Wedding Cake Etiquette

Just like with all things, there is proper etiquette when in comes to your wedding cake!  Here are a few tips that might help you not commit those embarrassing etiquette faux pas on your wedding day!

How do we hold the knife when cutting the cake?
I was actually asked this question from a bridesmaid this past weekend.  And it's one that most bride's don't think about until it's time to cut the cake!  When cutting a cake it's her hand over his. You want to show off that shiny new ring on your left hand don't you!

When do we cut the cake?
The cake is to be cut shortly after everyone has finished dinner, but before dancing gets into full swing.  This allows guests to munch on dessert through the evening without breaking up the dance floor once it starts.  It also allows elderly guests or guests with young children to excuse themselves early with tact.

Do I really need to order cake for everybody?
Yes, yes you do.  It is proper etiquette to have a slice of cake for each guest in attendance.  Just like you have enough chairs for guests to sit and enough meals for guests to eat.  Your guests are courteous enough to make arrangements to celebrate your marriage with you.  Please be courteous enough to provide them with dessert.  Not to mention, if you have 150 people at your wedding, and your guests see a two tier cake, they will know there isn't enough cake for everyone.  That looks tacky on the bride's part and it creates a mad dash come cake cutting time!

What if I'm having two cakes?
If you have more than one flavor of cake to serve then you need at least 125% servings of cake per your guest count, preferably 150%.  When you offer multiple flavors some guests would like samples of both.  You need to make sure you have enough cake to cover those sugar loving guests!  And, if your sugar loving guest is one of the first through the line, there may not be enough cake left over for guests who come for dessert later in the evening.

My parents are paying for the cake.  Should they have a say in what I order?
Yes, they should.  They are kind enough to purchase your cake for you.  The courteous thing to do is to consult with them on what you are ordering and get their feedback as far as design, flavor, and of course, price.  Bring them to the consultation and tasting.  That way you can discuss ideas together at the time of the meeting when everything is fresh on your mind.

How do we properly announce that we are cutting the cake?
Ahhh, this is one of the many benefits of hiring a professional DJ or Band who specializes in weddings.  They will know how to properly transition important events during your reception at no stress to you! 

Can we smear cake all over each others faces when we cut the cake?
Can you, yes.  Should you, no.  I understand that it's funny.  But, this is a day in which you two publicly proclaim your love and commitment to each other for the rest of your lives.  While it's a celebration, it's also a time to show mutual respect, compassion, and love to one another.  Not to mention, you don't want icing all over your beautiful (and probably expensive) dress.