The Art Of Cutting Your Wedding Cake

Cutting the wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition, but it can be a nerve-wracking experience for the newlyweds as all eyes are on them. The couple usually cuts the bottom tier of the cake as it is the most stable and easiest to reach. They only cut the first slice, leaving the caterers to cut the rest. The cake-cutting ceremony typically takes place before the first dance, but some couples opt to do it after they have been announced at the reception so that the cake is ready to be served for dessert.

Cutting the bottom tier is a tradition

Cutting the bottom tier of a wedding cake is a tradition. The bottom tier is the most stable part of the cake to cut, and it also avoids cutting into the top tier, which is traditionally saved and frozen to be eaten on the couple's first anniversary.

Cutting the cake together is a symbol of the couple's first act as a married couple, and it makes for a great photo opportunity. It can be a nerve-wracking experience with all eyes on the newlyweds, but it's a moment filled with excitement and joy.

The cake-cutting ceremony usually involves the couple cutting a small slice from the bottom tier of the cake, feeding it to each other, and then posing for photographs. The rest of the cake is then cut and served by caterers or venue staff.

The bottom tier is usually chosen for the cake-cutting ceremony because it is the most supported and stable part of the cake. Cutting the bottom tier is also a practical choice, especially if the cake is tall; reaching up to cut the top tier could be awkward and risky, with the potential for the cake to topple over.

The tradition of saving the top tier for the couple's first anniversary is long-standing, although some couples now opt for a fresh replica of their wedding cake instead. The bottom tier is usually served on the wedding night, so cutting it first makes sense from a practical perspective, too.

So, if you're planning your wedding cake, remember that cutting the bottom tier is a time-honoured tradition and a great way to kick off your new life together as a married couple.

The top tier is often saved for the couple's first anniversary

The wedding cake is an iconic part of the big day, and cutting the cake is the couple's first joint act in their married life. It is also a great photo opportunity.

Traditionally, the top tier of the wedding cake is saved for the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary. This is usually frozen to preserve it. However, some couples choose not to save the top tier, as it can be challenging to keep it fresh, and it may taste unpleasant after a year in the freezer.

Some couples opt to order a fresh replica of their wedding cake on their anniversary instead. Some bakers include a small "anniversary cake" in the price of the wedding cake, so the couple can guarantee they will have a fresh cake to enjoy.

If you do decide to save the top tier, it is customary to cut the first slice from the bottom tier of the cake during the ceremony. This is because the bottom tier is the most stable part of the cake, and it would be awkward to reach the top tier, especially if the cake is tall. It is also important not to cut all the way through the bottom tier, as each tier should be supported by a board underneath.

The couple will normally cut a small piece from the bottom tier for the ceremony, and the rest of the cake will be cut and served by caterers or venue staff.

Couples usually only cut the first slice

The couple will normally cut a small piece from the bottom tier of the cake. This is because it is the most supported and stable part of the cake. It would be awkward and potentially dangerous to try to cut the top tier, especially if the cake is tall. The bottom tier is also usually the largest, so it makes sense to cut from this part.

The couple will cut about an inch into the cake, then make a connecting line and use the knife to lift the slice onto a plate. They will not be plating this up to serve to guests, it is purely for show. The rest of the cake will then be cut and served by caterers or venue staff.

The cake is cut before the first dance

The wedding cake is usually cut before the first dance. This is because the cake-cutting ceremony is traditionally the last serious event of the evening, signalling to guests that they are welcome to leave if they don't want to stay for the rest of the party. It's also a good time for older guests to depart, as they assume that the only thing that's going to happen from this point onwards is drinking and dancing.

The first dance, on the other hand, is often seen as the event that opens the dance floor for the rest of the guests. It's usually done straight after the couple's introduction, to keep the guests occupied and stationary while food is being served. However, some couples prefer to do the first dance after the cake-cutting, to avoid having to interrupt the dancing for cake.

There is no right or wrong way to structure your wedding, but it's worth bearing in mind that if you cut the cake first, some guests may leave before the first dance.

The couple places their hands on the knife together

The couple should decide beforehand whether they want to cut the cake in a wedge or box shape. When the moment arrives, they should place their hands on the knife together and cut about an inch into the cake. Then, cut a connecting line and use the knife to lift the slice onto a plate.

The bottom tier is usually the best tier to cut, as it is the most supported and stable part of the cake. It is also a good height, as the top tier may be too high and awkward to cut comfortably. The top tier is also traditionally saved and frozen for the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary, so it is best not to cut into this tier.

The couple will only cut the first slice of the cake, and the rest will be cut by caterers.

Frequently asked questions