How Much Wedding Cake Do I Need for 60 Guests? A Simple Guide

ByOMG Hitched Team Reading Time: 6 minutes

Planning a wedding can be exciting but also a bit tricky, especially when it comes to food. You might find yourself asking, is a three-quarter sheet cake perfect for serving 60 guests? This size ensures that everyone gets a slice while also leaving room for a few extra servings in case of bigger appetites.

A tiered wedding cake with 3 layers, decorated with flowers and ribbon, displayed on a table at a reception with 60 guests

Knowing how much cake to order can help you avoid waste and ensure all your guests can enjoy this delightful treat. It’s important to consider the preferences of your guests as well. Some might prefer a small slice, while others may want a larger piece.

As you dive into the planning process, keep cake size and guest count in mind to make your wedding celebration even sweeter!

Determining the Right Size

A tiered wedding cake with 3 layers, adorned with flowers and a cake topper, placed on a table with 60 place settings

When planning your wedding cake for 60 guests, you first need to consider the serving size. A standard cake serving is about 1 inch by 2 inches for each guest. If you want larger portions, you might go for 1.5 inches by 2 inches.

Next, think about the cake sizes you prefer. Round and square wedding cakes offer different options for servings. For example:

  • Round cakes:

    • 6-inch tier serves about 12
    • 8-inch tier serves about 20
    • 10-inch tier serves about 30

  • Square cakes:

    • 8-inch tier serves about 20
    • 10-inch tier serves about 30
    • 12-inch tier serves about 48

Consider how many cake tiers you want as well. A tiered cake can be a fun way to mix flavors while providing enough servings. Popular combinations include:

  • A 3-tier round cake could use two layers of 10-inch and one layer of 8-inch.
  • A square cake combo could mix a 10-inch and a 12-inch tier together.

For a party of 60, a cake yielding about 75 servings allows for cake portions to cover some extra guests or guests who might want seconds. Always talk to your baker about customizing the details. They can help you choose the best size and style that fits your vision perfectly!

Types of Wedding Cakes

A three-tiered wedding cake with elegant floral decorations, placed on a decorated table, surrounded by 60 place settings

Choosing the right type of wedding cake is important for your celebration. The type you pick affects how many servings you get, how it looks, and the overall experience for your guests. Let’s explore different cake options to help you make the best choice.

Sheet Cakes and Their Serving Counts

Sheet cakes are a fantastic choice for serving a large number of guests. They come in various sizes, like half-sheet or full-sheet cakes. A full sheet cake can serve around 96 guests, while a half sheet cake serves about 48.

For 60 guests, a half-sheet cake would be ideal since it offers enough slices with some to spare. Sheet cakes are easy to cut and serve. They can be decorated to match your wedding theme, making them both practical and visually appealing.

Round and Square Cakes: A Comparison

Round cakes are traditional for weddings and can be stacked in tiers. A three-tier round cake typically has diameters of 10 inches, 8 inches, and 6 inches, serving about 74 guests. This size is great for your 60 guests, as it provides enough cake while giving you some extra.

Square cakes are another option. They usually yield more servings than round cakes of the same diameter. For example, an 8-inch square cake serves around 32 guests. You might consider a two-tier square cake for a unique look that still serves your needs.

Elegant Tiered Cakes: A Walkthrough

Tiered cakes are often the centerpiece of the wedding. They come in a variety of sizes and can be designed to match your theme. A common setup is a three-tier cake, which is visually stunning while providing plenty of servings.

These cakes use various layers, such as a bottom tier of 12 inches, a middle of 9 inches, and a top of 6 inches. This kind of cake typically serves about 100 guests, perfect for you. Working with a professional baker can help ensure the tiers are stable and beautifully decorated.

Creative Dessert Options

A tiered wedding cake surrounded by colorful and decadent dessert options, with enough slices for 60 guests

When planning for your wedding, consider adding creative dessert options to delight your guests. Offering more than just cake can enhance the experience and provide variety.

Including Additional Desserts

Alongside your wedding cake, think about including additional desserts to satisfy different tastes. Options like mini cupcakes, macarons, or chocolate-covered strawberries can be crowd-pleasers.

If you plan for 60 guests, you might estimate around 2-3 mini desserts per person. This means preparing between 120 to 180 mini treats. A dessert table lets guests serve themselves, making it a fun and interactive experience.

Consider a self-serve cake station as well. Here, guests can enjoy cake while choosing from various toppings and sauces. Don’t forget about dietary needs—offer gluten-free or vegan choices to ensure everyone can indulge.

Benefits of a Dessert Table

A dessert table can be a stunning focal point at your reception. It gives guests a visual feast and allows them to pick their favorites.

Having a variety of sweets increases the enjoyment, as guests can mix and match. Set up some attractive displays with different heights to make your table more appealing. You can even include a fake cake for design purposes, saving the top tier of your real cake for later.

This setup also allows for smaller dessert portions, making it easier for guests to sample different treats without feeling too full.

Budgeting for Your Cake

A table with 60 place settings, each with a slice of wedding cake

Planning your wedding cake budget is an important step. You want to ensure you get a cake that not only looks great but also fits your financial plan. Here are some key points to consider regarding costs and ways to save.

Understanding the Cost Per Slice

The cost of a wedding cake often starts at around $2 to $15 per slice. This range depends on the cake maker, design complexity, and specialty ingredients used. For example, intricate fondant designs or cakes with sugar flowers can be pricey.

If you’re having 60 guests, you may need 60 slices, but consider smaller slices. This can help you stretch your budget further.

To determine your total, multiply the cost per slice by the number of guests. Keep in mind that some bakeries offer discounts for larger orders. So, always ask about that when you inquire!

Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding Cake

There are several ways to keep your wedding cake costs down. One option is to choose a smaller cake for display and serve a sheet cake behind the scenes. This can significantly reduce your overall expenses.

Another tip is to opt for simple designs. Cakes with fewer decorations or made from basic ingredients are generally cheaper.

If you love the look of sugar flowers, consider using fewer or mixing them with fresh flowers to cut costs.

Shop around and get quotes from multiple cake makers. This allows you to compare prices and designs that fit your vision and budget.

Don’t hesitate to communicate your budget upfront so the baker can provide you with options!