Wedding Cake Etiquette
Everyone knows (or should know) that it’s tradition for the bride and groom to have the responsibility of cutting the first slice of wedding cake. Typically, they also feed it to each other . . . and maybe even smash a piece or two in each other’s faces! However, what should happen after? If you’re planning a beautiful Maui wedding and you want everything to go by the book, then it’s important to educate yourself on proper wedding cake etiquette.
Consider a “Cutting Cake”
First things first, many modern brides and grooms actually have two separate cakes ready to go. The first is the smaller cake that they cut (and maybe smash) themselves, in front of everyone. That way, they don’t have to worry about the size of the piece they cut or about whether or not they’ll have enough left over for all of their guests. The second cake is the one that is actually served to their attendees. If you’d like to go this route, talk it over with your wedding coordinator. They’ve honored this increasingly common request before, and it will be no problem. And having a smaller cutting cake and a separate sheet cake to serve can often be a big cost savings over a larger, multi-tiered wedding cake!
How to Cut a Wedding Cake
When it’s time for you to officially cut your wedding cake, there are some easy tips to follow to ensure this goes smoothly. First, you will want to stand next to each other on the opposite side of the cake table from where your guests and photographer will be standing. Next, the groom typically holds the cake knife with the bride’s hand on top of his. Then together you cut a small triangle into the bottom tier of the wedding cake and pull out the piece with the cake server. Place the piece of cake on a cake plate and the both take a forkful to feed each other. You can also use your hands if you prefer!
Cut After Dinner
As a final tip, remember that many of your guests will view the cake cutting as a sign that dinner has concluded. After all, a cake—even a wedding cake—does count as the dessert at the end of an amazing meal. As such, have your cake cut at the end of dinner. Then your catering team can cut, plate and serve your cake while everyone is enjoying the toasts and First Dance. This ensures that dessert is not forgotten before everyone moves out to the dance floor the rest of the night.
Ultimately, your wedding is your wedding, which means you can do things the way you want. But, you’re likely to have a much happier and easier experience, at least where cake-cutting is concerned, if you can follow these easy tips.
