The wedding cake cutting ceremony is a highly anticipated (and photographed) part of the wedding reception. This nostalgic moment symbolizes the first time the newlywed couple breaks bread as husband and wife, and demonstrates their pledge to nourish and support one another throughout the rest of their lives together.
With more and more couples taking a more hands-on approach to their wedding planning, I felt it's important to share with all you DIY brides the correct and proper way to cut a wedding cake. While cutting a cake sounds simple, it can sometimes be a tricky and difficult task.
Below is a guide that shows how to cut popular shaped wedding tiers into pieces approximately 1 in. x 2 in. by two layers high (about 4 in.).
Round Tiers:
Move in two inches from the tier's outer edge; cut a circle and then slice 1 in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2 in., cut another circle, slice 1 in. pieces and so on until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the small top tier can be cut into 3rds, 4ths, and 6ths, depending on size.
Square Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Heart Tiers:
Divide the tiers vertically into 1/2ths, 4ths, 6ths and 8ths. Within rows, slice 1 in. pieces of cake.
Petal Tiers:
Cut similar to round tiers as diagram shows.
Oval Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Hexagon Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Paisley Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake, similar to oval tiers as diagram shows. Now move in another 2 in., repeat process until the entire tier is cut.
One important thing to remember is if larger serving sizes are desired, the order of cutting is still the same. The first step in cutting is to remove the top tier, and then begin the cutting with the 2nd tier followed by the 3rd, 4th and so on. The top tier is usually saved for the first anniversary, so it is not calculated into the serving amount.
Round Tiers:
Move in two inches from the tier's outer edge; cut a circle and then slice 1 in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2 in., cut another circle, slice 1 in. pieces and so on until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the small top tier can be cut into 3rds, 4ths, and 6ths, depending on size.
Square Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Heart Tiers:
Divide the tiers vertically into 1/2ths, 4ths, 6ths and 8ths. Within rows, slice 1 in. pieces of cake.
Petal Tiers:
Cut similar to round tiers as diagram shows.
Oval Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Hexagon Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1 in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2 in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.
Paisley Tiers:
Move in 2 in. from the outer edge and cut across. Slice and serve 1 in. pieces of cake, similar to oval tiers as diagram shows. Now move in another 2 in., repeat process until the entire tier is cut.
One important thing to remember is if larger serving sizes are desired, the order of cutting is still the same. The first step in cutting is to remove the top tier, and then begin the cutting with the 2nd tier followed by the 3rd, 4th and so on. The top tier is usually saved for the first anniversary, so it is not calculated into the serving amount.
Other helpful tips:
- The groom’s hand should be over the bride’s as the first slice of cake is cut.
- Make sure your wedding photographer is set and ready when the cake cutting begins.
- Take the time to practice your cake cutting skills at home before the wedding.
- Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, then the bride feeds the groom.
Source: Wilton.com
Good Luck!
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