Deborah Chan
The wedding cake-cutting ceremony is steeped in tradition and is considered one of the most important parts of the wedding day. The cake-cutting ceremony is symbolic of the couple's first task together, and their commitment and cooperation in their journey ahead. The couple usually cuts a small piece from the bottom tier of the cake, and feeds each other a bite of cake, symbolizing their mutual commitment to provide for one another. The cake is then taken away to be cut and served to the guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people cutting the cake | Traditionally, the couple cuts the cake together, with the bride making the first cut and the groom placing his hand over hers. |
| Type of knife | A sharp, serrated knife or a wedding cake knife set |
| Cutting technique | Cut with a gentle sawing motion, rather than pressing down too hard. Cut from the back to the front, instead of straight down, to avoid crumbling the edges. |
| Cake temperature | If the cake was refrigerated or frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting to make it easier to slice. |
| Part of the cake to cut | Cut the bottom tier of the cake. Cut a small, ceremonial piece for the couple to feed each other. |
| Who serves the cake | Catering staff or wedding party members |
What You'll Learn
The bride makes the first cut, with the groom's hand over hers
The moment has arrived: it's time to cut the wedding cake. This centuries-old tradition is a symbolic act, marking the couple's first task as newlyweds and setting the tone for their life together. The cake-cutting ceremony is a meaningful ritual, and when the bride and groom cut the cake together, it signifies their partnership and teamwork.
The bride will make the first cut, with the groom's hand placed over hers. This first cut is usually made on the bottom tier, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. The groom's right hand rests on the bride's as she holds the knife in her dominant hand. Together, they gently press the knife through the cake, cutting a small slice. This slice is often used to feed each other the first bite, symbolising their commitment to care for one another. This moment is a beloved tradition and a major photo opportunity.
The couple may opt for a silver-plated cake knife, adding a touch of elegance to the ceremony. The knife should be sharp and serrated to ensure a clean, precise cut. After the initial cut, the knife is carefully withdrawn, and the slice is separated, ready for the bride and groom to feed each other. This first slice is often the only piece cut by the couple, with catering staff or wedding party members taking over to serve the rest of the cake to the guests.
The cake-cutting ceremony is typically done towards the front of the cake to ensure visibility and accessibility for guests. The couple stands in front of the cake table, with the bride usually positioned on the left. The shape of the cake may also influence how it is cut, with round cakes sliced into wedges and square or rectangular cakes cut into squares or rectangles.
The wedding cake knife holds significance, often becoming a keepsake item for the couple. It marks important anniversaries and celebrations throughout their married life. The cake-cutting ceremony is a special moment, filled with symbolism and tradition, capturing the essence of the couple's new journey together.
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The groom then cuts the cake with his right hand over the bride
The wedding cake cutting ceremony is a symbolic moment that dates back to ancient Rome. It is meant to bring good luck to the newly married couple and all the guests. The groom places his right hand over the bride as they cut the cake together to symbolise their partnership, teamwork, and ability to work together.
The traditional way to cut a wedding cake is for the bride to take the knife in her dominant hand, with the groom's hand placed over hers. They then make the first cut together, slicing a small, ceremonial piece from the front of the bottom tier. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves, feeding each other a bite to symbolise their commitment to nourishing and caring for one another.
The couple may use a special wedding cake knife, which is often a cherished keepsake for the rest of their lives. The knife is usually a sterling silver cake knife and server, sometimes engraved with initials, names, the date of the wedding, poems, or romantic quotes. The knife used to cut the cake can also be a sword, especially for servicemen and women.
After the couple has made the first cut, the catering staff or wedding party members take over, using the same knife to continue slicing the cake into servings for the guests. The top tier of the cake is usually saved to be eaten on the couple's first anniversary.
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The couple feed each other the first slice
The couple feeding each other the first slice of their wedding cake is a meaningful moment in their ceremony. This act symbolises their commitment to one another and their promise to nourish, care for, and provide for each other. It is also a symbol of their love and their willingness to share their lives.
The couple will usually cut a small piece from the bottom tier of the cake together, with the bride typically on the left. The bride takes the knife in her dominant hand, and the groom places his hand over hers. They make the first cut together, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. This first slice is often the only piece they cut themselves. The couple then uses this slice to feed each other.
The couple feeding each other cake is a beloved tradition and a major photo opportunity. It is a time-honoured tradition that dates back centuries, originating in ancient Rome. Back then, the cake was a simple wheat or barley loaf that was broken over the bride's head to bring good fortune to the couple and their guests.
After the couple has fed each other the 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.
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The cake is cut into wedge-shaped pieces
The couple will cut a wedge-shaped piece by making two diagonal cuts into the cake. The size of the piece is up to them, but it should be at least two bites worth of cake for each person. The couple will then feed each other this first slice, which symbolises their commitment to providing for one another.
After the couple has made the first cut, the catering staff or wedding party members will take over, using the same knife to continue cutting the cake into servings for the guests. It is important to use a sharp, serrated knife to make clean, precise cuts, and to cut with a gentle sawing motion, rather than pressing down too hard.
The cake is traditionally cut after dinner, towards the end of the wedding reception, to signal to guests that the reception is almost over.
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The top tier is saved for the couple's first anniversary
The wedding cake is a symbolic detail of the wedding ceremony, with the cake-cutting ceremony being a meaningful moment for the newlyweds. The couple makes the first ceremonial cut together, with the bride usually making the first cut, and the groom placing his hand over hers. This act symbolises their partnership, teamwork, and their promise to support each other.
The top tier of the wedding cake is traditionally saved for the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary. This tradition is believed to have originated in medieval England, where couples would stack small cakes as high as possible and try to kiss over the top without knocking it down. The top tier was then saved for the christening of their first child, bringing good luck.
In modern times, couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. This tradition continues today, with some couples choosing to freeze the cake to preserve it. However, some couples may opt for a fresh "anniversary cake" instead, made in the same style and flavours as the original wedding cake.
The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant moment in the wedding reception, often viewed as the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. It is also a great opportunity for photographs, as it symbolises the start of their life together as a married couple.
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Frequently asked questions
A sharp, serrated knife is best for cutting a wedding cake. A wedding cake knife set is a great keepsake and can be used for years to come.
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.
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.
Wedding cakes are usually made up of multiple tiers, sometimes up to 5. The cake is typically made of wheat or barley, symbolising fertility and prosperity.
