The Cake Question: Second Wedding Reception Traditions

There are many traditions and pieces of etiquette to consider when planning a wedding, and the cake is no exception. While some couples opt for cupcakes or other desserts, wedding cakes are a classic choice. But what if you're having a second reception? Should you have a wedding cake at this celebration as well? There are a few things to consider when making this decision. Firstly, it's essential to finalize the basic wedding details, including the number of guests, venue location, theme, colours, and budget before deciding on a cake. This will help determine if a wedding cake is feasible and desired for the second reception. It's also important to consider the timing of the reception. If it falls during a typical meal time, a meal should be provided, and a wedding cake could be a part of that. However, if it's a non-meal time reception, cake and punch or other light refreshments may be more appropriate. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have a wedding cake at a second reception is a personal choice and can be tailored to fit the specific circumstances of the event.

Cake delivery and setup

The success of your wedding cake delivery and setup depends on meticulous planning, careful handling, and adaptability to unforeseen circumstances. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure a smooth process:

Packaging and Vehicle Preparation:

• Choose sturdy cake boxes that match the size of each tier, preventing movement inside the box.
• Chill the cake thoroughly before packaging to make it firmer and less prone to damage.
• Select a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van.
• Pre-cool the vehicle with air conditioning to maintain a cool environment, especially during warmer weather.
• Shield the cake from direct sunlight using sun shields or by positioning it in a shaded area of the vehicle.
• Use non-slip mats inside the vehicle to prevent the cake boxes from sliding during turns or sudden stops.

Transporting the Cake:

• Place the cake on a flat surface in the vehicle, creating a level base if necessary.
• Position the cake in the center of the vehicle, where movement is minimized, and secure it with seat belts or cargo straps if needed.
• Drive smoothly without sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage.
• If possible, have a second person monitor and support the cake, especially through less stable road conditions or longer journeys.

Venue Communication and Final Inspection:

• Communicate with the venue in advance to confirm setup details, including table location, stability, and setup time.
• Upon arrival, conduct a final inspection to ensure no elements have shifted or been damaged during transit.
• Have a repair kit with extra icing, decorations, and tools to fix any minor imperfections.

Final Setup:

• Use a wheeled cart to transport the cake from the car to the setup area, minimizing handling and shaking.
• Check the stability of the display table and ensure it is away from high-traffic areas to prevent bumps.
• Avoid direct sunlight spots or windows that could expose the cake to heat or humidity, affecting its structure and appearance.
• If the cake was transported in separate tiers, assemble them starting from the largest at the base to the smallest at the top, using spatulas, icing bags, and extra decorations.
• Apply any final decorations that were too delicate to transport, such as fresh flowers or intricate icing details.
• Perform a thorough final inspection to ensure the cake is stable, the decorations are secure, and it meets your expectations.
• Take photographs from multiple angles for your records and portfolio.
• Hand over the cake to the venue staff or event coordinator, providing any necessary instructions for moving or cutting the cake.

Timing of cake cutting

There is no right or wrong time to cut the cake at a wedding, but there are a few things to consider to ensure that your cake is enjoyed by your guests and that you capture the right moments.

Firstly, the cake cutting is a symbolic gesture and a memorable photo opportunity, so you may want to schedule it for a time when most of your guests are present. Cutting the cake shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins is typical. This timing also serves as an unofficial sign that the reception's major events, such as speeches and parent dances, are coming to an end.

Secondly, if you want to avoid having leftover cake, ask your caterers to cut the cake early and serve it as dessert. Some guests may leave after the cake-cutting if they are not planning to stay for the party, so cutting the cake early ensures that your cake is enjoyed by as many guests as possible.

Finally, if you want to capture the perfect photo of you and your partner cutting the cake, it is recommended to do so right after your first dance. Your caterers can then cut the rest of the cake while guests are eating dinner, so it is ready to be served as soon as the meal is over.

Overall, the timing of the cake-cutting depends on your preferences and how you want to incorporate it into the flow of your reception.

Cost and budgeting

The cost of a wedding cake depends on several factors, including the number of tiers, the ingredients used, the decorations, and the location. The average cost of a wedding cake in the US is around $500 to $600, with couples spending between $300 to $700. The cost can be higher, ranging from $1,000 to $1,200, in bigger cities or for more elaborate cakes with multiple tiers and intricate designs.

Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $8 per slice, and even up to $12 per slice for more labor-intensive designs and specialty ingredients. Fondant designs tend to be more expensive, at around $10 per slice, while buttercream finishes are usually priced at about $6 per slice.

To save money on your wedding cake, consider opting for a simpler design with fewer tiers and fresh flowers instead of sugar flowers. A small wedding cake decorated with buttercream icing and fresh flowers will cost less than a larger cake with intricate details. Another option is to have a "display" or "dummy" cake for photos and cutting purposes, and then serve a less expensive sheet cake to your guests.

The cost of a wedding cake also includes other elements such as a design consultation, cake tasting, delivery, set-up, and sometimes supplies like cake stands, toppers, and cutting utensils. It's important to clarify with your cake baker what is included in the cost to avoid unexpected expenses.

Additionally, don't forget to factor in tips for the delivery staff, which is usually around $5 to $20 per person, when creating your wedding cake budget.

When budgeting for a wedding cake, it's essential to consider the number of guests you'll need to serve. The bigger the cake, the more it will cost. You can also offer half-servings or smaller cake slices, as most people only eat a bite or two.

With careful planning and consideration of these cost-saving measures, you can have a gorgeous and delicious wedding cake within your budget.

Cake toppers and decorations

Wedding cake toppers and decorations can be a fun way to express the couple's interests and personalities. There are many options available, from traditional to modern, rustic to funny, and everything in between.

For those who want a classic look, there are porcelain figurines of the bride and groom, often holding a bouquet. These can be simple or more detailed, like a royal crown cake topper in rose gold metal. If you want to include the couple's pets or children, there are toppers that represent the whole family. Same-sex couples can also find custom options that tell their unique love story.

For a more modern twist, acrylic cake toppers offer a trendy, multidimensional look. These can be personalised with the couple's names or wedding date, or feature eye-catching wording like "Best Day Ever" or "The Hunt is Over". Acrylic toppers come in various colours and sizes to match any wedding theme.

Wood veneer cake toppers offer a rustic, vintage-inspired option. These can also be personalised with wording that reflects the couple's personalities. For a fun twist, consider a topper with a motorcycle, bicycle, musical instrument, or sports equipment.

Finally, for those who want to add a little humour to their wedding cake, there are funny couple toppers made from poly resin. These light-hearted decorations are sure to bring a smile to your guests' faces.

With so many options available, you can easily find a cake topper and decorations that reflect your style and add a special touch to your second wedding reception.

Cake storage and preservation

If you're planning on preserving your wedding cake, it's important to act fast. Get the cake into the refrigerator as soon as possible after cutting it at the reception. If a fridge isn't available, get the cake into the freezer as soon as you can to "pre-freeze" it. Cover the cake with a single layer of plastic wrap for this initial step.

Once the cake is pre-frozen, it's time to wrap it up well. Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap the cardboard or hard surface it's on in aluminium foil. Then, wrap the cake itself with several layers of plastic wrap – aim for three or four layers to preserve it for longer and prevent freezer burn. Be careful to avoid air bubbles and work around the entire tier.

Now, place the wrapped cake in a cake box, Tupperware, or another airtight container. If you're using a box, wrap it in several layers of aluminium foil and a large Ziploc bag before placing it in the freezer. You may also want to label the box with a permanent marker or sticker so that it isn't accidentally thrown out.

When your anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before. When you're ready to eat it, unwrap the cake and let it come to room temperature. It won't taste exactly like a fresh cake, but it's a fun tradition to take part in.

If you're not interested in preserving your cake, you can still enjoy a fresh cake on your anniversary. Ask your bakery to create a fresh, mini replica of your original wedding cake, or ask a local bakery to make the same flavour of cake or cupcakes.

Frequently asked questions