How to Serve a Wedding Cake

Knowing how to serve a wedding cake can save a bride and groom $100 or more on their reception costs because they do not need to pay for cutting and serving charges for the catering staff. There is an art to slicing and serving wedding cake, however, and following the proper procedure is essential for even, attractive slices all the guests can enjoy. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wedding cake
• Cake serving set
• Ice bucket of water
• Clean kitchen towels
• Dessert plates
• Assistants

1. Cut the first ceremonial slice of wedding cake for photographs and feeding one another as directed by the wedding photographer.
2. Prepare the rest of the wedding cake for cutting by removing all inedible decorations such as the topper, floral garlands, ribbons, or other embellishments. Decorations can be saved or discarded as desired.
3. Separate individual tiers by unstacking them if possible. If tiers cannot be unstacked, the top tier will be cut first.
4. Cut large tiers into strips or sections two inches long. Round tiers will need to be cut into concentric circles, while square wedding cake tiers can be cut into strips.
5. Dip the knife into the bucket of water and wipe it dry between cuts so each slice is smooth and even. Use clean towels frequently to avoid smearing icing and crumbs on the knife.
6. Once all the tiers have been sectioned into 2-inch strips, cut individual slices one inch wide. Wider slices may be cut if desired but be sure there will be enough slices for all wedding guests.
7. Complete Step 5 between each slice.
8. Place individual slices on dessert plates with the widest side of the slice on the bottom for stability.
9. Hand each plate to an assistant who can distribute it to the wedding guests.
10. Continue cutting the wedding cake until the entire cake is sliced in case guests want a second piece.

Tips & Warnings

• To make judging the slice sizes easier, ask the baker to decorate the cake in a symmetrical pattern with divisions one inch apart.
• Because most wedding guests will sample a piece of cake, the bride and groom can greet and thank their guests while serving the wedding cake.
• Be sure the cake table has enough room for cutting and serving the cake, or else have a small table available nearby for extra space.
• It may be helpful to have several cake knifes available for very thick or rich cakes. This will help keep the knives cleaner and the slices neater.
• Never lick your fingers while serving wedding cake-have extra towels or napkins available to keep clean.
• Inform guests about the type of cake before they sample it to avoid any complications with food allergies such as peanuts, gluten or other ingredients.

Who Can Help:

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