Flatware Options For Cutting Wedding Cake

The cutting of the cake is a highly anticipated wedding tradition and is often one of the first things a married couple does together. While caterers usually provide a wedding cake knife and server, a special set can add a personal touch to the moment and become a cherished keepsake. A basic flatware set commonly includes five pieces: a dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon. However, a speciality set for cake cutting can be used to add a unique touch to your wedding.

Cake-cutting sets as wedding gifts

The cutting of the cake is one of the most popular wedding traditions, with 83% of couples incorporating it into their big day. Many couples choose to bring their own wedding cake cutting sets to add a personal touch to the event. A cake-cutting set is a wonderful gift for newlyweds, as it can be used long after the wedding day and will bring back fond memories.

There are many different styles of cake-cutting sets to choose from, so you can find one that fits the couple's theme and personality. For example, if the couple is having a rustic-themed wedding, consider a set with twig handles or a wooden set. If they're looking for something more modern, there are sets with hammered gold or rose gold handles. For a unique set, you can choose one with a mix of gold and silver tones or a set with a nature-inspired pattern.

You can also find cake-cutting sets that can be engraved with the couple's names and wedding date, adding a special touch. Some sets even allow for custom illustrations or quotes.

• The Kate Spade New York "With Love" Wedding Cake Knife Set, which features gold-plated metal and white resin with a subtle engraving.
• The Lismore Diamond Silver Wedding Cake Knife Set, an elegant silver-plated knife set with embossed facets that reflect light like diamonds.
• The Vera Wang With Love Gold Wedding Cake-Serving Set, a decadent set that is gold and silver-plated with a stainless steel blade.
• The Gibb Daan Rose Gold Wedding Cake-Cutting Set, a rustic set with twig handles and custom engraving options.
• The Michael Aram White Orchid Wedding Cake-Serving Set, a stainless steel set with unique nickel-plated handles in the shape of vines and orchids.

Cake-cutting as a wedding tradition

The cutting of the wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition that dates back centuries, to the ancient Romans. It has become an integral part of the wedding reception and is often one of the most memorable moments of the day.

The wedding cake has long been a symbolic detail. In ancient Rome, cakes were made with wheat, a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and breaking the cake over the bride's head was thought to bring good luck. In medieval England, the couple would stack smaller cakes brought by guests and attempt to kiss over the tower. If they were successful, it was considered good luck, usually meaning they would be blessed with many children.

Today, the cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the couple's love and commitment to one another. It is their first joint task as newlyweds, with one partner placing their hand over the other's while cutting the first slice of cake, symbolising their promise to support each other. The couple then usually feeds each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another.

The cake-cutting ceremony is also a fabulous photo opportunity and a chance to add a personal touch to the event. Many couples bring their own wedding cake-cutting sets, which often consist of a knife and a server, and can be personalised or engraved. These sets are often given as wedding gifts and can be cherished for years to come, used at the wedding and then kept as a kitchen essential.

The cake-cutting ceremony usually takes place after dinner, signalling to guests that the reception is almost over. It is often followed by the bouquet toss, parent dances, or other couple-centred wedding tasks.

Types of flatware

Flatware is a general term for forks, knives, and spoons at a table setting. A basic flatware set commonly includes five pieces: a dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon. Specialty sets and serving utensils are also available, such as steak knives, sugar spoons, soup spoons, ladles, serving forks, serving spoons, a carving fork and knife, cake knife, pie server, salad servers, dessert forks, and tongs.

Flatware is typically available in three metals: stainless steel, silver-plated, and sterling silver. Stainless steel is the best option for everyday use due to its strength, longevity, and ease of maintenance. Silver-plated flatware is also dishwasher-safe, while sterling silver flatware contains 92.5 percent silver content, elevating any table setting.

When selecting flatware for a wedding, couples may choose from a variety of styles, including rounded, etched, vintage, angular, or floral designs. The finish is also important, with mirror and satin being the two most common options. A mirror finish adds shine and gloss, while a satin finish has a subtler, casual look that also camouflages fingerprints.

For a wedding cake, a cake knife and server set is often used, and this can be personalised with the couple's names and wedding date. These sets can be made from stainless steel, silver-plated metal, gold-plated metal, or gold and silver.

Choosing flatware for your wedding registry

Types of Flatware

Flatware is a general term for the forks, knives, and spoons used at a table setting. A basic flatware set typically includes five pieces: a dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, tablespoon, and teaspoon. It is recommended to register for at least eight sets, especially if you plan on hosting dinner parties. Additionally, consider levelling up with speciality sets, such as steak knives, sugar spoons, soup spoons, ladles, serving forks, cake knives, pie servers, and more.

Materials

Flatware is typically available in three types of metal: stainless steel, silver-plated, and sterling silver. Stainless steel is the best option for everyday use due to its strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. Silver-plated flatware is a step up in luxury and is also dishwasher-safe. However, sterling silver flatware, containing 92.5% silver content, is the ultimate choice for elevating any table setting.

Style and Finish

Flatware comes in various styles, including rounded, etched, vintage, angular, and floral designs. Choose a pattern that reflects your personality as a couple and complements your home's tablescape and dinnerware. When it comes to finish, mirror and satin are the most common options. A mirror finish adds shine and gloss for a traditional appeal, while a satin finish provides a subtler, casual look that also camouflages fingerprints.

Storage and Care

As you select your flatware, consider upgrading your storage options as well. Everyday stainless steel sets can be stored in flatware trays or caddies, while silverware sets should be kept in a silverware box or airtight, felt-lined chest to prevent tarnishing and scratches. To extend the longevity of your flatware, be sure to polish and hand-wash silver-plated and sterling silver options.

Cake-Cutting Sets

The cake-cutting ceremony is a highly anticipated wedding tradition. While some caterers provide a basic wedding cake knife and server, usually made of plastic, a special set will add a personal touch. A cake-cutting set can become a cherished keepsake and a memorable part of your wedding day. From rustic to glamorous, there is a wide range of styles to choose from. You can even opt for custom engraving to make it extra special.

In conclusion, choosing flatware for your wedding registry involves considering functionality, style, and personal touches. By selecting the right flatware, you can elevate your wedding table setting and create lasting memories.

Cake-cutting photo tips

The cake-cutting ceremony is a highly anticipated wedding tradition, often one of the first things a married couple does together. It's a great opportunity for photos, but it can be a tricky moment to capture. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and photograph the cake-cutting ceremony.

Prepare in advance

Discuss with the couple in advance whether they plan to do a cake smash. If one of them is into it and the other isn't, it could be a problem on the day. Also, ask the couple about the lighting and whether the cake will be easily accessible. If the cake is in a corner or against a wall, it may be worth asking staff to move it to a more central location before the ceremony.

Decorate the cake table

Suggest to the couple that they decorate the cake table with flowers, candlelight, or other design elements. This will make for a more interesting photo.

Take solo shots of the cake

Before the ceremony, take some solo shots of the cake from different angles and distances. This will help tell the story of the day and showcase the couple's style. If there are other desserts around the cake, include them in some shots.

Capture the details

Take some close-up shots to showcase the layers and intricate details of the cake, such as the cake topper. If needed, use a macro lens to capture these details.

Include other items

Take photos of the knife, plates, and napkins that will be used. If the couple has had anything engraved on these items, make sure you capture this in close-up.

Pose the couple with the cake

Before the ceremony, have the couple pose next to the cake. Try out different poses—hugging, kissing, or smiling at the camera. If the cake topper is a bride and groom, have the couple pose in the same position.

Capture the cake-cutting moment

As the couple cuts the cake, you (or a second shooter) can get some close-up shots of their hands on the knife. Couples often don't know the best way to cut the cake, so be prepared to capture some funny, candid moments.

Photograph the feeding moment

Capture the moment when the couple feeds cake to each other. If you have a second shooter, get them to focus on the other person's reaction—there may be some funny moments if one person decides to smear cake on their partner's face!

Take photos of the guests

After the cake has been cut, capture some photos of the guests as they receive their slices. Experiment with lighting and take some candid shots of the guests eating and interacting with the cake.

Frequently asked questions