Choosing the right cake size for your event
Let’s make sure you have enough cake to go around (and maybe even a sneaky slice for later).
One of the most common questions I get is, “How big should my cake be?” The honest answer is, it depends!
1. start with your guest list
The very first thing I’ll ask you is: “How many people are attending your event?”
That number helps me recommend the best size for your event.
A little tip, if you’re unsure, round up. It’s always better to have a few extra slices than not enough. Plus, who doesn’t love leftover cake?
Browse the sizes and servings page to get an idea of the number of servings you’d get from certain cake sizes.
2. what kind of event is it?
The type of event you’re planning plays a big role in choosing the right cake size. A small, intimate brunch? A wedding with 150 guests? A milestone birthday with a grazing table full of desserts? Each of these calls for a different approach to cake.
Another thing to consider is how your cake will be served. Are you cutting it yourself with a glass of bubbly in hand? Or will it be handled behind the scenes by a kitchen team? Are guests cutting and dishing for themselves?
At a casual event, like a brunch or baby shower, you’re usually the one cutting the cake, and things don’t need to be exact. It’s more relaxed, and a bit of uneven slicing adds to the charm.
But for more formal events like weddings, where the cake is served to a large number of guests, the responsibility usually falls on the back-of-house staff. In that case, the most practical and efficient option is often a sheet cake, easy to portion, easy to serve, and ideal when feeding a crowd without compromising on style (since the display cake can still be beautifully tiered, see point 4).
So, think about your vibe, your guest list, and who’s doing the cutting; it all matters!
3. dessert or coffee servings?
Let’s talk slice size. There are two standard ways to serve cake:
Dessert Serving: These are full slices, perfect for when cake is the main dessert.
Coffee Serving: Smaller slices are often served at weddings or after-dinner coffee when other sweets are available.
Let me know what kind of vibe you’re going for, and I’ll recommend the right portion style (and size) for you.
4. design first?
Sometimes, it’s not about how many people you’re feeding, it’s about the look… the vibe… the aesthetic.
If you’ve always dreamed of a tall, dramatic, multi-tiered cake as the centerpiece of your event, but you're only hosting 20 guests, that’s absolutely possible.
We can create a show-stopping cake using a combination of real cake and decorated Styrofoam tiers. That way, you get all the wow-factor without the worry of too much leftover cake. I’ll also make sure there’s just the right amount of actual cake to serve your guests, whether it’s from the main cake or sheet cakes served from the back kitchen.
It’s also worth noting that certain design styles, especially more intricate or sculptural ones, aren’t always possible on smaller cakes. Some details simply need more space to shine, and they only work visually (and structurally) on larger tiers. So if your heart is set on a specific look, we may need to scale up the size a bit to make that design happen.
At the end of the day, whether it’s for the look or the servings, or both, we’ll make sure your cake suits your event perfectly.
5. not sure? let me help
Honestly, this is my favorite part of the planning process. Tell me how many people you’d like to serve and what your event looks like, and I’ll do the rest. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a celebration for 200, I’ll help you figure out exactly what you need.
Send your cake sizing questions to me on email momintbakery@gmail.com or WhatsApp 079 504 2336.
let’s get planning
If you’re ready to order, head to the custom cake order form, and we’ll start building your dream cake. And if you’re still deciding on flavors, our Tasting Boxes are the perfect way to try them before your big day.
I’ll bring the cake.
- Ane from momint