I am making a square wedding cake and it needs to serve at least 175 people. The couple wants to keep the top tier (minus 18 servings) and I am not sure what size pans to use. I have the wilton cake chart and Earlines chart so I am not exactly looking for that. I am trying to picture what the cake would look like with certain pans. I would rather it be taller than fatter if that makes sense. If anyone has any pictures it would be much appreciated as I am a visual person! TIA!

Hmmm, I kind of wanted it to be taller rather than wider... even if I have to add an extra tier.

14x12x6 squares would serve 170 not including the top tier. If this isn't close enough to the 175 they want, they might need to order a larger cake.

Round 6/9/12/15 = 185 using the top tier. I do that size a lot.

But I need square... she doesn't want round. Unfortunately

do a 6, 8 in height 8, 10, and 12... that'll give you 186.

What about something like a 6/8/10/12/14 ? According to Earlene's chart, not counting the top tier, that will give you 208 pieces. To get the look you want, you may have to sell the bride on a few more pieces.

Step away from Earlene's chart. It will cause you to quote higher per servings prices making you non-competitive or cause you to give away free cake, making you non-profitable.

Always, always use the Wilton Wedding chart.

What bride wouldn't want a 5-tier cake for the same price as a 3-tier cake? I certainly wouldn't be thrilled about doing extra work for no extra pay, or giving away extra servings.

I only went with Earlene's chart because the OP had mentioned it, but it was totally confusing for me.

I think in order to get the height you want, you should consider doing a dummy layer. Why not still a 6/8/10/12/14 but the 12 is a dummy layer. The the 6" doesn't count, but with Wilton pieces, you get 180 pieces from the 8 (32), the 10 (50) and the 14(98 ).

You still have to make sure you charge though for decorating 5 tier cake, not just charge for 180 pieces. Is it you or the bride that wants the height? Otherwise just make it a 4 tier 6/8/10/14.

Ok, I am going to go with the 6, 8, 10, 14. I don't necessarily need it to be tall, I just don't want it to be wider than it it tall
She gave me a picture and it is a beautiful cake, I just think it would be either too much or not enough servings. Wish it was round.

That sounds like a nice set up that would look proportionate.

Yes, thank you so much everyone who replied