Junior Rasmussen
Cutting the wedding cake is a sweet ritual that offers beautiful photo opportunities and symbolises the couple's unity as they share in feeding each other cake. While the couple may have some fun banter or a traditional 'cake smash', they don't need to say a lot. Most guests will be focused on the cake-cutting and cake-feeding ritual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | After dinner and major reception events, about an hour before the end of the reception |
| Who cuts the cake | Bride makes the first cut, with the groom's hand over hers |
| Who serves the cake | Catering staff or wedding party members |
| Who gets the first slice | The couple feeds each other the first bite |
| Cake smashing | Considered immature or disrespectful, but can be done if both parties consent |
| Use of utensils | Use of forks is encouraged to avoid uncouthness |
| Bite size | Dainty bites are encouraged to ensure lovely photos |
| Clothing | Formal attire is encouraged |
| Cake type | Any type, style or flavour |
What You'll Learn
The history of cutting wedding cakes
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 bring good luck and
During the Middle Ages, the couple would kiss over a high-stacked cake, and if they were successful in kissing without knocking the cake over, it was believed they would be blessed with many children.
In England, they took the goal of the bride's fertility a step further, deciding that child-bearing would be best increased by throwing the cake at the bride.
Originally, the wedding cake was intended to be passed out to wedding guests by only the bride to ensure fertility. However, as weddings became larger events, the groom also started to 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 couple is encouraged to cut from the bottom tier, as a reminder of the relationship's longevity.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, sugar started to become more affordable, and white icing began to be used as a symbol of the bride's virginity and an indicator of the wealth of the bride's family. Later, having colour added to the icing, tiered cakes, and elaborate designs indicated even greater affluence and social status.
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The importance of the cake-cutting ceremony
The cake-cutting ceremony is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. It is a symbolic ritual that represents the newlyweds' first act as a married couple, setting the tone for their new life together. Here are some reasons why the cake-cutting ceremony is an important part of the wedding:
Unity and Togetherness
The cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the couple's unity and togetherness as they begin their married life. The couple cuts the cake together, often with the groom's hand over the bride's, reflecting their teamwork and ability to work together. This act of cutting the cake with interlinked hands represents their strength and support for each other in the years to come.
A Beloved Tradition
The cake-cutting ceremony is a beloved and iconic wedding tradition. It is a meaningful moment that has been practised for centuries and adds a touch of sweetness to the celebration. The couple's first cake-cutting act as a married couple is a major photo opportunity, creating lasting memories.
Feeding Each Other
After cutting the cake, the couple feeds each other the first bites, symbolising their commitment to nourishing and caring for each other. This romantic and intimate gesture showcases their love and affection. It is a moment filled with symbolism, representing the couple's willingness to provide for and support each other.
Practical Considerations
Beyond the symbolism, the cake-cutting ceremony serves a practical purpose. It is the cue for the catering staff to begin serving the cake to the guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. The ceremony also indicates to guests that they may leave if they wish, especially if there are extended celebrations or after-parties.
Bringing People Together
The cake-cutting ceremony is a moment that brings everyone together. It is often the first time that both day and evening guests are in the same space, celebrating the couple's love. This ceremony creates an opportunity for guests to gather and witness a significant tradition, making it a memorable part of the wedding.
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Cake-cutting etiquette
The cake-cutting ceremony is a sweet ritual that symbolises the couple's unity and willingness to care for each other. It also offers beautiful photo opportunities. Here are some tips to ensure the cake-cutting goes well:
- Confirm with the couple that they have a ceremonial cake knife and server set ready. If not, supply a basic set.
- Alert photographers so they are ready to capture photos.
- Ensure the cake table area is clear before the couple arrives.
- Prepare a playlist with appropriate music, such as the couple's "first dance" song.
- Prepare a script to smoothly guide the couple and guests through the process.
- Advise the couple against smashing cake into each other's faces or clothes, as this may be considered tacky.
- Provide small forks for feeding each other. Using fingers can look uncouth.
- Encourage the couple to take small, dainty bites for better photos. Large mouthfuls may look messy.
- Have servers bring napkins and plates to the cake table to avoid messes.
- Remind the couple to dress formally for the cake-cutting if it follows a costume change.
"How is everyone doing tonight? I hope you’ve saved room for something sweet because it’s time for [Couple] to cut the cake! If the happy couple could make their way over to the cake, we’ll start this dessert party!”
“Don’t they make a perfect pair? Let’s gather for some great photo ops while they get set to make the first cut."
[Signal the photographer to take photos]
“Alright, let’s have the couple pose with their cake-cutting knife so we can capture this special moment.”
“Now, if you’ll do the honours of making the first slice together?”
[Couple cuts the first slice together]
“Wonderful! Let’s give them a round of applause."
“And now, I invite the couple to feed each other a bite of cake. I promise there won’t be any smashed faces tonight!”
[Couple feeds each other cake politely]
“Wasn’t that lovely? Let’s give them another hand!”
“Now, friends, family, and honoured guests, please enjoy some cake and refreshments. We’ll take a brief intermission before we continue our celebrations. Thank you!”
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Cake-cutting execution tips
The cake-cutting ceremony is a sweet ritual that offers beautiful photo opportunities and allows the newlyweds to share in feeding one another cake as a symbol of their new life together. Here are some tips to ensure a flawless execution:
- Use a microphone so that all guests can hear your instructions and commentary.
- Make announcements directing guests to gather around the cake table before bringing the couple over. This prevents a crowded rush.
- Play romantic or celebratory music in the background to set the mood.
- Guide the couple into cake-cutting poses, such as placing their hands atop one another's on the knife handle.
- Time the photography session appropriately—agree upon a cue with the couple to signal when they are done with photos.
- Cue servers to prepare for cake service as soon as the couple makes the first cut. They should distribute small plates and forks to expedite service to guests.
- Ensure photographers get shots of the couple feeding cake to each other before guests dive in. Once cake service starts, it's harder to spotlight the couple.
- Thank the couple and congratulate them after they complete the cake-feeding. Then transition to inviting guests to enjoy cake and refreshments.
- If the couple wishes to smash cake into each other's faces, ensure they are both happy with this and provide small forks to avoid an uncouth appearance.
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What to say when announcing the cake-cutting
The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and significant ritual at a wedding. It is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. The couple's first joint act symbolises their new life together, their partnership, teamwork, and their ability to work together. It is also a signal to guests that they can leave if they wish.
"How is everyone doing tonight? I hope you've saved room for something sweet because it's time for [Couple] to cut the cake! If the happy couple could make their way over to the cake, we'll start this dessert party!"
"The cake-cutting ceremony is a beautiful tradition symbolising the couple's first act as a married couple. It represents their unity and their commitment to nourishing and caring for each other. Let's give a round of applause as [Couple] make their way to the cake."
"It's time for a sweet treat! We invite you all to gather around as [Couple] cut the first slice of their wedding cake. This ritual dates back to Roman times and symbolises the couple's new life together."
"We will now witness a special moment as [Couple] cut their wedding cake. This ceremony is an intimate gesture, representing their willingness to care for each other and their first act as a married couple. Let's give them a warm round of applause."
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Frequently asked questions
The neatest methods are either the box or wedge options. With one partner closest to the cake and the other partner behind, place both of your hands on the knife. Cut an inch into the cake and slice it down cleanly. Then, make a connecting cut for a wedge, using the cake knife to lift the wedge out and onto the plate.
You don't need to say a lot. Most guests will be focused on the couple cutting the cake and serving it to one another. However, you can have some fun banter or a traditional 'cake smash' before and during the cake-cutting.
Take your time. Pause as you slice into the cake. Look at the cake, each other, and your photographer. Hold up the bites of cake before you feed them to each other and/or smash them into each other's faces.
Play a song that is food-related or just a tune that everyone will know. Some options are "Cut the Cake" by Average White Band, "Love on Top" by Beyonce, "Sweet Emotion" by Aerosmith, and "Marry You" by Bruno Mars.
Use a microphone so that guests can hear your commentary and instructions. Make announcements directing guests to circle the cake table. Play romantic or celebratory music in the background. Guide the couple into cake-cutting poses.
