Cake Or No Cake: Wedding Reception Conundrum

Whether or not to have cake at a wedding reception is a question that divides opinion. Some people believe that it is perfectly acceptable to forgo the cake, while others argue that it is an essential part of the celebration. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and cultural traditions.

One argument in favour of having cake is that it is a long-standing tradition that brings good luck and prosperity to the newlyweds. It also provides a sweet moment for the couple to share, as they cut and feed each other the first slice. This is a memorable photo opportunity and can be a fun way to kick off the dancing portion of the reception.

However, there are also valid reasons to skip the cake. For example, some couples may prefer alternative desserts or wish to avoid the potential mess and waste of a large cake. Those on a budget may also opt for less expensive options, like cupcakes or cookies.

In the end, the decision rests with the couple and their preferences. Whether they choose to have cake or not, there are plenty of creative ways to make the reception a sweet and memorable occasion.

Cake alternatives

While wedding cakes are an iconic part of a wedding reception, they are not obligatory. Couples may opt for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake for various reasons, such as personal preference, cultural heritage, or budget constraints. Here are some unique and creative ideas for cake alternatives that will impress your guests and add a personalised touch to your special day:

• Macaron Towers: Macarons are a popular choice for wedding treats, and they can be arranged in a tower to create a visually appealing display. You can choose different flavour and colour combinations to match your wedding theme.
• Doughnut Walls: Doughnuts are a fun and interactive dessert option. Create a wall of doughnuts in various flavours and colours, or even a pyramid-shaped display for a unique twist.
• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a classic alternative to wedding cakes, offering a variety of flavours and the option to display them creatively. Consider adding edible gold foil and using a ceramic cake stand to elevate their presentation.
• Pie: Whether you choose a single large pie or mini pies, this dessert is a perfect choice for couples who want a simple yet delicious treat. Consider offering multiple flavours to cater to different tastes.
• Ice Cream: Serve ice cream sandwiches or hire an ice cream truck to provide a variety of flavours for your guests. This option is especially fun for summer weddings.
• Cheese Wheels: For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake-inspired display of cheese wheels is an elegant and unique option. You can even opt for a cheesecake if you want to incorporate a sweet element.
• Individual Cakes: Instead of a large wedding cake, provide individual cakes for each table, ensuring that all your guests enjoy a structured dessert experience without the wait.
• Cultural Desserts: Incorporate your cultural heritage into your wedding by offering traditional desserts from your chosen locale. For example, Italian millefoglie, French croquembouche, or Spanish custard-forward cakes.
• Candy Bar: Create a dreamy display of your favourite candies, satisfying every sweet tooth at your wedding.
• Assorted Desserts: Why choose just one dessert when you can have a variety? Offer an array of treats such as churros, cookies, cream puffs, brownies, or fruit tarts. Your guests will appreciate the option to choose their favourites.

Timing of cake-cutting

The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony at a wedding is flexible and depends on the preferences of the couple and their guests. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the timing:

Before or After Dinner

One option is to have the cake-cutting ceremony before dinner. This ensures that guests who prefer to leave early can still enjoy dessert. The catering team can cut and distribute the cake while guests are eating their main course. However, this may require additional coordination with the catering staff and could result in a rush to serve the cake before guests finish their meal.

Alternatively, the cake-cutting can take place after dinner. This allows time for all guests to enjoy their meal, socialise, and even dance a bit before the cake is served. Ophelia Childress, an event planner, recommends allowing 90 minutes for dinner and some social time before proceeding with the cake-cutting.

Time of Day

The time of day can also influence the timing of the cake-cutting. For a daytime wedding, an earlier sweet treat might be preferred, with lighter, fresher, and fruitier cake flavours to complement the champagne. For an evening celebration, a later, more decadent cake-cutting moment is expected. Rich chocolate or velvety caramel flavours are popular choices for evening weddings, paired with dessert cocktails.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Cultural and religious considerations may also dictate the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony. Some traditions call for the cake-cutting to take place immediately after the vows, while others incorporate dessert as a party centrepiece. It's important to respect and incorporate these cultural elements into the timing of the cake-cutting.

Other Reception Events

The cake-cutting ceremony is often followed by other reception events such as dances and speeches. To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to allow adequate time between these events. For example, if the cake-cutting is done immediately after dinner, it may be challenging to kick off the dancing portion right away. Waiting until later in the evening, around 9:00 pm, to serve the cake can signal that the party is winding down, giving guests plenty of time to dance before indulging in sweets.

In conclusion, the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony is flexible and can be tailored to the couple's preferences and the flow of the reception. Coordinating with the catering staff, photographers, and other vendors is crucial to ensuring a seamless and memorable cake-cutting experience for the couple and their guests.

Cake delivery and setup

Delivering a wedding cake can be a stressful experience, but there are several steps you can take to ensure the process goes smoothly. Firstly, it is recommended that you transport the cake in separate tiers rather than stacked, as this reduces the risk of damage. Each tier should be placed on a cake board, which is then attached to a larger cake board using vegan sugarpaste or icing. This allows you to lift the cake without touching its sides or top. To prevent the cake board from slipping, place a non-slip rubber shelf liner, or "webbing", underneath. Transport the tiers in separate plastic boxes, which can be stacked if needed.

When delivering the cake, it is important to drive carefully and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that could damage the cake. Keep the car well-ventilated and cool, and avoid placing the cake in direct sunlight or on a tilted surface. Aim to arrive at the venue about an hour before the reception begins to allow for setup and photographs. Find the cake table and ensure it is stable and suitably covered before bringing the cake inside. If the cake is to be displayed outdoors, make sure it is in a shaded area, protected from direct sunlight and other weather conditions.

Upon arrival, carefully lift the cake tiers from the boxes and assemble them using support dowels and a small offset spatula. If there is any damage to the cake, use leftover decorations or fresh flowers to cover it up. Once the cake is displayed, introduce yourself to the chef or person in charge of cutting the cake and inform them of the number of servings and any special instructions. Leave your business cards on the cake table and take photographs of the cake from various angles for your portfolio.

Cake-cutting etiquette

The cutting of the wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. It is a symbolic act that represents the newlyweds' first task as a married couple, setting the tone for their future together.

The History of Cutting Wedding Cakes

In ancient Rome, the 'cake' was a simple wheat or barley loaf that was broken over the bride's head to bring good fortune to the couple and their guests. Over time, the cake evolved into a tiered, ornate confection that became a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and a happy future.

Cake-cutting Ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is usually performed by the couple together. The bride typically makes the first cut, often with the groom's hand over hers, followed by the couple feeding each other the first bites. This is considered a major photo opportunity and is often followed by dancing.

Timing

The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony can vary. It is often done before dinner, allowing early-departing guests to enjoy dessert, or after dinner, around 7:45 pm, followed by dancing. Alternatively, it can be done later in the evening, around 9 pm, to signal that the party is winding down.

Cake-cutting Process

The couple stands in front of the cake table, with the bride usually on the left. They make the first cut together at the front of the bottom tier, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. This first slice is then cut into two smaller pieces, and the couple feeds each other. The rest of the cake is then cut and served to the guests by the catering staff or designated helpers.

Cake-cutting Tips

• Use a sharp, serrated knife for clean, precise cuts.
• Cut the cake with a gentle sawing motion, rather than pressing down too hard.
• If the cake was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting to ease the process.
• Cut the cake from the back to the front to avoid crumbling the edges.
• Add a cake-cutting set to your wedding registry, which can include a special knife and server.
• The bride and groom should always cut the first slice together.
• The couple should feed each other the first bite of cake, either by hand or with a fork.
• Avoid "smashing" cake in each other's faces, as this can be seen as immature or disrespectful.
• The catering team or designated helpers should handle the rest of the cake cutting and serving.

Cake Alternatives

While wedding cakes are traditional, they are not mandatory. Alternatives such as pies, doughnuts, cookies, or a dessert bar can be considered. Ultimately, it is the couple's preference, and they can choose what best suits their tastes and the style of their wedding.

Saving the top tier

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, be careful about where you cut the cake. If you're having a cake-cutting ceremony and want to save the top tier, only slice pieces from the bottom tier so that the top tier remains untouched. Secondly, prepare ahead of time by asking your catering staff to take off the top tier of the cake immediately after the cutting ceremony and box it for transportation. If you're going on your honeymoon right after the wedding, appoint a family member or friend to take the cake home and prepare it for preservation.

When you're ready to freeze the cake, remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers and cake toppers, and chill the cake so that the icing hardens. This will prevent making a mess when you wrap it up. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, not aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag, label it, and store it safely on a freezer shelf.

It's important to note that not all cakes are created equal when it comes to preservation. Oil-based cakes, such as chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake, tend to have a longer shelf life. Cakes with more delicate ingredients, like white cake, fresh fruit cake, and whipped cream fillings, will dry out faster. If you're unsure, ask your baker for recommendations on which type of cake is best for preservation.

When it's time to enjoy your preserved cake, simply take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, leave it at room temperature on the counter for five to six hours, unwrapped, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions