Cake Stand Sizes for Wedding Cakes and Cake Table Setup

Cake tables are small, but they carry a lot of weight: figuratively and literally. A 3-tier cake can weigh 25 pounds or more, and the stand, table and floor all need to hold it. Choose the wrong stand and the cake looks like it is about to slide off. Here is how to size it, support it and set the table.

Match stand to cake

Serving counts depend on slice size, and bakers use their own charts, so ask yours. Typical wedding slices are about 1 inch by 2 inches by the height of a tier.

Stand types

• Pedestal: The classic. A 6 to 10-inch tall pedestal with a flat plate. Best for tiered cakes.
• Plain cake board on a table: Clean and modern. The cake sits on a board covered by the table linen.
• Tiered tray stands: For cupcakes and desserts, see dessert table equipment.
• Glass or acrylic: Modern and light. Make sure it is rated for the weight.
• Wood slabs and rounds: Rustic and heavy. A good match for a barn.

The cake table

Use a round table of 36 to 48 inches, or a 6-foot rectangle if you want to add cupcakes. A 30-inch round is too small for a cake and its knife. Cover with a floor-length cloth, 108 inches round for a 48-inch table, see the tablecloth size chart. Choose a table that is sturdy and level, and not a flimsy folding model that wobbles. If the floor is uneven, which is common in older Chicago venues and outdoor lawns, ask the rental company for a heavy table and put the cake in place only after the table is level.

Where to put it

Keep the cake out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. Choose a spot near an outlet if you want a small light or string lights behind it. Leave 36 inches of clear space around the table so the couple can cut and photographers can move. For outdoor events, buttercream softens in warm weather, so keep the cake indoors or in the shade until it is cut.

The cutting setup

You need:

• A cake knife and server (the couple usually brings a decorative set)
• A bowl of warm water and a clean towel for the knife
• Dessert plates and forks, 1 per slice
• A back-of-house table where the cake is cut into slices, so you do not slice at the display

Ask your caterer whether they cut and plate the cake and whether it is included. Some venues charge a cake-cutting fee. See working with a caterer and rental company.

Make the table match the room

A simple cloth, a pedestal and florals are enough. Add a banner, a cake topper or a sign for a small amount of styling. Keep the lights soft. For a barn or boho look, see boho wedding chairs or barn wedding seating ideas. The chairs near the cake table matter little, but the head table sets the tone.

Plan the cake table and the rest

Book a free 15-minute seating call or request a quote and we will place the cake table on your floor plan.