The Wedding Cake Conundrum: To Serve Or Not To Serve?

Wedding cakes are an iconic part of a wedding reception and are considered a special wedding element. However, couples are not obligated to serve a classic wedding cake and can opt for alternative desserts or no dessert at all. Those who choose to serve cake may decide to have a small cake for themselves and offer other desserts to their guests. Ultimately, the decision rests on the couple's preferences, and there are no rules dictating whether cake must be served at a wedding.

Cake-cutting ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that has been practised for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome. While the original custom involved breaking bread or a simple wheat or barley loaf over the bride's head, today's ceremony is a meaningful moment that symbolises the couple's new life together.

The cake-cutting ceremony typically takes place after dinner, signalling to guests that the reception is coming to an end. It is often done early on in the reception, so that families with young children or elderly guests can leave after the ceremony if they wish to. The couple stands in front of the cake table, with the bride usually on the left. The bride then takes the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers, and they make the first cut together at the front of the bottom tier. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves, feeding each other the first bites to symbolise their commitment to providing for one another.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a beloved tradition and a major photo opportunity, capturing the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. It is a symbolic ritual that represents partnership, teamwork, and the ability to work together. While some couples choose to smash cake into each other's faces, this is generally frowned upon as immature or disrespectful.

For couples who don't like cake, there are alternative dessert options to choose from. Cupcakes, donut walls, macarons, and cheese wheels are all unique ways to serve a show-stopping treat that pays homage to the custom without serving an actual cake.

Cake alternatives

There are many reasons why couples choose not to serve a classic wedding cake. It may be due to pure preference, dietary requirements, or wanting to break from tradition. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to serve a show-stopping dessert that pays homage to the custom without serving an actual cake.

Individual Treats

If you're looking for something pre-portioned for each guest, you could try:

• Mini key lime pies
• Cake pops
• Cupcakes
• Cookies
• Brownies
• Macarons
• Doughnuts
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Mini cheesecakes
• Chocolate mousse
• Mini pies
• Churros
• Cream puffs
• Eclairs
• Cannolis
• Cobblers
• Tiramisu
• Crepes
• Rice Krispie treats
• Baklava
• Bundt cakes

Displays

For a more decorative option, you could try a:

• Donut wall
• Macaron pyramid
• Oreo cookie tower
• Cheese wheel cake
• Ice cream sundae bar
• Dessert table
• Candy bar
• Charcuterie display

Cultural Options

To pay homage to your heritage, you could try:

• Millefoglie (Italian)
• Croquembouche (French)
• Cannolis (Italian)
• Belgian waffles
• Apple strudel (German)

Breakfast Options

For a brunch wedding, you could try:

• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Cinnamon buns
• Breakfast snacks

Savoury Options

For those who prefer savoury over sweet, you could try:

• A cake made from wheels of cheese
• Steak and potatoes cake

Timing of cake-cutting

The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony at a wedding is a significant aspect that influences the overall flow of the reception. Here are some key considerations and options for the timing of this special moment:

• Before Dinner: Opting to cut the cake before dinner is a practical choice. It ensures that guests who prefer to leave early can enjoy the dessert. This timing also allows for smoother transitions between events, as the cake can be sliced and served while guests are having their entrées. It is a good option to ensure the photographer captures the moment, especially if their coverage ends before the planned cake-cutting time.
• After Dinner: Traditionally, the cake-cutting ceremony was the last event of the reception, signalling to guests that they could depart. While it is still common to cut the cake towards the end of dinner, it is no longer reserved for the very end. This timing indicates to older guests that they are welcome to leave whenever they are ready and won't miss any formalities.
• During the Party: If there are many guests who love to dance, consider waiting until later in the evening, around 9:00 pm, to serve the cake. This timing signals that the party is winding down and gives guests plenty of time on the dance floor before indulging in sweets.

When deciding on the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony, it is essential to consider the overall flow of the reception, the preferences of the guests, and ensuring that special moments are captured by the photographer. Ultimately, the decision should reflect what the couple feels is best for their celebration.

Cake serving

The wedding cake is a significant part of the reception, with its own special moment. It is entirely up to the couple whether they want to serve cake or not. However, if they do, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, the timing of the cake-cutting plays a big role in the reception. Traditionally, it was the last moment of the reception, signalling to guests that they could leave. Nowadays, it usually happens earlier, but still serves the same purpose, especially for older guests. It is often cut towards the end of dinner, just before dancing begins, and is the last "official" event of the evening.

If the couple wants to ensure that guests who prefer to leave early can take advantage of dessert, they can opt to have the cake-cutting ceremony before dinner and serve the cake after guests have eaten. Alternatively, they can wait until later in the evening, around 9 pm, to serve the cake, signalling that the party is winding down.

When it comes to serving the cake, it is important to ensure that it is done neatly and efficiently. Wedding cakes need to be cut in a specific way, and it can be time-consuming, especially for amateurs. It is recommended to have a professional handle the cake-cutting and serving, such as a caterer or coordinator. If the couple is looking to save money, they could ask a family member or a member of the bridal party to help, but this may take away from their enjoyment of the night.

Another option is to have individual cakes or cupcakes for each table, providing a structured experience and ensuring that everyone gets dessert without the wait. This can also be a fun twist on the traditional wedding cake, such as a tower of Oreos or a stack of pancakes. Ultimately, it is the couple's decision, and there are many ways to make the cake-serving moment special and memorable.

Cake toppers

Wedding cakes are an iconic part of a wedding reception. However, some couples may choose to break from tradition and opt for alternative desserts. Whether you decide to serve a classic wedding cake or something different, a cake topper can be a great way to add a personalised touch to your celebration.

Types of Cake Toppers

• Romantic Bride and Groom Cake Toppers: These toppers typically feature a couple in wedding attire and can be personalised to resemble the happy couple. They are a classic choice for a wedding cake.
• Funny Cake Toppers: For a light-hearted touch, you can choose cake toppers with a humorous theme, such as funny phrases or playful designs.
• Sporty Cake Toppers: If the couple has a passion for sports, you can find toppers featuring sports equipment or other related motifs.
• Rustic Cake Toppers: Rustic weddings often call for natural, rustic cake toppers made from wood or other materials that complement the wedding's theme.
• Acrylic Cake Toppers: Acrylic toppers are a modern choice, offering a versatile and unique aesthetic. They can be customised with names, dates, or other details, creating a cherished keepsake.
• Vintage Cake Toppers: Vintage-themed weddings may opt for elegant, vintage cake toppers, often featuring classic designs and sophisticated details.
• Custom Cake Toppers: For a truly unique touch, custom cake toppers can be designed to match any wedding theme, colour scheme, or personal style.

Cultural and Inclusive Options

It is also important to note that cake toppers can be inclusive and representative of different cultures and backgrounds. For example, traditional Asian and Indian custom wedding cake toppers feature the bride and groom in their respective cultural wedding attire. Same-sex couples can also find custom options that tell their unique love story.

Frequently asked questions