Cutting Your Round Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cutting a wedding cake is a symbolic moment for the newlywed couple, representing the first act they will do together in their married life. It is also a great photo opportunity. The couple should place their hands together on the knife and cut about an inch into the cake, before making a connecting line and lifting the slice onto a plate. The couple may then feed each other the first slice, before cutting the rest of the cake or leaving it to the caterers.

Choosing the right tools

The right tools are essential for cutting a wedding cake smoothly and elegantly. Here is a list of the essential tools you will need:

A Sharp Serrated Cake Knife

A sharp serrated knife is ideal for cutting through the cake layers and frosting without crushing or smushing the delicate cake slices. The serrations allow for a clean cut, and a gentle sawing motion will help you achieve precise slices. Remember to wipe the knife with a damp cloth after every few slices to prevent the knife from getting sticky and to ensure crisp, even cuts.

Plates and Forks

You will need one or two plates to place the cake slices on. If you plan to feed each other a bite of the cake, you will need two forks as well. Some couples also choose to have champagne flutes nearby for a toast during the cake-cutting ceremony.

Additional Tools for Cutting the Entire Cake

If you or someone else is tasked with cutting the entire cake for serving, additional tools will be necessary. These include a chef's knife, an offset spatula, gloves, paper towels, and an assistant for setting out plates. For tiered cakes, you may also need to remove wooden dowels, straws, or plastic tubes used for support.

Practice and Preparation

While it may seem like a simple task, cutting a wedding cake with your partner can be nerve-wracking with all the guests watching. Practicing beforehand can help you feel more confident and ensure a graceful cake-cutting ceremony. You can also decide in advance whether you want to cut the cake in a wedge or box shape.

Cake positioning for photos

The cutting of the wedding cake is a symbolic moment and a perfect photo opportunity. To capture the moment, here are some tips for positioning the cake:

Location

Choose a solid location with a good backdrop for photos. Ensure there is enough space for the couple to stand comfortably on either side of the cake and enough room to move around it. Avoid placing the cake in direct sunlight, as this could cause the tiers to slide. Opt for a spot that is well-lit and easily accessible to guests.

Cake Display

When selecting a cake table, consider the size, shape, and design of the cake. The cake should be displayed prominently and be easily visible to guests. The couple will stand on the side of the cake, allowing guests to watch and the photographer to capture the moment.

Cake Cutting

The couple will cut the cake following dinner. They will make the first ceremonial cut together, usually on the bottom tier, as this is the portion served to the guests. The couple should choose a tier that is at a comfortable height for both of them to reach. They will cut a small slice from the side of the chosen tier, slicing towards the centre. The first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves, and it is used for feeding each other the first bite.

Photography

The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant moment that symbolises the couple's new life together. It is a cherished photo opportunity, capturing the couple's partnership and teamwork. The photographer should be positioned to capture the couple's expressions and the cake in the same frame.

Final Thoughts

While the location and positioning of the cake are important for photos, the key is to capture the joy and celebration of the moment. The cake-cutting ceremony is a beloved tradition, and the photos should reflect the happiness and unity of the couple as they embark on their married life together.

How to cut a wedge slice

Cutting a wedding cake is a symbolic moment and makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut a wedge slice from a round wedding cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Tools and the Cake

Firstly, gather the essential tools: a cake knife, one or two plates, and two forks. You may also want to have two champagne flutes if you plan to make a toast during the cake cutting.

Before cutting, decide whether you will cut a wedge or box-shaped slice. If you opt for a wedge, ensure the cake is stable and not likely to collapse. If the cake has multiple tiers, you may need to remove the upper tiers and cut them separately on the table.

Step 2: Positioning and Technique

Position yourself and your partner on either side of the cake, with your hands placed together on the handle of the knife.

When cutting a wedge, decide which tier you will cut from, and choose a comfortable height. Cut about an inch into the cake, then make a connecting line to form the wedge. Use a gentle sawing motion as you cut to ensure a clean slice.

Step 3: Remove the Slice

Use either the knife or a cake server to carefully lift the wedge slice out of the cake and place it on the plate.

Step 4: Enjoy the First Bite

You can cut a single slice and use individual forks to feed each other the first bite, or you can cut two small slices and dig in together to celebrate!

Remember, it's a good idea to practice cutting the cake beforehand, and don't stress too much about the location of the first cut—the most important thing is to enjoy this special moment with your partner!

How to cut a box slice

The box slice is a popular way to cut a wedding cake, especially if you want to serve it as dessert. It's also a great option if you're looking for a more uniform look for your cake slices. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut a box slice:

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Cake

Before you start cutting, make sure you have a sharp serrated knife and a cake server. It's also a good idea to have some damp and dry kitchen towels ready to wipe your knife in between slices. Decide whether you want to cut your cake in a traditional box shape or a wedge. If you're going for the box slice, measure two inches in from the cake's outer edge. You can use the edge of your thumb as a guide.

Step 2: Score a Circle

Lightly score a circle along the two-inch mark you just made. Scoring will help you adjust your line if needed. Make sure your circle is centred and looks symmetrical before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Cut a Half-Circle

Cut a half-circle along half of your score line. This technique adds stability and prevents the other side of the cake from falling over. It's important to cut with a gentle sawing motion to ensure your slices are even and neat.

Step 4: Cut 1-Inch Slices

Start cutting 1-inch slices from the outer edge of the half-circle you just created. Continue cutting these 1-inch slices until you've served the entire outer half of the cake. This method ensures that each slice is the same size and creates a neat presentation.

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side

Once you've finished cutting slices from the first half, move to the other side of the cake. Cut a second half-circle along the remaining score line, and then cut additional 1-inch pieces from this outer edge. Now you should have a smaller, intact cake in the centre.

Step 6: Work with the Remaining Cake

If you're working with a 10-inch or larger cake, repeat steps 1 to 4 until you're left with a 6-inch or 4-inch round centre cake. For smaller cakes, you may want to cut larger slices, such as 1.5-inch or 2-inch pieces, depending on your preference and the number of guests you need to serve.

Step 7: Final Cuts

Once you're left with the small centre cake, you can cut it into small wedges. These wedges can be served as-is or used for additional servings if needed.

Remember, it's always a good idea to practice cutting your cake beforehand, especially if you're cutting in front of an audience. With these steps, you'll be able to confidently cut a box slice and serve your wedding cake in a neat and efficient manner.

How to cut a round cake

Cutting a round wedding cake is a symbolic moment for the newlywed couple and makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut a round wedding cake:

Step 1: Choose the Right Location and Tools

First, choose a spot to display the cake that is easily accessible and visible to guests. Ensure there is enough room to move around the cake, and select a well-lit location with an attractive backdrop for photos. Before the cake-cutting ceremony, gather the essential tools: a cake knife, plates, and forks. You may also want to have champagne flutes if the couple plans to make a toast.

Step 2: Positioning and Cutting the Cake

When it's time to cut the cake, the couple will stand beside the cake, with their hands placed together on the wedding cake knife. They will make a small ceremonial cut, slicing about one inch into the cake, then connecting it with another line. This cut is usually made on the side of a tier that is a comfortable height for both individuals.

Step 3: Removing the First Slice

Use either the knife or a cake server to carefully remove the small slice of cake and place it on a plate. Some couples may choose to cut two small slices, each on their own plates. Once the slice is on the plate, the couple can feed each other the first bite, symbolizing the sweetness of their new life together.

Step 4: Cutting the Rest of the Cake

After the couple has made the ceremonial first cut, the caterers or designated friends/family members can cut the rest of the cake. For a standard 4" tall cake, measure two inches from the outer edge and lightly score a circle. Then, cut a half-circle along this line to provide stability and prevent the other side from falling over. Cut 1" slices from this outer edge, repeating the process on the other side of the cake. Continue this process, working towards the centre of the cake, until you are left with a smaller cake or a few final slices. For the final slices, score and cut the centre cake into small wedges.

Tips for a Smooth Cake-Cutting Experience:

• Wipe the knife in a damp kitchen towel and then a dry one every few slices to prevent the knife from getting too messy and sticky.
• For tiered cakes, check with the baker for recommendations on cutting. Typically, you can cut smaller tiered cakes from the top down, removing each tier and cake board before starting on the next layer.
• For larger tiered cakes, it is best to remove the top tiers and cut them on the table.
• Practise cutting the cake beforehand to get a feel for the process and reduce nerves.
• Choose a suitable backdrop for photos, ensuring there are no fire extinguishers or alarms in the background.
• If you plan to serve only cake for dessert, consider cutting larger slices.

Frequently asked questions