Cutting Your Own Wedding Cake: Is It Worth It?

Cutting the wedding cake is a symbolic and fun activity for the newlyweds to celebrate their special day together. The cake-cutting ceremony is often considered the last official event of the evening, but choosing when to cut the cake can help curate the rest of the evening's festivities, or even signal the end of the celebrations. The bride and groom may make the first cut, but they're generally not the people handing out slices.

The bride and groom make the first cut

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and fun activity for the newlyweds to celebrate their wedding day together. It is a tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans, who broke bread (or cake) over the bride's head.

How to Cut the Cake

The couple should use a wedding cake knife set, which makes a quick and clean cut and can be kept as a memento. They should cut a small slice from the bottom tier of the cake, as the wider base is sturdier and less likely to collapse. They should cut slowly and firmly, and guide the slice onto a plate.

Feeding Each Other

After cutting the first slice, the newlyweds feed it to each other, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another. This can be done gently or, if the couple chooses, with a playful cake smash. However, it is important to discuss this beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Timing

The cake-cutting ceremony usually takes place shortly after dinner, signalling to older guests that it is polite to leave if they wish. It is often considered the last "official" event of the evening. However, the couple may choose to cut the cake at other times, such as before dinner or during the toasts.

The groom's hand goes over the bride's

The groom's hand traditionally goes over the bride's when cutting the wedding cake. This symbolises their unity and their promise to support each other in their marriage.

The cake-cutting ceremony is often seen as the first joint task of the newlyweds, and the groom's hand over the bride's symbolises their teamwork. It also shows that the groom is there to support the bride as she makes the first cut.

The couple will make two gentle cuts to form a single slice of cake. They will then feed each other a bite of the slice, and may choose to smash the cake into each other's faces playfully, although this is becoming less popular.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and fun activity for the newlyweds, and it is a special moment in their wedding day. It is also a great photo opportunity and a chance for the couple to show their love and commitment to each other.

The cake is cut into small slices

Cutting a wedding cake into small slices can be a tricky task, especially if it's a round cake. Here are some tips to help you achieve evenly sized slices:

The Ring Method:

This method is suitable for round cakes and involves the following steps:

• Slide your knife under the cake board and carefully remove the top tier. Place it gently aside. Repeat this step until you reach the base layer. Remember to clean your knife between cuts to avoid getting crumbs and icing on the other layers.
• On the bottom layer, cut out a small circle in the middle, leaving enough room on the perimeter to cut smaller slices.
• Cut 1-inch slices around the perimeter of the cake.
• Cut the round interior into small, 1-inch wedges.
• Repeat this process for the other layers.

The Rectangular Slice Method:

This method is a bit easier and can be used for round or rectangular cakes:

• Start by gently removing the first tier and placing it aside.
• Clean your knife between cuts to avoid crumbs and frosting on the slices.
• Cut the cake in a straight line down the center, stopping about half an inch from the edge to maintain stability.
• Cut the cake in the opposite direction, forming a grid-like pattern.
• Continue cutting until you have mostly 1-inch slices.

General Tips:

• Standard wedding cake servings are typically 1-inch by 2-inch slices, while larger party-size slices are about 1.5-inches by 2-inches.
• Avoid making a sawing motion when cutting the cake, as it may cause the cake to crumble.
• If you want a square-shaped piece, make a parallel cut about one to two inches from the first slice. For a wedge-shaped piece, make two diagonal cuts.
• It is recommended to use a wedding cake knife set or a large professional-grade knife for a quick and clean cut.

Remember, cutting a wedding cake can be time-consuming and messy, so don't hesitate to ask your catering team or baker for instructions if needed.

The couple feed each other

Feeding each other the first slice of wedding cake is a sweet moment and a symbol of the couple's loving relationship. The tradition dates back to Roman times, when a couple eating the first piece of cake together was believed to instil a special bond and symbolise a mutual promise to provide for one another. The wheat in the cake was also thought to represent fertility, and its sugar sweetness in the union.

The cake-cutting ceremony is usually done after dinner, marking the end of the reception for older guests. The groom's hand should go over the bride's when cutting the cake, symbolising their teamwork in married life. The couple can then gently feed each other a slice, before handing over to the catering team to cut and serve the rest of the cake.

While some couples opt for a simple feeding, others choose to smash the cake into each other's faces. It is recommended that couples discuss this beforehand to avoid any surprises! Couples may also choose to use alternative foods, such as chocolate-dipped fruit or mini-doughnuts.

The cake is cut after dinner

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and fun activity for the newlyweds. It is often considered the last "official" event of the evening, marking the end of the night for older guests. Cutting the cake after dinner is a natural progression for the meal and can easily segue into the speech portion of the evening.

The cake-cutting ceremony is also a great photo opportunity. The couple should listen to the photographer to get the best possible photos and memories of this moment. The groom's hand should go over the bride's when cutting the cake, symbolising their unity and promise to support each other.

After the couple has cut the first slice, they should gently feed each other. This is a sweet moment that shows their loving relationship. The couple should discuss beforehand whether they want to keep it simple or smash the cake playfully into each other's faces.

The couple should use the right tools for cutting the cake. They will need a knife and a server, which resembles a spatula. They can request a silver-plated knife and server set as a shower gift or borrow them from the reception venue.

The couple should also get into the right position before cutting the cake. Even if one or both are left-handed, they should use their right hands to show they are acting in unison. They should stand behind the cake so that guests can see their faces and the cake is in the camera frame.

For the cleanest cut, the couple should aim for the base or bottom layer of the cake. They should slice down slowly and firmly. One person can hold the plate while the other uses the server to guide the slice of cake onto the plate.

After the couple and their parents have received their slices, the cake is usually moved to the kitchen to be cut into pieces for the guests.

Frequently asked questions