Summer wedding cake trends are shifting towards smart, practical setups that still pack a visual punch. When deciding between a 3-tier display or a single-stack cake, there are three key things to consider:
- How many guests are you serving?
Your guest count is the first deciding factor. A multi-tiered cake can serve more people - but remember, not everyone will take a slice. Experts suggest planning for 75 - 85% of guests opting for cake.
- Will this cake be your main dessert - or one among many?
If it’s the star, you may want a dessert-size serving (about 1.5”x 2” x full height). If there’ll be additional treats, a finger-size portion (around 1” x 1”x height) may suffice.
- How will the cake be sliced - wedge or rectangular?
Wedge slices are classic but can yield fewer pieces; rectangular cuts are more efficient and easier for your catering team.
To find out about the perfect way to slice your cake please refer to our blog: The ultimate guide to serving cake: Perfect portions, sizes, and presentation
Why we recommend a displaced tier display and buttercream with balanced ratio for summer
For summer receptions, go for a displaced tier display - stacked tiers but offset slightly, just like the royals did! This helps the weight to be distributed in a way that the lower layers are not crushed while maintaining structural integrity, especially in warmer weather. Moreover, a well-proportionate buttercream (balanced butter - to-sugar ratio) won’t melt or slump too easily, making it an excellent choice for summer’s warmth.
Choosing the right setup is crucial when serving your wedding cake. You’ll find plenty of serving tips on our cakes and wedding pages, but what if you want visual height with fewer servings? In that case, we recommend using dummy tiers or offset stacking to create drama without overcommitting to cake mass. Keep in mind that dummy tiers are always placed on the top, so the actual cake cutting will take place in the lower tiers.
In conclusion, whether you choose a 3-tier display or a single-stack cake, your decision should be guided by:
- Guest count (and expected percentage eating cake),
- The cake’s role as a dessert or part of a dessert lineup,
- Cutting method (wedge vs rectangular),
- Plus, for hot summer settings - use a displaced tier display and well-balanced buttercream for stability and presentation or dummy tiers for visual height with fewer servings.
Embrace these summer wedding cake trends, and you’ll delight your guests with both style and practicality.
