Small wedding cakes: three designs for an intimate Devon wedding

A small wedding cake can still give you a beautiful centrepiece and a proper first slice together. The starting point is how you want to serve it, rather than how many tiers you feel a wedding cake ought to have.

I’m Terri at Oakyarde Cakes in Newton Abbot. When we plan a cake for an intimate Devon wedding, we can work through your guest numbers, the feel of your venue and the details you love. Here are three design directions to discuss.

First, decide what a portion means for your day

Are you serving cake as dessert, alongside coffee, or as a smaller treat later in the evening? Those are different serving plans. Include any evening guests who will be offered cake, and tell me about other desserts you’re providing.

My portion guide distinguishes dessert portions from smaller finger portions. Use it to start the conversation, rather than choosing a cake from a photograph alone. A tier’s height and diameter both affect its size, so a picture doesn’t give you a reliable portion count.

1. A single-tier centrepiece with one beautiful detail

A single-tier design is worth discussing when you want a cake-cutting moment without a large tiered centrepiece. A carefully chosen colour, texture or floral detail can tie it to the rest of the celebration.

Think about the table as well as the cake. A small cake can look more at home on a suitably sized stand and table than in the middle of a large, empty display. Share a photograph of the planned space if you have one, along with any flowers, stationery or colour references.

Whether a single tier will suit your guest count depends on the size and serving plan we agree. It isn’t a fixed package or a promise that one size will serve every small wedding.

2. A small tiered cake with a classic silhouette

If the shape of a tiered wedding cake is important to you, tell me that at the start. We can discuss proportions alongside the number of servings, then consider a finish and details that suit your day.

A restrained design could focus on texture or one decorative feature. A more detailed brief might include sculptural fondant or handmade flowers. A small cake can still involve intricate work, so its price depends on the design as well as the amount of cake.

The wedding gallery is a useful place to collect ideas. You don’t need to copy an entire cake: tell me which part catches your eye and we can use that as the starting point for your own design.

3. A cutting cake with cupcakes to share

A coordinating cutting cake and cupcakes give the table a different shape. You still have a cake for your first slice, while individual cupcakes can form part of the display and be shared with guests.

For a floral look, explore my hand-piped floral cupcakes. Colours and flower styles can bring the cutting cake and cupcakes together. We’ll discuss the quantities and serving arrangements so the display works for your guest list.

This is an alternative format, rather than an automatic saving. The number of cupcakes, the detail of the flowers, the cutting cake and any display arrangements all contribute to the quote.

How to choose between the three

• Picture the moment. Do you want a traditional tiered silhouette, a simple first slice, or a table of individual treats?
• Check the serving plan. Decide when cake will be served and who needs a portion.
• Consider the setting. Share the venue, table space and overall styling.
• Set your priorities. Tell me which details matter most and give me an idea of your budget.

All wedding cakes receive a bespoke quote. You’ll find current starting prices and more about the process on the wedding cake page. Delivery and setup are quoted for your Devon venue.

What to send with your enquiry

Include your date, venue, approximate guest numbers and when you plan to serve the cake. Add a few inspiration images, your preferred flavours and whether you’re leaning towards a single tier, a tiered design or cake with cupcakes.

Please read the allergen information before enquiring if a guest has an allergy or dietary requirement.