Wedding cake in Sweden: types, size and how to order
Updated 26 October 2026 · Written by Lysela
A wedding cake can be a tiered cake, a prinsesstårta (the green marzipan cake) or an alternative such as cupcakes, a kransekaka, a cheese board or a dessert table. The choice depends on how many guests you have, the season and what you already serve at dinner. Here we compare the types and fillings, work out how many slices you need, list what to ask the baker and show where the cake cutting belongs in the programme.
Try it yourself, no account neededWedding cake types and alternatives
Start by deciding whether you want a cake to cut together. If you do, choose among the first types in the table. If you would rather serve something else, the alternatives are further down.
| Type | Works when | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Tiered cake | You want a cake to cut together and photograph | It is often assembled on site and needs a steady table and a cool room |
| Prinsesstårta | You want a cake everyone in Sweden recognises | Cream does not like heat, so keep it cold and bring it out shortly before serving |
| Kransekaka | You want something that keeps at room temperature | The rings are pulled apart one by one, so there is no cake to cut together |
| Cupcakes | Guests help themselves and you want several flavours | There is no shared cutting, so think of another way to gather the guests |
| Cheese board | You want to end dinner with something savoury, or do not like cake | Add bread, fruit and jam, and someone to refill it |
| Dessert table | You have many guests and want everyone to find something | It takes space and needs allergy signs |
Wedding cake fillings: flavours to choose from
Pick one flavour most guests like and one you love yourselves. The filling decides how heavy the cake feels after dinner.
| Filling | Tastes | Works for |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla and raspberry | Smooth and a little tart | Most guests, all year |
| Lemon | Fresh and light | After a heavy dinner, especially in summer |
| Strawberry and cream | Mild and fresh | Summer weddings, when strawberries are in season |
| Chocolate | Dark and rich | Evening weddings, autumn and winter |
| Mocha | Strong, with a coffee flavour | When the cake is served with coffee |
Is it possible to taste [flavour] and [flavour] before we decide? Two guests have [allergy], what can you do for them?
How big a wedding cake do you need, and how many slices?
Start from the number of guests and ask the baker how many slices the cake gives. A slice served as dessert is larger than a slice with coffee, so say how you plan to serve it.
The cake is the dessert
Allow one slice per guest, plus a few extra for those who want a second.
The cake comes with coffee
Smaller slices are enough. Not everyone takes one, but have enough that nobody misses out.
Evening guests
Count them if they arrive before the cake. If they come later, you can save a few slices for them.
Two cakes
One way is to put out a smaller cake to cut and slice a larger one in the kitchen. Ask the baker whether that works.
Ordering a wedding cake: when and what to ask
Contact a baker or pâtisserie as soon as the date and venue are set. Popular weekends book early, and in the checklist the cake is among the things you decide four to six months ahead. Bring the number of guests, when the cake will be served and pictures of what you like. Add the cost to your budget once you have a proposal.
What does the price include?
Delivery, set-up, a plate or stand, decoration and possibly a deposit on the stand.
How many slices does the cake give?
How big are they? That decides whether there is enough for every guest.
How is it stored?
Does the cake need to stay cold, and is there room in the venue kitchen? Ask the venue too.
What happens if you change or cancel?
Ask for it in writing, together with the last day to change the number of guests.
Hello, We are getting married on [date] at [venue, town] and would like to order a wedding cake for about [number] guests. The cake will be served [as dessert / with coffee] at around [time]. We are thinking of [type] with [filling] and decoration in [colours]. I have attached pictures of what we like. Two guests have [allergy]. Could you send a proposal with a price? Do you deliver and set the cake up on site, and is it possible to taste before we decide? Kind regards [name] and [name] [phone number]
Cake stand, decoration and an unusual wedding cake
Stand
The cake sits on a plate or a stand. Ask the baker whether one is included, and make sure the table is level and steady.
Placement
Keep it cool and out of direct sun, close to where you will cut it. A tablecloth makes it easy to see.
Decoration
Fresh flowers can match your bouquet. Ask the baker which flowers and berries are safe on a cake, and find more ideas in the guide to decoration.
Something different
Choose a cake that tells something about you, such as the flavour from your first dinner, or swap the cake for a cheese board or a dessert table.
The cake cutting and where it belongs in the programme
The cake is usually served after dinner and the speeches, before the dancing starts. In the timeline cake and coffee come at 9.30 pm. Ask the photographer to be there, and have the toastmaster call the moment so everyone gathers.
9.30 pm Cake cutting, then coffee and cake
[Name] and [name] are about to cut the wedding cake. Please gather around the table by [place]. Coffee is served after the cake, and the dance floor opens at [time].
The cake is [flavour] with [filling]. It contains [allergen]. A slice without gluten is available, ask [name].
The cake in the programme on your wedding website
With Lysela, you add the cake cutting as a line in the programme on your wedding website, in every tier. Guests see the times and can add the day to their calendar with a link. On the wedding day, the page shows at the top what is happening now and what comes next. From Plus, you print the programme in the print studio, in the same style as the menu and the place cards.
You pay once, SEK 795, SEK 1,795 or SEK 4,900 including VAT, and the site stays up for 12 months.
What usually goes on a wedding website, and what one costs, is in the checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wedding cake cost?
The price depends on size, number of tiers, filling, decoration, whether flowers or a stand are included and whether the cake is delivered. Ask two or three bakers for a proposal based on the same brief, and you can compare.
How many slices does a wedding cake need?
Allow one slice per guest if the cake is the dessert, plus a few extra. Served with coffee, the slices can be smaller. The baker knows how many slices a cake gives.
When should you order a wedding cake?
As soon as the date and venue are set. Popular weekends book early, and ordering early leaves time for a tasting.
What can you have instead of a wedding cake?
Prinsesstårta, kransekaka, cupcakes, a cheese board or a dessert table. Choose by the number of guests and what you serve at dinner.