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Original poster

What size birthday cake?

10 replies

NatterNatter50 · 27/12/2025 16:59

Hello - I am planning a big birthday party for DS for the first time. He is in reception so I have to invite the entire class (that’s what all other parents have been doing and I don’t want to leave anyone out). So there could ne around 30 kids at the party. What size cake should I get? I’d prefer to cut some cake up in advance and put it in party bags before the party as that’s what’s happened at every party we’ve been to and DH and I will have nobody helping us at the party so we want to take the stress out of managing a party with 30 kids and think a separate cake for singing/pictures and a separate sheet cake for cutting in advance would be best (we are not doing this to be stingy or trashy).

So What does everyone do in terms of the sheet cake? Do you just ask the baker to make an extra sheet cake in the same coloured icing as the main cake? Getting a big standard white iced sheet cake from Costco does seem a bit insulting I guess so Im not sure about that. And then what size would you have the main cake that’s put out for the pictures? I have no clue about sizes and don’t want a large cake to look OTT but at the same time don’t want the cake to look too small so it looks odd as the party will be at a village hall. This cake would be used later for separate family party on DS actual birthday. Tia x

OP posts:
Bellagetdown · 27/12/2025 17:03

I always buy a cheap cake from Tesco to put in party bags. One of the mollys ones that cost about £6. Don’t waste money on them. Most kids will crush them into the car seats on the way home, or sit on the party bags, mash up the cake and won’t want to eat it.

Don’t stress about it and don’t waste money.

Original poster
NatterNatter50 · 27/12/2025 17:08

@Bellagetdown thanks! I wasn’t sure because read a few threads on here saying how awful it was to get supermarket cake for the bags. But I know what you mean about wasting money when the kids at that age just want any cake really.
Any ideas what size main cake I should get then? Will be getting that made by baker as I can’t bake. I’d normally get a supermarket cake for that too if I was having the party at home but as it’s his first party and at a venue I’ll get a professionally made one.

OP posts:
TheNightingalesStarling · 27/12/2025 17:12

I'd buy 30 plain cupcakes from supermarket and then edible toppers in the right theme.

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Bellagetdown · 27/12/2025 17:13

NatterNatter50 · 27/12/2025 17:08

@Bellagetdown thanks! I wasn’t sure because read a few threads on here saying how awful it was to get supermarket cake for the bags. But I know what you mean about wasting money when the kids at that age just want any cake really.
Any ideas what size main cake I should get then? Will be getting that made by baker as I can’t bake. I’d normally get a supermarket cake for that too if I was having the party at home but as it’s his first party and at a venue I’ll get a professionally made one.

Honestly, some people can just be insufferable snobs! Who care what cake is wrapped up in a party bag? Just get a cheap one.

It all depends on the party really. If you aren’t going to have cake served, and are just going for looks, size doesn’t matter.

I would always again just get a cheap cake to take to the venue to be honest. I know a lot of parents get elaborate cakes made - but it’s usually just to show off to the other parents.

Lots of kids are going to want to “help” blow out the candles. And by that, I mean blow spit all over it. You’ll probably get a couple of kids poking at it.

I would just have a supermarket one for the party to blow out candles.

Get a nicer cake made for the family celebration.

If you do want to get one made, get the biggest you can afford to be honest.

Original poster
NatterNatter50 · 27/12/2025 17:23

Thanks - so nervous about this party but yes definitely not bothered about showing off to parents. Want it to be nice but not over the top.

OP posts:
mondaytosunday · 27/12/2025 17:25

Ugh I HATE getting birthday cake in party bags! You just end up with a squishy mess in the back of the car, plus there’s no singing happy birthday and blowing out candles, unless you do a show cake then slice up a sheet cake behind the scenes. But the kids do notice this, at least mine always did! Just serve it at the party though.

Justcallmedaffodil · 27/12/2025 17:28

I wouldn’t personally do this, but to each their own. If you’re set on doing a sheet cake for party bags then honestly it may as well just be a Costco one 🤷‍♀️ Or bake your own. In terms of the main cake, probably just a standard 6-8” one?

Readingsloth · 27/12/2025 17:35

I’ve always done a cheap supermarket sheet cake for the party bags. Precut into the bags = winner for party chaos. Then something which looks jazzy for the candles/singing. As far as I’m aware no one has thought I’m a stingy twat. I stole the idea from a friend and I thought it was a great idea not a stingy one!

Sohelpmegod25 · 27/12/2025 17:37

I always buy a tray of cupcakes - sing happy birthday and hand them out for them to be eaten there and then - no messing!!!!!
nothing worse than cake wrapped with bits of napkin stuck To It! Just gross! 🤢 x

Original poster
NatterNatter50 · 27/12/2025 17:59

Thanks everyone - really helpful!

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