The Wedding Cake Guide: Flavours, Tiers and Trends
Everything you need to know about wedding cakes — choosing a baker, flavours, tier sizes and portions.
The wedding cake is a centrepiece, a dessert and a photo opportunity all at once. Here's how to choose one you'll love.
Finding a baker
Book four to six months ahead. Look for a portfolio that matches your style and ask for a tasting — most bakers offer samples of their core flavours.
Popular flavours
- Lemon and elderflower
- Vanilla and raspberry
- Chocolate with salted caramel
- Red velvet
- Carrot and spice
- Traditional fruit cake (excellent for keeping a tier)
Choose a different flavour for each tier so guests can try more than one.
Portion sizes and tiers
UK cakes are usually served in finger portions (1" × 1") with coffee, or dessert portions (1" × 2") if the cake replaces pudding. Our cake calculator suggests tier sizes for your guest numbers.
Design trends
Buttercream with textured finishes, pressed flowers, palette-knife painting, minimal white tiers with sugar flowers, and dessert tables with mini cakes remain popular.
Practicalities
Check delivery and setup time, display stand, cake knife, and whether the venue charges a cake-cutting fee.
How many tiers does a wedding cake need for 100 guests?
With finger portions, a three-tier cake often serves around 100. Dessert portions need larger or more tiers.
Our guides are independent. Some links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.