Four useful pointers to help you decide when to cut your wedding cake

The cake is often a focal point during the wedding day. Not only can it reinforce your wedding theme it can also offer an opportunity to include nods to your personality, pets, and even hobbies! Consequently many guests make a beeline to take a photograph of the cake and, after spending a lot of time deciding on the design, you will of course want your guests to be able to enjoy looking at it for as long as possible.

The question therefore arises – when is the best time to cut the cake? On one hand, you may want your evening guests to see it, but on the other, you don’t want it sitting in a hot room for an entire day especially if it is buttercream! Here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Immediately after your ceremony

Cutting the cake early in the day does of course mean that it no longer acts as a focal point. However, it does mean that you could potentially serve the cake as an accompaniment during the drinks reception and will ensure that all of your guests have a slice.

Image by Copper and Blossom Photography

Before or during the wedding breakfast

Once your guests have taken their seats for the wedding breakfast, you could make the most of everyone being in the same place and cut your cake before (or during) the meal. Not only will this ensure that all of your daytime guests get  to see you cut the cake but it also provides the opportunity for the cake to be portioned and served as your dessert. 

After the wedding breakfast

Perhaps you could combine the cake-cutting alongside your speeches after the meal. Again, this ensures that all of your guests are already in the room when you cut the cake and also serves to round-off that specific part of your day. The cake could then be portioned and served alongside coffee before your evening celebrations begin. 

Before your first dance

It is becoming increasingly common for couples to cut their cake immediately before their first dance. This ensures that your evening guests can be included. The cake can then be portioned and served as a tasty treat during the evening, perhaps alongside an evening buffet.

There is no right or wrong answer - you really need to do what is best for you and your particular celebration. Either way, be sure to ask the caterers to keep you a slice to enjoy later in the evening (or perhaps even for breakfast the next day!).