About Cutting the Cake at Your Reception

Including this sweet tradition at your wedding? Here's all the cake-cutting know-how you need.

The wedding cake has long been a symbolic detail—the tradition of breaking the cake over the bride's head dates back to the Ancient Romans. Customs evolve with the times, of course, and today the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake has remained a popular and meaningful wedding reception activity (A Real Weddings Study reveals 889 percent of couples include the cake cutting during their reception). It provides both a fabulous photo opportunity and symbolizes the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. Find out all you need to know about this wedding tradition below.

Cake Décor and Extras

Since the wedding cake is the main focus, many couples decorate their dessert with a festive and personal cake topper. Use a traditional miniature or look for something modern and unique to suit your style. Some couples throw it way back and include vintage Victorian cake charms or a Southern ribbon pulling ceremony for good luck. 

Making the Cut

Even if you think you're a pro at cutting sweets—at birthday parties or entertaining—check with your cake baker or caterer for special instructions to make the first cut. You wouldn't want to place the knife in the wrong spot and cause the delicate tower to topple over. Your baker will often recommend you cut from the bottom tier. This might sound obvious, but remember to use the knife, not the server, for the quickest and cleanest cut. (The slice can be modest since you really only need two bites' worth.) Slide the slice onto the server, then place it on a plate. Use the knife to cut the slice into two small pieces. You can each take your pieces from the same plate for the ceremonial feeding.

Smashing Is Optional

Once the initial piece is cut, the newlyweds usually feed each other the first slice, symbolizing their commitment to provide for one another. In some cases, this moment is replaced by a different tradition: smashing cake into each other's faces. How you feed each other the cake is up to you, but remember—you don't need to smear frosting on your new spouse simply because you think your guests expect it. You just had your hair and makeup done and you're probably both in pricey outfits—don't risk any staining if you don't want to. Either way, ask your baker or caterer to have napkins (or even a warm, damp cloth) nearby to wipe up any rogue crumbs and frosting quickly.

Get the Best Shots

The cake cutting is often one of wedding photographers' favorite images to capture. Before the celebration, be clear and specific with them about your shot list. Do you want the traditional posed shot of the two of you cutting the cake together, or do you prefer a more candid, documentary-style one? Is a close-up of your hands on the knife important, or are you only interested in the big picture? Nailing down these must-have photos will steer your pro in the right direction so you can be totally in the moment instead of worrying about whether or not they're capturing the right shots.

Feeding the Crowd

Once you've cut the cake, the catering staff will take over and often bring it back into the kitchen to slice for the rest of your guests. Couples used to freeze the top tier of their wedding cake for the baby christening that was expected to follow soon after. Today, many still opt to save a tier or even a few slices to enjoy on their first anniversary, Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve together. In the past, couples actually sent their guests home with cake, or sent pieces to those unable to attend. While this tradition isn't as common anymore—replaced by separate favors—it's still a nice gesture (and a great way to avoid wasting cake) to offer boxed slices for guests at the end of the evening as a sweet takeaway.

Check out the Venue

Essential Tips for Finding the Right Venue for Your Event

Finding the right venue for your event can be a minefield. Avoid the common planning pitfalls by following a few simple rules when sourcing a venue for your event.

Establish a budget

Unless you have a limitless supply of cash, you need to establish early what your ideal budget and budget ceiling are. Every decision you make from here on out is going to be dictated primarily by your budget. Without keeping this in mind, your event spend could quickly blow out. 
Make a list of concrete must-haves
First, identify what your absolute necessities are for a successful event, and what you would like but, realistically, what you could continue without. If you’re organising an event with live music for example, you need a stage. But a venue with city views, while a nice addition, isn’t a deal-breaker. 

Identify your flexible spots

After you’ve worked out what’s vital for your event, it’s important to be as flexible as possible on your lower preferences. Flexibility on things like location and date can also result in significant savings for your event budget. For example: many venues charge more for Saturday hire, as opposed to events held on a Sunday.
Do your research
Use every resource available to you. Don’t just go with the status quo, or a venue you’re familiar with! Read blogs or industry publications to find hidden gems. Explore a free third party website to really expand your list of potentials, save time, and get the best rate possible.

Have a few options

As a potential customer, you’ve got the upper hand. Venues are constantly competing for business – keep your options open by enquiring with multiple venues. Enquiries aren’t a  commitment and allow you to get the best possible overall deal for your event.

Make site visits a priority

Pictures don’t tell the whole story. A venue may have beautiful imagery on their website, but at the on-site visit you noticed the space was dim, dirty or dull. Conversely, Venue B’s pics may have been lacklustre, but once you’re in the space you find it’ll actually suit your event perfectly. Basically, you won’t know until you go. 

Trust your gut

In the lead up to the site visit, and during the inspection itself, pay attention to how the venue team responds to you. Do your phone calls go unanswered? Did they put any extra thought or imagination into your proposal or site visit? Work with venues who want to work with you, rather than venues that are just interested in your money.

Know what’s included

Sweet – everything is on-budget! But is AV included? Is there a security or cleaning fee? Is there a charge for using a supplier off the venue’s list of preferred partners? Be open and upfront with your potential venues, so you don’t end up with surprise additional charges piled up on your invoice.

Pay attention to the nitty gritty

Small details are often the difference between a good event, a flop, and a wonderfully memorable event. Think about the number of projected patrons versus the number of toilets. Consider the time of year, and if the air conditioning is going to hack it on a potentially 35+ degree day. When sourcing a venue, you need to consider the boring details because they can make or break an event. For example: planning an 18+ music event? Check everything – from what time the venue’s license ends, to if there’s a dedicated smoking area.

Now you’ve got a plan in place, it’s time to start hunting for the perfect venue. Once you have your shortlist, start the site inspections and make sure your dream venue checks all the right boxes.