Who Serves The Wedding Cake And How?

Wedding cakes are a traditional part of wedding receptions, but modern couples are increasingly choosing to forgo the classic cake in favour of alternative desserts. Wedding cakes are typically served following dinner, but the timing can vary depending on the preferences of the couple and their guests. Some couples opt for a cake-cutting ceremony before dinner, while others may wait until later in the evening after guests have danced. The type of dessert served is also evolving, with many couples choosing to serve individual cakes, dessert tables, or interactive sweet stations instead of a traditional tiered cake. Ultimately, the choice of when and how to serve wedding cake or other desserts is a personal decision that reflects the couple's style and cultural traditions.

Cake-cutting ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant tradition at weddings. It usually takes place during the reception and often has a dedicated time slot, known as the "cake-cutting moment". Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating this ritual into your wedding celebration:

Timing is key

There are several factors to consider when deciding on the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony. Firstly, think about the time of day. If you're having a daytime wedding, you might want to serve a light and fruity cake earlier in the afternoon. On the other hand, for an evening celebration, a richer, more decadent cake served later in the night pairs well with dessert cocktails.

Additionally, there are a few common options for the ceremony's timing in relation to dinner. One option is to have the cake-cutting before dinner, ensuring that guests who leave early can still enjoy dessert. Alternatively, you can wait until after dinner, typically around 7:45 pm, to cut the cake, although this may make it challenging to transition smoothly into the dancing portion of the evening. If you have many guests who love to dance, you might want to cut the cake even later, around 9:00 pm, as a signal that the party is winding down.

Serving the cake

When it comes to serving the cake, there are a few options. Some couples choose to have a small "cutting cake" for the ceremony and photos, and then a separate sheet cake or cupcakes for serving to the guests. This can be a good option if you want to ensure that everyone gets a perfectly portioned slice. You can ask your caterer, coordinator, or a family member to cut and serve the cake. Alternatively, for a more relaxed approach, you can set up a dessert table and let guests serve themselves.

Making it personal

The cake-cutting ceremony can be a great way to incorporate cultural elements and personal touches into your wedding. Consider choosing a cake flavour or type that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. For example, if you have a favourite cookie, you could stack them into a wedding cake shape or incorporate them into the dessert table. Or, if you prefer savoury over sweet, why not opt for a cake made of cheese wheels?

Creative alternatives

While the traditional cake-cutting ceremony is a popular choice, it's not the only option. If you want to break from tradition, you could set up an interactive sweet station or a dessert table with a variety of treats for guests to choose from. Individual cakes for each table can also be a fun and structured way to ensure everyone gets dessert.

Whatever option you choose, remember that the cake-cutting ceremony is a special moment that your guests will enjoy and a wonderful way to add a touch of sweetness to your wedding celebration.

Cake alternatives

If you don't want to serve a traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Here are some ideas for cake alternatives that will wow your guests:

• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a popular choice for weddings, as they can be displayed creatively and offer a variety of flavours.
• Donut walls: Donuts are a fun and interactive option, and can be displayed in a pyramid shape to resemble a traditional wedding cake.
• Macarons: These colourful French pastries are a elegant choice and can be displayed in a unique ombré pattern.
• Pie: Whether it's a traditional apple pie or a unique key lime pie, pie is a delicious and rustic option for a wedding dessert.
• Ice cream: Serve up a variety of ice cream flavours and create a fun and interactive ice cream sundae bar for your guests.
• Cheese wheels: For something savoury, a display of cheese wheels is a unique option that pays homage to the traditional cake shape.
• Cannolis: These Italian custard-filled treats are a perfect choice for a wedding, and can be served in mini sizes for a bite-sized dessert.
• Tiramisu: A decadent and sophisticated choice, tiramisu can be layered with whipped cream, rum, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a unique twist.
• Crepes: Delicate and refined, crepes can be displayed on a lace-inspired cake stand for a beautiful presentation.
• Oreo cookie confection: Stack Oreos in a wedding cake shape for a fun and creative dessert that's sure to impress your guests.
• Rice Krispie treats: An elevated take on a childhood favourite, Rice Krispie treats can be made in a variety of flavours and shaped like a traditional wedding cake.

Cake toppers

The cake topper is a small but significant detail that can elevate your wedding cake and make it even more special. Here are some ideas and considerations for choosing the perfect cake topper:

• Personalisation: Cake toppers offer a great opportunity to add a personal touch to your wedding cake. You can choose a topper that reflects your interests, hobbies, or even your sense of humour. For example, if you're an adventurous couple, you might opt for a cake topper featuring a pair of hiking boots or a map. Alternatively, go for something playful, like a topper that depicts the two of you riding off into the sunset on a motorcycle.
• Theme and Style: Your cake topper should complement the overall theme and style of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, consider a cake topper made from natural materials like wood or dried flowers. If your wedding has a more glamorous vibe, a sparkling crystal or metallic cake topper would be a perfect choice.
• Colour: The colour of your cake topper can be used to create a striking visual impact or to tie in with your wedding colour palette. For a bold statement, opt for a topper in a contrasting colour to your cake. Alternatively, choose a topper with subtle hints of your wedding colours for a more cohesive look.
• Size and Proportions: It's important to consider the size and proportions of your cake when selecting a topper. A large, multi-tiered cake can accommodate a more substantial topper, while a smaller cake may be better suited to something delicate and understated. Ensure the topper is proportionate to the cake to create a balanced and elegant look.
• Materials and Texture: Cake toppers come in a variety of materials, from classic porcelain or metal to more unique options like laser-cut wood or acrylic. The material you choose can add texture and interest to your cake design. For example, a metallic cake topper with a mirrored finish will create a glamorous and modern effect, while a wooden topper with a rustic finish will give a more natural and earthy feel.
• Customisation: If you want something truly unique, consider a custom-made cake topper. You can work with an artist or designer to create a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your personalities and style. Custom toppers can incorporate specific details, such as your names, wedding date, or even your pets, making them a wonderful keepsake to cherish long after the wedding.

Groom's cake

A groom's cake is a wedding cake that is entirely influenced by the groom's tastes, hobbies, and personality. It is usually designed around the groom's interests, such as sports, video games, TV shows, or professions. The groom's cake is typically richer and bolder in flavour than the wedding cake, with "masculine" flavours like chocolate or liqueur. It is often presented to the groom as a gift from his new spouse, with the spouse taking the lead in designing the cake.

The groom's cake can be served at the rehearsal dinner or alongside the main wedding cake at the reception. It is typically displayed alongside the bride's cake, on a separate table, or even as a surprise to the groom during the reception. If you have a small wedding, you may want to serve the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner to avoid an excess of dessert.

The groom's cake is a fun and personalised element of the wedding, honouring the groom's individuality. It is entirely optional and is included in about 30% of weddings today. The cost of a groom's cake is typically between $100 and $300.

Cake-serving etiquette

The wedding cake is a highly anticipated part of the reception, and there are several traditions and trends to consider when it comes to serving it. Firstly, decide whether you want to stick to the traditional route of a classic wedding cake or go for a more modern option, such as a dessert table or interactive sweet station. If you opt for the traditional cake, the time of day can influence the flavour and serving time. For a daytime celebration, a light, fresh, and fruity cake pairs well with champagne and can be served earlier in the day. On the other hand, an evening celebration calls for a richer, more indulgent cake, served later in the night, perhaps after dinner or even as a post-dancing treat.

There are several options for the specific timing of the cake-cutting ceremony. One option is to cut the cake before dinner, ensuring that guests who leave early get to enjoy dessert. Alternatively, you can cut the cake after dinner, usually around 7:45 pm, followed by speeches and dancing. However, this may disrupt the flow of the dancing portion of the evening. If you have many guests who love to dance, consider waiting until later, around 9:00 pm, to serve the cake, signalling that the party is coming to an end.

When it comes to serving the cake, there are a few options. Some couples choose to have a small cutting cake for the ceremony and photos, and then serve guests from a larger sheet cake. Others opt for individual cakes for each table or a dessert bar, allowing guests to choose their treats. If you want to stick to tradition, the cake is usually cut and served by the caterers or waitstaff. However, if you want to involve your wedding party, the bridesmaids can help pass out the cake to guests.

Frequently asked questions