How to Cut the Wedding Cake

The significance of the wedding cake has been loaded with symbolism - whether the bride and groom's first cut represents fertility, the first meal of a married couple or the beginning of a shared life - or simply the end of the wedding reception. (Note: The smashing of cake in faces is entirely optional!)

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic Flatware
• Champagne
• Wedding Cakes
• Champagne Glasses
• Cake Kinfe And Server
• Cake Plates
• Napkins
• Silverware
• Napkins

1. Time the cake cutting as appropriate to the type of reception. If you are having a cocktail or tea reception, serve the cake after the guests shuffle through the receiving line; if you plan to throw a lunch or dinner reception, present the cake after the meal.

2. Gather the crowd and announce your intention to cut the cake, either verbally or with a reprise of the song that accompanied the couple in their first dance.

3. Cut with the groom's right hand over the bride's. Slice through the bottom layer of the cake together.

4. Feed one another from the slice. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, then the bride serves the groom.

5. Serve slices to your in-laws - with the bride serving the groom's parents, then the groom serving the bride's.

6. Have a preordained friend or the catering staff serve the rest of the guests.

Tips & Warnings

• Check that the photographer and videographer are in place before you begin cutting.
• Use a special silver cake knife if possible, such as one used by the groom's parents in their wedding, or a knife just received from the bridal registry.

[Leah]

on 4/19/2007 There is ALWAYS leftover cake. My thought for my upcoming wedding is to cut the cake before serving our guests. This way, nobody misses the "moment" and they can get a piece of cake with their meal. Your cake is more likely to be eaten and memorable.

on 8/8/2006 If you have a tiered cake with separation (such as columns) between the layers, the top of the lower layer may have hard plastic over it to prevent the upper portions from sinking into it. Slide the knife underneath and then down.