I've always heard that you should never plan for cake to feed everyone at a wedding...not everyone wants/like cake - maybe they have allergies, are on a diet, or are too busy dancing (that would be me *cough, cough*).
Recently, someone said that for a wedding with 200 expected guests, you should plan on cake for 150, as an example.
I'm wondering if anyone has a rule of thumb that they go by and suggest to brides? I had a bride ask me for my suggestion regarding this today at a consult and I honestly didn't know what to tell her. Her wedding is going to be 150, so I said 100-125 (I did tell her I wasn't sure...I'd rather have a little extra than not enough!)
So, what do you tell brides (or anyone with a large event cake)? Or do you stay out of the equation and have them dictate how many servings they "need"? TIA
It mostly depends on a couple of things:
- when the cake will be served. If it's late (eg.: 10 pm) then I suggest 70 to 80%. A lot of people have either left (older people or families with small children) or are not hungry anymore.
- will there be other desserts. If it's not the only dessert, again I suggest 70 to 80%.
It also depends on how it will be served. If the caterer cuts it and sets the plates out for people to pick up then 75% is plenty. If servers deliver a plate of cake to each person at the end of the meal (AS IT SHOULD BE) then you need a serving of cake for every person who rsvp'd.
The percentages are based on rsvps not invitees.
If it's the only dessert and it's served close to the end of the meal then I assume that everyone will want a piece.
I also cut the cake from the bottom up (largest tier to the smallest). Once I'm at the top tier, if everyone was served, I wrap it and leave it for the bride/groom. If I'm not cutting the cake, I ask the kitchen to follow the same process.
The bride/groom love this idea.
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