Choosing the correct size tiers - so that they look balanced

by Liz
(Bathurst, Australia)

Hi Everybody - I am making my first wedding cake and am having trouble deciding which size tiers would look the best.

My bride would like to feed 100 guests, with a three tiered round cake (center tier being square)

I have chosen the following sizes and am hoping it will look balanced and would like some advice.

Bottom tier (round) 12 inch Wilton
Middle tier (square) 8 inch Wilton
Top tier (round) 8 inch Wilton (I felt the 6 inch looked too small)

For decoration there are four things that she definitely wants on the cake;
- One tier to be quilted and have diamond accents

- One tier diamond embossed 'B & L' (bride and grooms initials) on the side of the cake - individually placed diamond

- some sugar paste roses (doesn't mind how many)

- Borders around all cakes to be either ivory ribbon or diamond ribbon

Flowers and fondant - ivory

I can't picture what tiers to choose for the decor - this is my first wedding cake and I am nervous - the bride said she doesn't mind - please help?! :)

Hi Liz, I just checked my pans and found that you will need a 14 inch round bottom tier in order for a 8 inch square cake to fit properly. If you use a 12 inch the 8 inch square will hang over slightly and will not look balanced. The 6 inch round looks great on top of that size as well.

If you already purchased the pans then you could possibly trim down the center tier so that it fits onto the 12 inch bottom. But The 14 inch base will look better. I will see if my Facebook cake decorators have any more ideas or suggestions for you. Good luck with your first wedding cake and please feel free to add it to the site on the sharing pages.