The cake cutting ceremony is more than just a standard, expected part of a wedding reception … Its symbolic meaning is very crucial to the newlyweds because they are not just eating together, it is the first marked point that they actually perform a task jointly and share food as a married union, sustaining and providing mutually.
This signifies the beginning of a lifelong commitment to basically be there for each other. This image is even more special because the experience is openly shared with family, friends and additional attending guests.
The type of reception decides the time of the cake cutting ceremony. Usually the simpler the presentation the earlier this performance will be.
For more casual events (tea, cocktail etc) the cake is often served as a dessert option, being cut just after the guests have been greeted.
However, for a more formal type of reception which serves a meal, there is usually a pause, where the couple can even dance if they so wish and then the ceremony is announced and the guests will proceed to witness the cake cutting ceremony. After the ceremony the cake is sometimes served to the parents first and then can either be plated for the guests or beautifully packaged and handed as a gift to the guests as they are leaving. This would all greatly depend on your personal choice.
The cake table is most effective when set aside on its own, representing the fact that the ceremony is in reserve from the rest of the celebration. How each couple may choose to perform this ceremony varies greatly, reflecting traditions, personalities, the extent or omission of formality or just the fact that no two cuts are the same.
HANDY TIPS
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Do - choose a filling, icing and décor which will stand up for the duration of the reception without collapsing or withering.
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Do - create a beautiful show; the groom’s hand should be over the bride’s hand as they slice down into the bottom of the cake, representing togetherness in their union.
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Do- capture the moment; ensure with your photographer that this instant is recorded in the most beautifully memorable way. Ensure your angles are flattering; your photographer will guide you.
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Do - use a wedding serving set, they transform into timeless mementos after the ceremony is over. They are an excellent idea to further enhance your theme and image and can later be used on special occasions (anniversaries etc).
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Try - not to use your fingers, a lovely fork is a much more convenient and streamlined way to eat the cake, remember that you are still beautifully dressed, using a fork will eliminate the need to extensively have to cleanse your hands, especially if the cake is dark.
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Don't - cut the top tier first … lifting up your hands in such an uncomfortable position will not make for a good photo, in addition to the fact that the top layer is not the most stable for this use; if the cake is very firm you may need to use some force to get it to cut to the tier bottom. However it very much depends on how high the cake is and if you wish to save the top layer for later. Remember that you do not have to eat it a year later; it can be enjoyed any time after the wedding while it is still fresh and if anything a replica of the same flavor can be created for your first anniversary.
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Don't - just wrap it and leave it, if you do decide to save the top layer for your anniversary, freeze it properly.
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Try - to refrain from the impulse to smash the cake into one another’s faces. The cake cutting ceremony is an expressive, beautiful foundation for the two of you as a single unit and a face full of cake is not a very beautiful remembrance of the event. There are other ways which you can have fun, enjoy looking terrific and still create great memories.
This tradition has undergone many changes echoing as far back as the Roman Empire. While the transformations have largely contributed to the ceremony we enjoy today, remember that it is a very emotional and moving event which is really about the two of you as a couple and your willingness to share with each other ... Ensure that you reflect this with the respect it deserves.
