I messed up. I'm making the cake below for 50 people, and for some reason, had 10" and 6" to serve 50. Nope, needs to be 12" and 6" to make 52. I hope I got that right. Picture is from Flickr and I asked the author several times about using it for reference...never heard from her.

I wonder though if the proportion will look silly now. What should I do to keep this cake in general proportion?

And, do I need to go to a 16" drum now? Or will a 14" be ok?

Thanks for the help!OR...how about a 12" with an 8"? It will be over serving amount, that's ok...just really care about proportion and all. That cake looks like it has a two inch difference between tiers. Right? This should be soooooo simple, I don't know why I am having trouble.

I use the wilton wedding chart and a 10 serves 38, a 6 serves 12 = 50. A 12 serves 56; 8 serves 24 = 80. A 10/8 would serve 62.

Debi...I thought that's what I read yesterday! I am looking at the chart now...

http://www.wilton.com/cakes/making-cakes/baking-party-cake-2-inch-pans.cfm

It says 10" serves 28. Am I bonkers? Am I looking at the wrong one.

I hope this turns into a huuuuge duh moment.

you're not crazy, but that's the party cake serving chart and I go by the wedding serving chart, so that will make a difference.

I cut cake into wedding size pieces at all parties and family gatherings and everyone is fine with the size.

Aha! See...one big duh moment! Thank God I'm not crazy...I was looking at the wedding one yesterday and the party one today....WHEW!!! Thank you thank you!!!

I see debi helped you w/the sizing but not the drum.
I definately feel the 16" is going to be needed if you use a 12" base tier.
Judging the pic I'd say those are definately 10 & 6"ers on a 14" board.
putting a 12,6 on a 14" would loose much eye appeal.

Thanks kakeladi...but Debi pointed out that I was looking at the wrong serving chart. I was looking at party chart, NOT the wedding chart, which I hab used as my original reference.

Soooo....nothing needs to change at all! And thankfully so!

6" on top of 10" tier, with a 14" drum. Whew!