Tradition states that the first cut of the wedding cake is ceremonial and always done jointly by the bride and groom. A special knife with a ribbon tied to the handle is set alongside the cake for the bride to pick up and use to cut a small piece from the bottom layer. This piece is used by the bride and groom for the ceremonial 'feeding each other' event.

After the ceremonial first cut, the cake is taken from the reception hall to the kitchen where it is cut, plated, and delivered back to the cake table. This procedure works well with the cost-saving concept mentioned in cake pricing, of having a small, elaborate cake for display and sheet cakes tucked away in the kitchen to serve to your guests.

Sometimes each piece will receive a small decoration, such as an edible sugar-flower, bell or ribbon, before they are brought back to the reception hall.

Do not assume that cake cutting is included in your caterer's services. Be sure to inquire and if necessary, pay an additional fee for the service so that your guests do not have to work at the reception. If all else fails, ask a friend or family member to supervise the cutting and serving process. If the cake is tiered, the top layer will be removed, wrapped, and given to the bride and groom to enjoy on their first wedding anniversary. If the frosting is made of butter, ask the caterer to refrigerate the top layer before wrapping so that the frosting has a chance to harden. The caterer should wrap the layer in plastic, place it in a box, and wrap the box in plastic as well, in order to preserve the cake's flavor and texture. The remaining tiers are then cut after removing the pillars and non-edible decorations. The first cut of a circular cake will be made along the inside diameter, enabling the cutter to slice a perfect outer ring, and then follow the pattern to the inner circle. Slices should be about one inch wide and no more than four inches to the point. A square or rectangular cake will be cut in no more than three inch squares. Left over wedding cake can be given to the wait-staff at the reception hall, or wrapped and presented to your guests.

Cake Styles | Flavors | Frostings | Decorations | Ordering Your Cake
Cutting Your Cake | Cake Pricing Guide | Cake Budget Planner
Questions for Your Caterer