A Wedding Cake Cutting: An Honor Or A Chore?

Cutting the wedding cake is a significant moment in the ceremony, symbolizing the couple's first joint task as newlyweds and their promise to always be together and share their lives with each other. The couple may cut the cake together or one may place their hand over the other's hand as a symbol of their promise to support each other. This moment is also a great photo opportunity, with the couple feeding each other the first slice, or smashing cake into each other's faces. While it is a special tradition, it can also be a stressful and chaotic time for the couple and the photographer, with guests crowding around, taking photos, and shouting suggestions.

The history of cutting the wedding cake

The wedding cake has been a part of the ceremony since ancient Roman times. Back then, the groom broke bread over the bride's head to symbolise her submission, the end of her purity, and to represent good luck and fertility. This evolved during the Middle Ages, when the newlyweds would kiss over a high-stacked cake. If they were successful in kissing without knocking the cake over, it was believed they would be blessed with many children.

The English took this a step further, deciding that the bride's fertility would be increased by throwing the cake at her. In the Victorian era, it became customary for the bride to cut the cake, also known as the bride's cake, and hand out pieces to all her guests, which represented fertility. As weddings grew in size, the groom would help with the cake-cutting ceremony.

The symbolism of the couple feeding each other cake is to show others that they promise to look out for each other forever. The groom's hand is placed over the bride's to show his support and promise to take care of her and their future. Couples are encouraged to cut from the bottom tier, as a reminder of the relationship's longevity.

Today, the cake-cutting ceremony is one of the first joint ventures newly married couples take on, and is a popular and meaningful activity, with 77% of couples including it in their wedding reception.

The symbolism of the wedding cake

The wedding cake is a significant part of the wedding celebration. Cutting the cake is a special tradition that symbolises the couple's devotion to each other and their promise to always be together and share their lives. It is the first thing they do together as a married couple, signifying their shared future and willingness to support one another.

The wedding cake has been a part of weddings for a long time, dating back to ancient Rome. Initially, a cake made of wheat was broken over the bride's head to symbolise good fortune and fertility. Over time, this evolved into more elaborate and fancier cakes, with many levels, intricate designs, and expensive materials. The cake was also used to indicate the importance of the wedding—the bigger and more decorative the cake, the fancier and more special the wedding was deemed to be.

The colours, decorations, and flavours of a wedding cake can also carry symbolic meanings. For example, a cake with flowers on it might indicate that love is delicate, while ribbons or bows could symbolise the joining of two families. A chocolate cake might show that a couple is very much in love, and a fruity cake could signify a happy and plentiful future.

The act of cutting the cake is also symbolic in itself. Traditionally, the groom begins cutting the bottom layer, with the bride placing her hand on top of his as he does so, symbolising his commitment to taking care of her and their future together. However, modern couples may choose to cut the cake together or switch hand positions halfway through, reflecting their equality and unity.

When to cut the cake

Cutting the cake is a significant moment in a wedding and is often one of the first joint ventures of the newly married couple. The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony can depend on various factors, such as cultural or religious reasons, the couple's preference, and the wedding day schedule. Here is a guide on when to cut the cake:

After Dinner

Cutting the cake after dinner is a common practice. This allows guests to enjoy their meal, socialise, and then bring their attention back to the couple. It is recommended to wait at least 90 minutes after serving dinner to cut the cake, which is usually done before the last dancing set. This timing also ensures that older guests, who might consider cake-cutting as a signal that they can leave, have had their dinner and are not rushing their meal.

Before Dinner

Some couples choose to cut the cake before dinner to avoid interrupting the dancing vibe and to protect the cake. This approach can work well if the cake is served as dessert, allowing guests to eat it at their convenience. It also ensures that the cake-cutting moment is not missed by guests who might consider leaving after dinner.

During Dinner

Cutting the cake during dinner, perhaps while entrées are being served, can be a good option to get it out of the way. This timing ensures the photographer doesn't miss the moment and allows the catering staff to start slicing the cake once entrées are served.

After Toasts and Dances

To avoid giving guests the impression that the wedding is coming to an end, it is advisable to cut the cake after the toasts and dances. The toasts can be given during dinner when most guests are still seated and attentive. The cake-cutting can then follow the first dance and parent dances, opening up the dance floor for guests to join in.

Before Toasts

If the toasts are given towards the end of the reception, cutting the cake before them can be a good idea. This way, guests who consider cake-cutting as the last major event of the day won't be tempted to leave during the toasts, which should be an intimate moment.

In conclusion, the timing of the cake-cutting ceremony can vary depending on the couple's preferences and the flow of the wedding. It is essential to consider the impact of the timing on the overall reception and make sure that the cake-cutting moment is enjoyed and captured in photographs.

How to cut a wedding cake

Cutting the wedding cake is a symbolic moment and a sweet way to kick off the party. It is usually done after dinner and before the first dance or toast. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut a wedding cake:

Choose the right time and location:

The cake-cutting ceremony can be held before or after dinner, depending on your preference and schedule. If you cut the cake after dinner, allow sufficient time for guests to finish their meals and socialise before bringing attention back to the couple. The cake-cutting is often done before the last dancing set or the final event of the wedding.

When choosing a location, ensure the cake table is easily accessible and visible to guests. There should be enough room to move around the cake, and the backdrop should be well-lit and aesthetically pleasing for photographs.

Gather the essential tools:

Before the ceremony, ensure you have the necessary tools: a cake knife, one or two plates, and two forks. If you plan to make a toast, have two champagne flutes ready.

Make an announcement:

Have the emcee or DJ announce that the couple will cut the cake. You may also want to play some wedding songs to set the scene.

Cut the cake:

The couple should place both their hands on the handle of the knife and make a small cut about an inch into the cake. Then, make a connecting cut to create a wedge or box shape. Use the knife or a cake server to lift the slice onto a plate.

Enjoy the cake:

You may choose to cut one or two slices. If you cut two slices, you can each take a plate and dig in simultaneously. Alternatively, you may feed each other the first bite.

Store the cake:

After the ceremony, the cake should be wheeled back into the kitchen and safely refrigerated. It can then be brought out to the ideal temperature before serving slices during the wedding dessert hour.

Serve the guests:

The caterers or designated friends/family members can cut and serve the rest of the cake to the guests. It is customary for the couple to cut only the first slice, leaving the rest to the caterers.

The stress of cutting the cake for photographers

Wedding photographers have a lot of pressure on them to capture the perfect moment when the newly married couple cuts the cake. While this is a sweet and symbolic moment, it can also be one of the most stressful events to capture.

Firstly, there is the issue of timing. The cake-cutting ceremony is usually done after dinner, but before the last dance set begins, and it can be the final event of the wedding. This means that photographers only have one chance to capture the moment, and they must be ready with the right lighting and angles to get the perfect shot.

Secondly, photographers often have to compete with enthusiastic guests who want to capture the moment on their cell phones. Guests can crowd around the couple, pushing past the photographer and making it difficult for them to get a clear shot. This can result in a chaotic and unenjoyable experience for both the couple and the photographer.

To avoid this stress, some photographers recommend cutting the cake in the centre of the dance floor after guests have been served entrees or have gone through the buffet line. This way, guests can remain seated and watch the action from a distance, without causing any disruptions. Another suggestion is to have an unannounced cake-cutting ceremony, so that only the photographer and videographer are present to capture the moment.

Overall, while the cake-cutting ceremony is a significant part of the wedding, it can be a challenging and stressful moment for photographers who want to capture the perfect shot. By planning ahead and being aware of potential challenges, photographers can ensure they capture beautiful and memorable photos of this special moment.

Frequently asked questions