Things you should know
Wedding cakes take center stage in the traditional cake cutting ceremony. The history of the wedding cake dates back as far as the Roman Empire; and although some customs and traditions (like smashing the cake over the bride’s head) have fallen by the wayside over time, much of the symbolism and magic still remains.
It is said that the bride and groom cutting the cake is symbolically the first task performed together.
It has been said that the wedding cake was to be as white as possible offering a visual link of “purity” between the bride and the cake. When in fact, many years ago, ingredients were hard to come by and the white icing and cake became a symbol of wealth. The whitest of cakes required the finest refined sugar signifying the outward appearance of affluence.
Did you know that your guests eat a piece of your cake to ensure good luck? So whether you view the cake cutting as part of the first meal shared together as husband and wife; your first task together; a sign of fertility or a symbol of your commitment – it is a moment to be shared and savored for years to come.
Below are some things to help you along when planning your reception and the placement of your wedding cake:
•
When choosing your cake … remember … this is your wedding. You cannot or should not try to please anyone but yourself and the groom. Choose flavors that are favorites of you and the groom.
When choosing your cake … remember … this is your wedding. You cannot or should not try to please anyone but yourself and the groom. Choose flavors that are favorites of you and the groom.•Make sure the cake is on a table that is level and sturdy.
Make sure the cake is on a table that is level and sturdy. •Keep your cake out of direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Keep your cake out of direct sunlight and extreme heat.•Try to keep your cake out of “traffic.” (Away from caterers, servers, running children)
Try to keep your cake out of “traffic.” (Away from caterers, servers, running children)•Use a “special” knife to cut the cake - whether it’s the knife that your parents used or one that was given to you as a gift.
Use a “special” knife to cut the cake - whether it’s the knife that your parents used or one that was given to you as a gift.•Cut the cake with the groom’s right hand over the bride’s hand.
Cut the cake with the groom’s right hand over the bride’s hand.•Remove the top tier of your cake before the rest of the cake is cut.
Remove the top tier of your cake before the rest of the cake is cut.•If you’re having an outside wedding and reception, make sure to have a back-up plan in case any part of the event needs to be relocated.
If you’re having an outside wedding and reception, make sure to have a back-up plan in case any part of the event needs to be relocated.•If you are unsure about what kind of design you want on your cake – take a step back and look at your gown. It’s full of ideas!
If you are unsure about what kind of design you want on your cake – take a step back and look at your gown. It’s full of ideas!•If you’re having a grooms’ cake – be sure to include him in the planning process.
If you’re having a grooms’ cake – be sure to include him in the planning process.•Have your photographer take pictures of the cake prior to the reception if possible and make sure that the photographer is in place before you cut the cake. There’s no re-takes on a first cut!
Have your photographer take pictures of the cake prior to the reception if possible and make sure that the photographer is in place before you cut the cake. There’s no re-takes on a first cut!