When To Expect Cake At Your Wedding

Wedding cakes have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries, and today, they remain a key component of wedding receptions. While the cake-cutting ceremony traditionally takes place at the end of the reception, modern couples may opt to cut the cake earlier in the evening, using it as an opportunity to combine prices by serving it as dessert.

Regardless of when the cake is cut, it is typically displayed throughout the reception, acting as a centrepiece for the event.

Cake delivery time

The delivery time of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the type of cake, the venue's availability, and your preference for setting it up yourself or having the venue do it. Here is a detailed guide to help you determine the best time for cake delivery on your special day.

Venue Availability

The availability of your wedding venue will play a crucial role in determining the delivery time of your cake. Some venues may have multiple events booked on the same day, one after another. In such cases, you should coordinate with the venue to find out the earliest time you can bring the cake. This will ensure that your cake doesn't end up waiting in the hallway while another couple's event is taking place. It is also important to ensure that the room where the cake will be set up is accessible and ready before delivery.

Type of Cake

The type of cake you choose for your wedding can also influence the delivery time. If your cake is perishable, it is best to deliver it closer to the event to ensure freshness. However, if your cake is not perishable, an earlier delivery time may be more convenient. For example, a cake delivered to a venue with a large kitchen and a huge fridge can be stored safely for several hours before the reception.

Setup Preferences

Another factor to consider is whether you prefer to set up the cake yourself or have the venue handle it. If you opt for the latter, as some couples do to reduce the stress of organising on the day of the wedding, you will need to coordinate with the venue to ensure they are available to receive and set up the cake. This may require providing them with specific instructions and ensuring someone from the couple's family is present to ensure the cake arrives without any issues.

Timing Considerations

Ideally, you should deliver the cake about an hour before the first guest is scheduled to arrive. This gives enough time for any necessary assembly and ensures the cake is not damaged by last-minute decorations or movements. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location, delivering the cake a couple of hours early, such as at 3:00 PM for a 5:00 PM ceremony, can provide a comfortable buffer while minimising the risk of the cake sitting out for too long.

Traditional vs. Modern Timing

Traditionally, cutting the cake is the last formal moment of the wedding reception, signalling to older guests that they can head home. However, modern couples often choose to cut the cake earlier, such as before dinner, to use it as dessert and streamline costs. This earlier timing can also provide opportunities for additional benefits, such as capturing amazing photos with the beautifully set-up venue as a backdrop.

Cake cutting time

The cake cutting ceremony is one of the most important parts of a wedding day. Traditionally, the cake is cut at the end of the reception, after the meal and speeches. However, modern weddings may opt to cut the cake earlier in the day, either before or after the first dance. Cutting the cake can also be a grand entrance for the newlyweds, or it can be done more discreetly without interrupting the dance floor.

Traditional Cake Cutting Time

The traditional time to cut the wedding cake is at the end of the wedding reception. This is usually after the meal, speeches, and toasts. The groom, with his right hand over his bride, cuts a small piece from the bottom tier of the multi-tiered cake. The couple then feed each other a piece of the cake and may serve a piece to their new in-laws. This tradition symbolises the start of the couple's life together and is considered a cue for older guests to head home.

Modern Cake Cutting Times

In modern times, the cake cutting time is often moved earlier in the day for practical reasons. Cutting the cake before the meal means it can be served as dessert, saving costs and ensuring everyone gets a piece. Cutting the cake earlier also provides more time for photographs and allows guests to move straight to the dance floor after dinner.

Benefits of Cutting the Cake Earlier

There are several benefits to cutting the wedding cake earlier in the reception. It allows for more photo opportunities, including pictures with the guests and the beautifully set-up venue. It also provides more time for the catering team to slice and serve the cake. Additionally, cutting the cake earlier can be a grand entrance for the newlyweds or a discreet moment shared between them and their photographer.

Cake Delivery and Setup Time

The wedding cake is typically delivered and set up a few hours before the reception, usually around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This timing ensures the cake is not damaged during setup and allows the baker to make any necessary repairs. It is important to coordinate with the venue to ensure the cake table is ready before setup and to avoid interfering with other events.

Cake cutting tradition

The wedding cake has long been a symbolic detail, with the tradition of breaking bread (or cake) at weddings dating back to ancient Roman times. The cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the couple's love and commitment to one another, and their willingness to share everything as newlyweds.

The History of the Wedding Cake

In ancient Rome, cakes were made with wheat, a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and thought to bring good luck to the newly married couple. The tradition of wedding cakes themselves is thought to have originated in medieval England. At the time, guests would bring small cakes to the wedding reception, which the couple would stack on top of each other and attempt to kiss over the tower. If they were successful, it was considered good luck, and a sign that they would be blessed with many children.

The Cake-Cutting Ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony usually takes place after dinner, between dinner and the parent dances, or at the end of the reception. The couple will cut the first slice of cake together, with one partner placing their hand over the other's hand as they cut the cake, symbolising their promise to support each other and work together as a married couple.

After cutting the cake, the couple will feed each other a small bite of cake, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another and showing their love and affection. In some cases, this custom has evolved into the couple smashing cake into each other's faces, although this is usually agreed upon beforehand to avoid any surprises!

Saving the Top Tier

Many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary or at a christening ceremony. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when couples were likely to have their first baby within the first year of marriage, and the cake would be served at the baby's christening.

Cake Delivery

The wedding cake is usually delivered a few hours before the reception, with bakers recommending delivery one hour prior to the first guest's arrival. This gives the couple time to place the top tier and make any necessary repairs, and ensures the cake has time to warm up to room temperature.

Cake alternatives

If you're not a fan of cake, there are plenty of alternative options for your wedding dessert. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cupcakes: Offer a variety of flavours and colours to your guests, or create a tower of cupcakes to resemble a traditional tiered cake.
• Doughnuts: From frosted doughnuts stacked into a tower to a DIY doughnut wall or a simple box of assorted doughnuts, there are many ways to incorporate this treat into your wedding.
• Macarons: These colourful French pastries can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as on a custom stand or as part of a dessert table.
• Pies: Whether you opt for mini pies or a large pie to cut and share, this dessert is a great alternative, especially for fall weddings.
• Cookies: Choose your favourite type of cookie and stack them into a tower, or offer a variety of cookies on a dessert table.
• Cheese: For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake-inspired display of cheese wheels or a stacked wheel of cheese is a unique option.
• Ice cream: Hire an ice cream truck or set up an ice cream sundae bar to treat your guests to a refreshing dessert, especially for summer weddings.
• Candy: Fill jars or set up a candy bar with your favourite treats. Your guests will feel like they're in a real-life candy store!
• Other dessert options: Consider brownies, cake pops, cream puffs, churros, croquembouche, or even a cake-shaped piñata filled with treats.

Remember, your wedding dessert is a chance to get creative and showcase your personality. Whether you choose a single alternative or a variety of treats, your guests will surely be impressed and delighted.

Cake toppers

Wedding cake toppers can be a fun way to express the couple's personality and interests. While they are not necessary, they can be a great addition to the wedding cake and can be kept as a memento of the special day.

There are many options available for cake toppers, ranging from traditional to modern, funny to romantic, and everything in between. Couples can choose from a wide variety of materials, including porcelain, wood, and acrylic, and can even opt for custom-made toppers that resemble them and their interests. For instance, toppers can be designed to include the couple's hobbies, pets, or cultural backgrounds.

Acrylic cake toppers, in particular, have gained popularity due to their versatility, lightweight, and ease of customisation. They can be etched with the couple's names, wedding date, or other personalised details, making them unique to the couple. Additionally, their durability makes them a great choice for destination weddings or outdoor receptions.

For those who prefer a more rustic or country-themed wedding, wooden cake toppers are a perfect choice. These toppers are often handmade from high-quality wood and can be personalised with the couple's initials or wedding date.

Ultimately, the choice of cake topper depends on the couple's preferences and style. Whether they opt for a traditional figurine or a custom-made design, the cake topper can be a fun and meaningful addition to their wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions