Presenting and Cutting a Decorated Wedding Cake

Cake is often the dessert of choice at ceremonial occasions, particularly weddings or birthday parties. The bride and groom are the first to eat their wedding cake, often serving each other a piece. Wedding cake is a very memorable part of one’s reception. Indeed, cutting the cake marks a turning point in someone’s life. The significance of the wedding cake has been loaded with symbolism – whether the bride and groom’s first cut represents the beginning of a shared life or simply the end of the wedding reception.

Once you’ve determined what kind of cake to have at your wedding, and how you would like it decorated, it’s time to decide where to place the cake at your reception. Walk through the reception hall and decide the best place for guests to admire the cake.

Dress a table for the cake with a nice white table cloth. Make sure the table is sturdy and strong, in case your cake is heavy. Decorate the table to complement the style of your wedding. It’s nice to use flower pedals or even whole flowers on the table with your cake, and personal pictures add a nice touch, too. Center the cake on the table, placing it carefully. Large cakes can be fragile, so it’s best to place them with a steady hand. Make sure that the cake is centered and angled correctly for optimal viewing.

Next step is to cut the cake. Check that the photographer and videographer are in place before you begin cutting. Time the cake cutting as appropriate to the type of reception. If you plan to throw a lunch or dinner reception, present the cake after the meal. Gather the crowd and announce your intention to cut the cake. Cut with the groom’s right hand over the bride’s. Slice through to the bottom layer of the cake together. Use a special silver cake knife if possible. Feed one another from the slice. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, then the bride serves the groom. Serve slices to your in-laws – with the bride serving the groom’s parents, then the groom serving the bride’s. Then, have preordained friends or the catering staff members serve the rest of the guests.