The Cake Cutting Ceremony is a time-honored tradition for the bride and groom to share as they demonstrate their commitment to support one another. Whenever I do hosting for my events I’d always say that this is highly anticipated in the wedding reception as it creates a nostalgic moment that symbolizes the first time the newlywed couple breaks bread as husband and wife, and it also demonstrates their pledge to support and nourish one another.
Depending on the type of the wedding reception, the cake cutting may take place either early or during the latter part of the program. If this is done on the first part of the program – I’d always say that this would be the first task that the newlywed couple will perform as husband and wife. After the cake cutting, it will be followed by the Ceremonial Toast and The Couple’s First Dance.
Another fun part of the ceremony is how the cake is cut – because it can a tricky task. Just as every wedding cake is unique, every first cut will also be different – there also goes a symbolism of the purpose of the cake cutting.
As a wedding coordinator and host, I make it a point to keep my bride-groom informed of what the symbolism of this ceremony and what are the things that they should consider.
Remember!
1. Listen to your photographer – Cake Cutting is a highly photogenic moment and your wedding photographer will ask you to cut a particular layer of the cake that will work best for the photos.
2. Work Together – the groom’s hand should be over the bride’s as the first slice of the cake is cut to show how they will work together in their marriage.
3. Use a serving set – a decorative cake serving set has both a knife and server that are lovely utensils for this important event. For a military wedding, a sword may be used instead of a knife.
4. Feed each other first – gently feeding one another the symbolic first bite of cake is a lovely tradition that symbolizes the nurturing relationship the new husband and wife share.
5. Offer slices to in-laws – the couple may choose to cut additional slices of cake to offer their respective in-laws; this shows the connection between two families and is a delicious way to show respect to one another’s families.
Originally, wedding cakes were called bride cakes. So this means that bride is not just the center of attraction in a wedding, but it creates a link between the bride and the cake. Lucky for us =)
But whatever symbolism we think of the Cake Cutting Ceremony we should always remember that Wedding is a commitment to share whatever path life takes you on, with love and devotion, and the shared cutting of the first slice represents this commitment. Sharing of the cake to each other symbolizes your vows which means to love, honor and respect one another.
So, to sum it all up, the cake cutting ceremony is just a tiny part of two people as ONE facing life's journey together.
