The Wedding Cake Set: A Sweet Tradition Explained

A wedding cake set is a fabulous gift for newlyweds that can be used during their wedding reception and at home long after the big day. A wedding cake set usually consists of a knife and a server, often personalised with the couple's names and wedding date. The tradition of cutting the cake is highly anticipated and is usually one of the first things the newly married couple will do together.

Rustic vs. glam

A wedding cake set is a knife and cake server set used by the couple to cut the first slice of the wedding cake. The set is often gifted to the couple and can be personalised or decorated to match the wedding theme.

Rustic

A rustic wedding cake set is likely to be made from stainless steel with resin handles. The handles may be painted in antique ivory with gold leaf accents, or have a hammered design. The hammered design is a stylish eye-catching feature that reflects light.

Glam

Glam wedding cake sets are all about the bling. Think rhinestones, pearls, and rose gold. Glam cake sets are usually made from stainless steel with resin handles, but the handles are often accented with rhinestones or pearls. The blades can also be gold-plated.

Both rustic and glam wedding cake sets can be elegant and stylish, but the choice depends on the wedding theme and the couple's personal preference. If the wedding has a natural, laid-back, or rustic ranch theme, a rustic cake set will fit right in. If the wedding is more of a moody metropolitan restaurant or glamorous affair, a glam cake set will be more suitable.

Engraved

A wedding cake set typically includes a cake knife and server, which can be personalised through engraving. This can be a wonderful gift for a couple on their wedding day, as well as a beautiful keepsake to treasure and use for anniversaries and other special occasions.

Engraving can be a great way to add a unique and special touch to a wedding cake set. Some couples choose to engrave their names, initials, or monogram, along with their wedding date. This is a classic option that serves as a lasting reminder of the couple's special day. Others may opt for a meaningful quote or phrase that reflects their love and commitment, such as "Ours is a never-ending love story" or "May our life together be a piece of cake!".

The level of customisation can vary depending on the engraver and the couple's preferences. Some companies offer free personalisation with the purchase of a wedding cake server set, allowing for two lines of engraving, which is usually sufficient for names and a date. Additional engraving can also be requested for a fee, allowing for more creative and personalised designs.

When considering engraving for a wedding cake set, it's important to think about the overall design and space available. While a cake server may provide more room for engraving, a knife might have limited space. It's also worth noting that engraving can add to the cost of the cake set, so it's essential to factor this into the wedding budget.

Personalised

There are many different styles of personalised wedding cake sets to choose from, depending on your preferences and wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might opt for a set with twig handles or wooden handles with engraved hearts. If you prefer a more glamorous look, you could choose a set with rose gold or gold-plated handles, accented with crystals or other embellishments.

Some retailers offering personalised wedding cake sets include The Knot Shop, David's Bridal, Etsy, Gem Awards, and Amazon. These sets can range in price from $20 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the materials and level of customisation.

In addition to the knife and server, you can also find personalised wedding cake sets that include other items such as cake forks, champagne flutes, or a gift box. These additional items can enhance the overall presentation and make your cake-cutting ceremony even more memorable.

When choosing a personalised wedding cake set, consider the material, colour, and level of customisation that aligns with your vision. Whether you opt for a simple engraving or a more intricate design, these sets will undoubtedly add a special touch to your wedding day and serve as cherished keepsakes for years to come.

Unique

Wedding cake-cutting sets can be a unique and cherished keepsake for couples to remember their special day. Here are some ideas for those looking for a unique set to match their wedding style:

For couples who don't want their cake flatware to be an afterthought, a cool and unique cake-cutting set can be used long after the wedding day. For instance, the VIETRI Aladdin Brilliant Blue Wedding Cake Knife is handcrafted in Italy with a royal blue acrylic handle and stainless steel in a crosshatch pattern. This can be a "something blue" for the wedding. Berglander also offers a Rainbow Iridescent Wedding Cake-Cutter Set for bold and alternative couples.

Personalised and Engraved Wedding Cake-Cutting Sets

Many couples choose to personalise their wedding cake-cutting sets with their names, initials, dates, quotes, or even small illustrations. For instance, the Gibb Daan White Wedding Cake-Serving Set is a stainless steel knife, server, and table fork set with white handles and intricate gold distressing. The Kate Spade New York Rosy Glow Wedding Cake-Serving Set is another simple yet charming option with rose gold bands.

Rustic Wedding Cake-Cutting Sets

For couples with a rustic theme who appreciate nature and its elements, there are cake-cutting sets inspired by the great outdoors. The AW Bridal Acacia Wood Wedding Cake-Cutter Set is a solid acacia wood set that can be personalised for free. The Charm Wood Shop on Etsy offers a rustic knife and server set with dark wooden handles and engraved hearts.

Metal Wedding Cake-Cutting Sets

Metal wedding cake-cutting sets come in a variety of colours and styles, from rose gold to stainless steel. Kate Spade offers a chic knife and server set with shiny gold-plated metal and white resin. The Vera Wang With Love Gold Wedding Cake-Serving Set is another decadent option with gold and silver plating and a stainless steel blade.

Vintage Wedding Cake-Cutting Sets

Vintage-style cake-cutting sets can add a timeless and antique feel to the dessert table. The Vintage Wedding Cake-Serving Set from The Knot Shop is silver and engraved with vintage-inspired botanicals. Treasure Your Event on Etsy offers a similar vintage-style set that includes two champagne flutes and can be engraved with a personal note.

Vintage

A wedding cake is the traditional cake served at wedding receptions following dinner. Wedding cakes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the number of guests.

A "vintage" theme can span a number of different decades, so the choices for wedding cake designs are endless. Vintage cakes can be a fit for a wide range of aesthetics, from a timeless black-tie event to a retro-style celebration.

• A single-tiered cake with plenty of piped detailing.
• A design inspired by the early 1800s-based show Bridgerton, featuring sugar flowers and moulded details.
• A pastel cake with two-tone colouring and artistic piped detailing.
• A three-tiered cake with simple sprigs of greenery and sprawling chamomile blooms, perfect for a 1970s or cottagecore-themed wedding.
• A cake featuring Lambeth-style piping in pastel pink, with gilded cherries and hearts on top.
• A cake with a touch of gold and a stunning pattern, perfect for a garden-style or glam black-tie wedding.
• A bundt cake, which evokes a 1950s vibe and is a good option for smaller gatherings.
• A cake featuring the classic combination of all-white frosting, piped detailing, and beautiful blooms.
• A cake featuring hundreds of mini white pearls, reminiscent of pearl jewellery.
• A classic all-white cake with intricate piped buttercream details in two different hues.
• A cake inspired by chinoiserie, featuring intricate blue details on a white background.

Frequently asked questions