Do You Really Need a Big Wedding Cake?

Do You Really Need a Big Wedding Cake? historic oakland manor

Keep reading for a guide on determining how much wedding cake you really need.

Trying to determine how much wedding cake to order can be a complicated endeavor because it depends on many factors. While you want to make sure you have enough for everyone, you don’t want to have half a cake left over. The decision might seem overwhelming, but considering some key factors can make it much easier. Keep reading for a guide on determining how much wedding cake you really need.

How Many Guests are Attending?

The first question your baker will ask you is how many people are on your guest list. You have to secure a wedding cake vendor well before the RSVPs are due back, which means you won’t have an actual head count yet. A good rule of thumb is to order enough cake for 75% of the guest list.

Consider Your Budget

Another question to consider is your budget. Wedding cakes can be anywhere from $3 to $20 a slice, so costs can quickly add up. The good news is that if you had your heart set on a giant 5-tier wedding cake but don’t have the budget for it, your baker can usually add a couple of layers of faux cake so you can achieve the dramatic look without breaking the budget. The remainder of the cake can be a sheet cake, which is usually much less expensive, but is still enough to feed everyone.

How Will the Cake Be Served?

Something else to think about is how the cake will be served. If the cake is part of the dinner service and will be served when everyone is seated, you need to ensure you have enough cake for everyone. If the cake will be served in a dessert station where people grab a slice if they want one, you can usually get away with ordering a bit less.

Will You Have Other Desserts?

If you will have other desserts served at a dessert station, you can also get away with buying less wedding cake. That is because some people will opt for trying something different instead of the wedding cake. Here are some other treats you could include at the dessert station:

  • Assorted Italian and French Pastries
  • Assorted Mousses
  • Chocolate Fondue Fountain
  • Espresso and Cappuccino Bar
  • Crème Brulee Station
  • Fresh Fruit Display

Have Your Wedding Your Way at Historic Oakland

When you have your wedding at Historic Oakland Manor, you have the luxury to hire any caterer you choose to make your event extra special. Your caterer may be your favorite restaurant or a few of your favorite dishes from a local market. Hire a band, a DJ, or a string quartet. Decorate with fresh flowers, lanterns, candles, and more!

Contact us today to learn more.

HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE

Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 9th, 2026 at 10:01 am. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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About Us

Nestled in a peaceful wooded area, in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Built in 1811, Historic Oakland is truly one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Howard County, Maryland. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings or retreats. As you walk through its grand entrance, you will step back into time to experience the serenity of an authentic country estate. With both interior and exterior entertaining options, Historic Oakland offers a wide array of choices for your event.

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