Cake Before Dinner: Wedding Tradition Or Taboo?

The age-old question of whether to have dessert before dinner has plagued wedding planners and couples alike for years. While some people opt to cut the cake before the meal, the majority of people tend to cut the cake after the meal, with some even suggesting that cutting the cake before the meal is weird. Some couples have the cake delivered the day before the wedding, while others opt for a few hours before the ceremony. Ultimately, the decision of when to cut the cake is up to the couple and can be influenced by various factors such as the type of dinner being served (plated vs. buffet) and the timeline of the reception.

Cake cutting as a couple

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic detail of the wedding, with the tradition dating back to the ancient Romans. Today, the ceremony symbolises the couple's first joint task as newlyweds, with one partner placing their hand over the other's while cutting the first slice of cake, reflecting their promise to support each other.

The cake cutting usually happens after dinner, between dinner and the parent dances, as it lets guests know that the reception is almost over. However, some couples prefer to cut the cake before dinner so that the servers can take the cake to the back and continue cutting and preparing to serve it to guests during the meal.

To cut the cake, the couple should position themselves so that one person is standing closest to the cake and holding the knife with their dominant hand, while the other stands behind, placing their hand on top. Using the knife, cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding a sawing motion to prevent the cake from crumbling. If you want a square-shaped piece, make a parallel slice about one to two inches over. For a wedge-shaped piece, make two diagonal cuts into the cake.

Once the initial piece is cut, the couple usually feeds each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another. Some couples opt to smash the cake into each other's faces instead. This should be discussed ahead of time so that neither party is caught off-guard.

After the couple has cut the cake, the catering staff will take over and bring it back to the kitchen to slice for the rest of the guests.

Cake serving logistics

The wedding cake is often served as dessert, so it makes sense to cut the cake after the main course has been served and consumed. However, there are several other factors to consider when planning the cake-cutting ceremony.

Firstly, if you are planning to have your wedding cake as the dessert, it is important to ensure that it is cut and served promptly after the main course to prevent the cake slices from drying out. This means that the cake should be cut while your guests are still seated for dinner.

Secondly, if you are serving a buffet, it is a good idea to cut the cake before the buffet starts so that guests can help themselves to dessert at the same time. This prevents the need for guests to return to the buffet later, which can be inconvenient and disrupt the flow of the reception.

Thirdly, if you have a large number of guests, it may be necessary to cut the cake earlier to allow sufficient time for all the slices to be prepared and served. In this case, it is a good idea to have a small display cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and additional sheet cakes or cupcakes to be served to the guests. This will ensure that there is enough cake for everyone and speed up the serving process.

Finally, the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony can be influenced by the availability of the photographer and videographer. If you want them to capture this moment, make sure to plan the cake-cutting around their schedule.

6:30 pm: Guests arrive and find their seats

6:45 pm: Wedding party enters and takes their places

7:00 pm: Cake-cutting ceremony

7:15 pm: Dinner is served

7:45 pm: Toasts and speeches

8:00 pm: First dance

8:30 pm: Dessert is served (cake or alternative option)

Remember, the order of events at your wedding reception is ultimately up to you and your partner. You can choose to cut the cake before or after dinner, as long as you consider the practicalities and ensure that your guests are well-looked after.

Cake cutting before dinner

There are several different opinions on whether the cake should be cut before or after dinner at a wedding. Some people think it is weird to cut the cake before dinner, whereas others think it is totally normal.

One reason to cut the cake before dinner is that it gives the servers time to slice and serve the cake while people are eating. This also means that the cake is ready to be served immediately after the meal. It also means that the cake cutting doesn't interrupt the party later in the evening, and more people are likely to see it. If you are having a buffet, it means that people can get their dessert at the same time as their main course, so they don't have to go back up for dessert.

However, some people think that cutting the cake before dinner feels rushed and that it is strange to do it as soon as the bridal party arrives. It can also be a signal to older guests that it is okay to leave. If the cake is cut before dinner, it might dry out while people are eating.

Some people suggest that the cake should be cut shortly after arriving at the venue, and then the catering staff can cut and plate the cake closer to dinner time. This means that the cake cutting can act as a ribbon-cutting to introduce that "dinner is served" or "let the party begin".

Cake cutting after dinner

There are many different ways to structure a wedding reception, and the cake cutting can occur at different times depending on the preferences of the couple and their wedding planner. While some couples choose to cut the cake before dinner, others opt to cut it after dinner as a dessert. Here are some advantages and considerations for cutting the cake after dinner:

Advantages of Cutting the Cake After Dinner:

• It follows the traditional meal sequence, where dessert is served after the main course. This can create a familiar and comfortable flow for the guests.
• By cutting the cake after dinner, you allow time for the cake to be the centre of attention. Displaying the cake throughout the reception ensures that all guests can admire it before it is cut and served.
• Cutting the cake after dinner can be a great way to signal the transition from the meal to the dancing and entertainment portion of the evening. It can create a natural break and provide an opportunity for guests to mingle and socialise.
• If you have a buffet-style dinner, cutting the cake after dinner allows guests to see and admire the cake as they walk by. This can increase the likelihood of guests indulging in a slice.

Considerations for Cutting the Cake After Dinner:

• Timing is crucial to ensure the cake doesn't dry out. It is important to coordinate with the caterers to ensure the cake is served soon after it is cut to maintain its freshness.
• If you plan to cut the cake after dinner, consider the time required to slice and serve it to your guests. This process can take longer than expected, especially for large weddings. Ensure you have sufficient staff or helpers to facilitate the process.
• Some older guests may interpret the cake-cutting as a signal that they can leave. If you want to ensure their extended presence, you may need to communicate alternative signals or gently inform them of your timeline.

Ultimately, the decision to cut the cake after dinner depends on your personal preference and the flow of your wedding reception. Discuss the options with your partner, wedding planner, and other vendors to determine what works best for your special day.

Sheet cakes and serving sizes

Sheet cakes are a popular choice for weddings and other events, as they are easy to transport and serve. They are often used in addition to a wedding cake, to provide more servings for larger weddings on a budget.

The number of servings you can get from a sheet cake depends on the size of the cake and the size of each slice. A standard wedding cake slice is about 4 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 2 inches long. For parties, slices are usually 2x2 inches or 2x3 inches.

Full-Sheet Cake

A full-sheet cake typically measures 18 x 24 inches and requires approximately 16 cups of batter. It can serve up to 80 people, depending on the size of the slices.

Half-Sheet Cake

A half-sheet cake usually measures 18 x 12 inches and uses 7 to 8 cups of batter. It can serve 36-48 guests, depending on the slice size.

Quarter-Sheet Cake

A quarter-sheet cake is typically 9 x 13 inches and uses up to 4 cups of batter. It can feed 20-24 people.

To calculate the number of servings for a sheet cake, you can use the following formula:

> Number of Servings = Pan Area ÷ Cake Serving Size Area

> Pan Area = Pan Length x Pan Width

> Cake Serving Size Area = Piece of Cake Length x Piece of Cake Width

For example, for an 18 x 26-inch sheet cake with 2 x 2-inch slices, the calculations would be as follows:

> Pan Area = 18 x 26 = 468 square inches

> Cake Serving Size Area = 2 x 2 = 4 square inches

> Number of Servings = 468 ÷ 4 = 117 servings

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual number of servings may vary depending on the thickness of the cake and the desired slice size.

Frequently asked questions