer people will want to eat the cake.

Although size matters when choosing your wedding cake, use common sense and of course, the baker will help with serving requirements. She has cutting charts to reference as well as her years of knowledge.