Wedding Cake Etiquette

When planning your wedding there are rules of etiquette to make sure you follow, even with the cake!  Here are 6 simple tips to make sure your wedding cake is properly presented!

Photo Courtesy of AzulOx Photography

1. Presentation - the cake is located on a dessert table, free of other foods with the exception of other desserts.  Typically cakes are on a skirted table or other table adornments.  The table is adorned with the champagne flutes, cake knives, and at times flowers or other small decorations.  Cake plates and forks are also acceptable to place on the cake table.
2. When to cut the cake - The timing of when you cut the cake is actually an important part of your reception.  It is done once your guests have finished their meal and directly following the toasts.  The cake cutting is the ending of the more formal part of the reception and the beginning of the dancing.  The cake cutting is the polite segue for guests with young children or older guests to excuse themselves if they choose too.
3. Announcing cake cutting - Yes, you want your DJ to announce that the cake is being cut.  Most guests want to see this special wedding tradition (and if your photographer is taking photos elsewhere he or she needs to be notified). It also allows your guests who will dismiss themselves to prepare for their departure. 
   
4. Slicing the cake - When the bride and groom slice the cake the groom's right hand shall be placed over the bride's right hand.  Then cut a small slice of cake together and place on a readily available plate.  
5. What to drink - It is polite to serve your cake with either coffee or punch for your guests to enjoy with their sweet dessert.
   
6. Dietary Restrictions - Allergies seem to be more of an issue these days and we certainly want to cater to those guests (or even the bride or maybe groom).  It is not required that you make special dietary accommodations for guests with allergies.  Additionally, it is not necessary to make all your guests eat a cake without the ingredient of the allergic guest (or bride/groom).  For example, gluten allergies are becoming more common.  Rather then making an entire cake gluten free, requiring all your guests to eat it, make a smaller cake or dessert for those with dietary restrictions.  This allows the majority of your guests to enjoy a sweet and tasty treat and still accommodate those with restrictions.