Key Ingredients For A Dream Wedding Cake

A wedding cake is a traditional element of a wedding reception. It is often a focal point of the event, with towering confections featuring stunning designs. The cake-cutting ceremony is a classic wedding tradition, but it is not mandatory. Couples may opt for other desserts or no dessert at all. Wedding cakes can be expensive, and some couples may choose to allocate their budget elsewhere. Dietary restrictions or personal preferences may also influence the decision to forgo the cake. Ultimately, the decision to have a wedding cake depends on the couple's preferences and budget.

Cake size: The cake should be big enough to feed all your guests

When it comes to wedding cakes, it's important to ensure there's enough to feed all your guests. While it's better to have more than less, you also don't want to waste food or money.

A common calculation for wedding cake is to have one slice of the bride's cake per guest and a half slice of the groom's cake. So, for 100 guests, you'd need 100 servings of the bride's cake and 50 servings of the groom's cake. However, it's becoming more common for guests to decline a slice of cake, so you can usually order enough for just 80% of guests.

If you're serving other desserts in addition to the cake, you'll need much less cake. In this case, you can probably order about 50% cake and fill in with additional desserts.

The number of guests is the most important factor when determining the size of your wedding cake. It's recommended to cater for 90% of your total guest count to ensure most people get a slice. For example, if you have 80 guests, you'd want a three-tier cake to cater to around 70 guests.

If you're planning to serve the wedding cake in the evening, you only need to cater for around 90% of your guests, as not everyone will get around to having a slice.

You can also consider having a small display cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and ordering a less expensive sheet cake to be kept in the kitchen to serve to your guests. This can be a great way to save money without sacrificing the look of a large, fancy cake.

Round Cakes:

• 6-inch cake: About 10-12 servings
• 8-inch cake: About 20-24 servings
• 10-inch cake: About 30-38 servings
• 12-inch cake: About 40-50 servings

Square Cakes:

• 6-inch cake: About 12-18 servings
• 8-inch cake: About 32-40 servings
• 10-inch cake: About 50-60 servings
• 12-inch cake: About 72-96 servings

Remember, it's always better to have slightly more cake than less, and you can always enjoy leftovers the next day or freeze them for later!

Timing: Cut the cake shortly after dinner, before dancing begins

Cutting the cake shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins is a great way to transition into the reception festivities. Here are some tips to consider for timing the cake-cutting:

Allow Guests to Enjoy Dinner and Socialise

It is important to give guests enough time to finish their meals and socialise before bringing their attention back to the newlyweds for the cake-cutting ceremony. A buffer of around 90 minutes between the end of dinner and the cake-cutting is usually sufficient. This allows guests to mix and mingle, perhaps with some music playing in the background to set the mood.

Announce the Cake-Cutting

To ensure that all guests are present and aware of the upcoming event, it is a good idea to have the DJ or emcee make an announcement. For example, they could say, "the couple plans to cut the cake in the next ten minutes by the stage." This gives guests time to get seated and settled, creating a sense of anticipation and ensuring everyone is present to witness the special moment.

Choose the Right Music

The DJ can play a few wedding songs to set the scene before the cake-cutting begins and then switch to the couple's favourite cake-cutting song once they are ready. Music adds to the atmosphere and can enhance the experience for both the couple and the guests.

Consider the Flow of Events

The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant moment and can be used to transition smoothly into the first dance and other special dances. Some couples choose to cut the cake, then move straight into their first dance, creating a seamless flow. Others might prefer to cut the cake, invite everyone to join them after a few moments, and then open the dance floor for everyone to join in.

Be Mindful of Older Guests

It is worth noting that, for some older guests, the cake-cutting may signal that it is acceptable to leave, especially if they are not planning to stay for the entire party. Therefore, if you are aiming for a longer celebration, you might consider cutting the cake a little later in the evening.

In conclusion, timing the cake-cutting shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins is a great way to create a smooth flow of events and ensure that guests are present to witness the special moment. It allows for a natural transition into the reception festivities and can be a memorable part of the wedding celebration.

Who cuts the cake: Traditionally, the newlyweds cut the first slice

Traditionally, the newlyweds cut the first slice of the wedding cake together. This custom is rooted in the Victorian-era tradition, where the bride would cut the wedding cake and hand out pieces to all the guests. As guest lists grew over time, the groom would also get involved in the cake-cutting ceremony, symbolising their promise to support each other and reflecting their first joint task as a married couple.

The couple usually stands near the cake, with the man putting his hand on top of the woman's hand on the knife handle. They then cut the first slice of the bottom tier of the cake together, before placing it on a plate. This first slice symbolises their commitment to one another and their promise to share their lives and be together forever.

After cutting the first slice, the couple may choose to feed each other a bite of cake, demonstrating their mutual commitment to providing for one another. This is often seen as an act of love and care, and their willingness to share their lives. Alternatively, some couples opt for a more lighthearted approach and smash the cake into each other's faces.

Serving: Use the right utensils to cut and serve the cake

The right utensils are needed to cut and serve the wedding cake. The newlywed couple traditionally cuts the first slice of the wedding cake as a symbolic gesture, with the bride and groom getting the first bite. This is usually accompanied by a special wedding cake-cutting song and some couples even purchase a keepsake cake-cutting set for the occasion.

The neatest methods for cutting the cake are the box or wedge options. The box method involves cutting the cake in straight lines that go across the entire cake, with each row portioned into neat slices. For the wedge method, the couple places both their hands on the knife, with one partner standing closer to the cake. Cut an inch into the cake and slice it down cleanly, then make a connecting cut to create a wedge. Use the cake knife to lift the wedge out and onto a plate, and skip the serving spatula to avoid making a mess.

After the couple has cut the first slice, the remainder of the cake will be cut and served on plates by the caterer or venue staff. It is important to regularly clean the knife to ensure smooth slices for each guest.

Saving the top tier: Wrap it well and store it in an airtight container in the freezer

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a long-standing tradition. However, it does require some planning. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly wrap and store your cake to ensure it stays fresh:

First, completely cover the cake with multiple layers of plastic wrap. This creates a protective barrier that will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavours from the freezer. Make sure to wrap it tightly, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.

Next, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container, such as a freezer-safe cake box or a plastic bag. This adds another layer of protection and helps to prevent freezer burn. It is important that the container is airtight to keep the cake from drying out.

Finally, store the cake in the freezer. The freezer will help to preserve the cake's freshness, texture, and flavour. It is important to note that a year is the maximum amount of time you should keep the cake in the freezer. The longer it stays in the freezer, the more the quality of the cake will deteriorate.

When you are ready to enjoy your cake, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, let it sit at room temperature for two to five hours before serving. This will ensure your cake is moist and flavourful for your first anniversary!

Alternatively, you can ask your baker to provide a complimentary fresh top tier for your first anniversary. This option saves you the hassle of storing the cake and ensures a delicious, freshly baked treat to enjoy on your special day.

Frequently asked questions