Cake Cutting
One of the things I have noticed at weddings is that brides and grooms do not know how to cut the cake. It’s something that sounds simple and when you’re at home for a birthday party, it generally is. The difference at a wedding, is that you usually have a multi level cake, one or two photographers, a videographer and dozens of guests watching you. No pressure… Don’t worry though. This post is dedicated to how to easily handle this part of the reception.
The cake is one of the center pieces for the reception. It is one of the things I have noticed, that guests flock to when they first enter the reception hall. Lots of pictures are taken of it. From time to time, someone will take a video as they move their phones around the wonderful dessert. Parents will act like body guards, keeping their young children away from it. From time to time, a child is able to take a swipe of the icing.
Usually toward the middle of the reception, the bride and groom will make their way over to the table where the cake is. A large beautiful cake, usually multiple levels, intricate decorations, sometimes a little statue of their favorite pet. On the table will be a large knife and spatula, a small plate and a couple of forks.
When the couple gets to the table, they are a bit overwhelmed. More often than not, they look at each other and say, “I’ve never done this before!”, with a laugh. That’s where I step in to guide them. The cake table will usually be up against a wall, so I will be at one end, looking at the couple. I position shorter of the two, generally the bride, closest to me, so that they are not covered by the taller person. I instruct the bride to grab the knife first, with the groom placing his hand on top of hers. The easiest way to cut is to cut a ‘V’, by making two cuts angled toward each other. Next, the couple will cut vertically at the point of the ‘V’, essentially cutting the slice away from the cake. They will then use the spatula to pull the slice of cake onto the plate. Viola!
Once I have given them these instructions, I will stand back and let them go at it. It is a playful moment that always elicits laughs from both the couple and the guests watching them. I will photograph them cutting, then ask them to look at me once they have the cake on the plate. From there, they will each grab a fork and either feed themselves or feed each other. Again, more pictures. Once they have each taken a couple of bites, I will ask them to kiss. From time to time, there will be a cake smash. I’ve found that it is usually the bride giving the groom a bit of icing to his face. Again, very playful.
There you have it. Easy instructions for taking care of this fun and tasty part of the reception.