When it comes to weddings, desserts are always the highlight! Whether it’s the moment you cut the cake, a lavish dessert table, or late-night sweet treats, getting the right amount is key. Too little, and guests might miss out. Too much, and you’ll be eating leftover cake for weeks, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
So, how do you find the perfect balance? Here’s what to consider when planning your wedding desserts.
1. Start with your guest count
This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of your dessert plan. The number of guests determines everything from cake size to how many pastries or sweets you’ll need.
Tip: If you’re inviting 100 people, not all of them will have dessert, some may be too full or prefer to keep dancing. But on the flip side, a few guests might go back for seconds. Keep this in mind when finalising numbers. So build in a small buffer!
2. Choose your desserts
Are you dreaming of an elegant wedding cake, a tempting array of pastries, or a full-on dessert table? Each option has its own sweet spot when it comes to serving sizes:
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Wedding Cake: The golden rule is one slice per guest. If your cake is a showpiece, order extra so it looks grand in photos and no one misses out. Some couples also like to save the top tier for their first anniversary, if that’s you, factor that in too!
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Individual Pastries: Love the idea of eclairs, profiteroles, or tarts? Plan for 1 to 2 pieces per guest, so they have the option to sample more than one. If the desserts are on the smaller side, lean towards two per person.
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Dessert Table: If you’re going all out with a mix of treats, think brownies, macarons, cheesecakes, and cookies, plan for 3 to 4 pieces per guest so they can graze and try different flavours.
Something to consider: Guests tend to take more when desserts are bite-sized and self-serve, so having a mix of portion sizes can help you strike the right balance.
3. Factor in the rest of the menu
Your dessert needs will change depending on what’s on the menu earlier in the night.
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Big, indulgent meal? Guests might be too full for multiple sweets, so you can scale back on portions.
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Lighter or cocktail-style menu? Expect guests to have more room for dessert, so it’s best to stick to the standard recommendations.
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Late-night snacks planned? If you’re serving extra bites later in the evening, guests might not go as heavy on dessert.
If you're unsure, err on the side of having just a little extra, you don’t want to run out when guests are looking forward to something sweet.
4. Offer variety (without overdoing it)
Everyone loves options, but too much choice can lead to waste. If you’re serving multiple desserts, you can reduce the number of servings per item. For example, if you’re having a wedding cake plus pastries, you might serve fewer cake slices and balance it out with smaller sweets.
Fun idea: A mix of classic and unexpected desserts keeps things exciting! Like a wedding cake paired with eclairs or profiteroles.
5. Cater to dietary needs
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan guests shouldn’t miss out on dessert! Offering a few inclusive options is always a good idea, but you don’t need as many as your main desserts unless a significant portion of your guests require them.
Remember that this is beyond lifestyle choices, some guests may have severe allergies, like nuts or gluten intolerance, or medical conditions that restrict their diet, such as diabetes or celiac disease. Providing a few safe options ensures that everyone—including those with health-related dietary needs, can enjoy something sweet without worry.
6. Plan for leftovers
What happens to the extra desserts at the end of the night? A little bit of extra cake or pastries can be a great thing, whether it’s a treat for the next day or something guests can take home.
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Cake boxes: Provide small boxes for guests to take a slice home.
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Next-day brunch: Leftover desserts can be a hit at a post-wedding breakfast.
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Freezing the cake: Many couples save the top tier for their first anniversary—just wrap it well!
But if you don’t want leftovers, make sure to calculate servings carefully to avoid waste.
Let’s make your wedding extra sweet!
Still unsure about how much to order? We can help! Get in touch to create the perfect dessert menu for your big day. Whether it’s a classic wedding cake, a dreamy dessert table, or something uniquely you.
Because when it comes to weddings, dessert should never be an afterthought!
