Wedding Cake-Cutting: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Cutting the wedding cake is a symbolic tradition that has evolved over time. The cake-cutting ceremony is usually performed by the newly married couple and represents their first joint task as a married couple. The cake is typically cut after dinner, with the couple cutting the first slice and feeding it to each other. This act symbolises their commitment to providing for one another. The cake is then taken away by catering staff to be sliced and served to the guests.

Cake-cutting timing

The cake-cutting ceremony is one of the first joint ventures for newly married couples and is a much-loved tradition. It is also a signal to guests, particularly older guests, that the reception is drawing to a close and that they are welcome to leave. Therefore, it is important to choose the timing of the cake cutting carefully.

The cake cutting usually happens after dinner, towards the end of the reception, and before the last dancing set begins. It is often the last "official" event of the evening. Couples may choose to cut the cake immediately after dinner while people are still seated, or wait until after the first dance and any parent dances.

Some couples prefer to cut the cake earlier in the reception, especially if they have a wedding photography package where the price increases for additional hours of coverage. It is also a good idea to cut the cake earlier if you want to ensure your photographer captures the moment. Cutting the cake early also gives the catering staff more time to cut and serve the cake to guests.

If you are serving a plated meal, you could cut the cake before dinner and hand it out to guests once they have finished eating. This would require your catering team to cut the cake during dinner.

For a seamless transition, you could cut the cake after your entrance and first dance, and before sitting down for dinner. This would allow you to sit and eat without having to get up for any further activities.

Cake-cutting technique

The cake-cutting ceremony is one of the first activities done as a married couple and is a great photo opportunity. It usually takes place after dinner, before the first dance and parent dances, and is often the last 'official' event of the evening.

The couple should stand with one partner closest to the cake, holding the knife with their dominant hand, and the other partner standing behind, placing their hand on top. Cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, then make a connecting cut to form a wedge. Use the knife to lift the wedge out and place it on a plate.

The couple then feeds each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to each other. This can be a simple feeding or a cake smash, depending on the couple's preference.

The cake is then taken away by the catering staff to be sliced for the rest of the guests.

Tips

• Avoid a sawing motion when cutting the cake, as this will cause it to crumble.
• If you want a square-shaped piece, make a parallel cut about one to two inches over.
• If you want a wedge-shaped piece, make two diagonal cuts into the cake.
• The piece of cake should be big enough for at least two bites.
• Napkins or a warm, damp cloth should be kept nearby to wipe up any crumbs or frosting.
• If you want to save the top tier of the cake for your first anniversary, let the catering staff know in advance.

Cake-cutting roles

The cake-cutting ceremony is one of the first joint ventures for newly married couples. It is a symbolic detail and a meaningful tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. The couple can cut the cake whenever they like, but it is usually done after dinner, before the last dancing set begins, and can be the final event of the evening.

The cake-cutting ceremony is also a signal to older guests that they can start heading home. It is a good idea to schedule the cake-cutting ceremony earlier in the reception so that families with young children and elderly guests can leave early if they wish.

The couple stands in front of the cake, with one partner standing closest to the cake and holding the knife with their dominant hand, and the other standing behind and placing their hand on top. The couple then cuts an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding a sawing motion to prevent the cake from crumbling. They can either cut a square-shaped or a wedge-shaped piece. The piece should be big enough to have at least two bites for the couple. The couple then places the piece of cake on a plate.

After the initial piece is cut, the couple feeds each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another. This custom has sometimes evolved into the couple grinding the cake into each other's faces, although this should only be done if both partners agree to it beforehand.

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

Cake-cutting ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and longstanding wedding tradition, often serving as the first activity done as a married couple. The ceremony is also a great photo opportunity.

The wedding cake is usually cut after dinner, towards the end of the reception. This lets guests know that the reception is almost over and that they can start heading home. The cake is typically cut before the last dancing set begins and can be the final event of the wedding.

The couple can cut the cake whenever they like, but it is recommended to do it earlier in the reception so that families with young children and older guests can leave early if they need to.

Traditionally, the groom begins cutting the bottom layer of the cake, with the bride placing her hand on top of his. This signifies the groom's commitment to taking care of the bride. However, couples can cut the cake however they like, including cutting it together or switching hand positions halfway through.

The couple should position themselves with one person standing closest to the cake, holding the knife with their dominant hand, and the other standing behind. They should cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding a sawing motion to prevent the cake from crumbling. They can then make another slice parallel to the first for a square-shaped piece or two diagonal cuts for a wedge-shaped piece.

Once the initial piece is cut, the couple usually feeds each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another. This custom has sometimes evolved into the couple smashing cake into each other's faces, although it is best to stick with the simple feeding unless both partners agree to the alternative.

Cake-cutting alternatives

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic moment in a wedding reception, representing the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. However, not all couples are cake enthusiasts, and some may want to switch up this tradition with creative alternatives. Here are some unique ideas to replace the classic cake-cutting ceremony:

• Dessert Bar: Instead of a wedding cake, opt for a dessert bar featuring an assortment of treats such as brownies, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, cookies, and biscuits. This allows guests to choose their favourites and creates a visually appealing display.
• Ribbon Cutting: Set up a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony for the dessert table. Use comically large ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon, adding a touch of humour and interactivity to the event.
• Alternative Desserts: If cake isn't your style, choose a dessert that reflects your personality as a couple. This could be anything from pies, doughnuts, or cookies to more unique options like a macaron tower, a croquembouche, or even a cheese display for savoury enthusiasts.
• Smash or Feed: Whether you decide to cut a cake or opt for an alternative dessert, the moment of feeding each other a bite is a heartwarming tradition. Discuss this with your partner beforehand to ensure you're on the same page about whether to keep it neat or go for a playful cake smash.
• Specialty Display: Create a visually stunning display with your chosen alternative dessert. For instance, stack Oreo cookies or Rice Krispie treats into a wedding cake shape, or arrange cupcakes, macarons, or doughnuts into a pyramid or tower.
• Interactive Stations: Engage your guests with interactive dessert stations such as a s'mores station (perfect for camping enthusiasts) or a build-your-own dessert bar with various toppings and treats.
• Cultural Inspirations: Draw inspiration from different cultures to find unique dessert alternatives. For instance, Italian cannolis or millefoglie, French crêpes or croquembouche, or Spanish custard-forward cakes.
• Personalised Touches: Incorporate personal touches into your dessert choice. For example, if you're chocolate lovers, opt for a chocolate-coated croquembouche instead of the traditional spun sugar coating.
• Seasonal Sensations: Consider seasonal alternatives, such as mini key lime pies or chocolate mousse for a summer wedding, or Belgian waffles or apple strudel for a cosy fall celebration.
• Pre-portioned Treats: If you prefer pre-portioned desserts, explore options like cupcakes, macarons, or mini pies. This ensures each guest receives an equal serving and eliminates the need for cutting and serving a cake.

Frequently asked questions