Guide To Cutting Your Wedding Cake: Dos And Don'ts

Cutting the wedding cake is a symbolic first task for the newly married couple. It's a special moment that guests will want to witness, so it's a good idea to have the emcee or a member of the wedding party make an announcement before the couple makes the first cut. The couple stands in front of the cake table, with the bride usually on the left. The bride holds the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers. They cut a small, ceremonial piece from the front of the bottom tier, which is often the only slice they cut themselves.

Who cuts the cake?

Traditionally, the bride and groom cut the wedding cake together. The groom usually places his hand on the bride's as they cut the first slice in unity. The couple then feed each other a bite of the cake, either with a fork or by smashing it into each other's faces.

The cake-cutting ceremony is often a joint task for newlyweds, symbolising their first task as a married couple. It is usually done after dinner, to signal to guests that the reception is almost over.

Some couples prefer to have caterers cut and serve the cake, and cake designers will often provide a cutting guide to help with this.

When to cut the cake

When it's time to cut the wedding cake, you can have the emcee make an announcement so guests are aware. You may also want to attach a timeframe to the announcement to set expectations and give guests time to get seated and settle down. For example, the emcee could say, "the couple plans to cut the cake in the next ten minutes by the stage".

The couple should stand in front of the cake table, with the bride typically on the left. The bride takes the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers. Together, they make the first cut at the front of the bottom tier, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves.

After the couple's first slice, the catering staff or wedding party members take over at the cake table, using the same knife to continue slicing the cake into servings for the guests. The catering staff will then continue cutting the cake upwards, tier by tier. They won't necessarily cut the entire cake. The top tier is saved for the anniversary, while the middle tiers are served to guests.

How to cut the cake

Cutting the cake is the first task you'll do as a married couple, so it's important to get it right! Here's how to cut the cake:

First, have someone from the wedding party make an announcement that you'll be cutting the cake. You may also want to ask the DJ to play a song as the crowd gathers around you and the cake.

The couple should stand in front of the cake table, with the bride typically on the left. The bride takes the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers. Together, they make the first cut at the front of the bottom tier, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves.

After the couple has made the first cut, the catering staff or wedding party members take over at the cake table, using the same knife to continue slicing the cake into servings for the guests. The cake is cut upwards, tier by tier, but the top tier is saved for the anniversary, while the middle tiers are served to guests.

Music to play during the cake cutting

Music is an important part of the wedding cake-cutting ceremony. It can be used to build excitement and create a fun atmosphere. You may want to select a song that is food-related or a popular tune that everyone will know.

The cake-cutting ceremony is often the first task a couple does as newlyweds, so it is a special moment that deserves a fitting song. The couple should make the first cut on the bottom tier, with the bride typically on the left. The catering staff will then continue cutting the cake upwards, tier by tier.

The cake-cutting ceremony is also a great opportunity to involve your wedding party. You can have the emcee or a member of the wedding party make an announcement so guests are aware and have time to gather around.

How to serve the cake

The couple should make the first cut on the bottom tier of the cake. This is usually a small, ceremonial piece. The bride takes the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves.

After the couple has made the first cut, the catering staff or wedding party members take over at the cake table, using the same knife to continue slicing the cake into servings for the guests. The cake is then taken to the kitchen to be dismantled and portioned up.

The top tier is saved for the couple's anniversary, while the middle tiers are served to guests. The cake can be offered on platters by waiting staff or left on a table for guests to help themselves. To avoid having lots of cake left over, it's a good idea to ask the DJ, best man or toastmaster to announce when the cake is served.

Frequently asked questions