What Is the Best Moment to Cut and Serve the Cake?
Without doubt, the cutting of the cake is one of the wedding moments people get most excited about – because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a lush, delicious, sweet snack?
The way your cake looks is one thing, the way it tastes is another. Even the way you display it throughout the wedding can have a huge influence on your wedding day!
What is the best moment to cut and serve the wedding cake, though?
We have some tips for you – keep reading and find out more.

- Traditionally, the cake cutting takes place between the dinner and the dancing part of the reception party (after the First Dance) – and it makes perfect sense this way. The reason most couples go with the traditional cake cutting timeline is because this can also act as a trigger for guests that they can head home (especially if they can’t stay for the after party). Plus, serving dessert right after your First Dance is a nice way to give guests a kick of energy – just enough for an evening full of dancing and having fun.
- However, keep in mind that it is perfectly acceptable to alter the traditional timeline as well. For instance, if you want to have your First Dance before the meal, you will have to serve the dessert after the last course. Likewise, if you don’t want a traditional cake cutting moment, you can leave the cake on the dessert table and encourage guests to grab a slice when they want to.
- In general, the earlier you serve the cake, the better it is for everyone. As mentioned before, the cake is usually a trigger for guests to know that it is acceptable to leave the party and head home. This is precisely why you want to serve your cake earlier in the reception timeline, rather than later – especially if you have seniors or parents with children invited at your wedding. Yes, you are allowed to make your own rules, of course – but keep your guests in mind as well!
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