How to Properly Cut a Wedding Cake

Wedding planning, by nature, comes with the exciting task of choosing your wedding cake style and design. As you select the colors and decorations you want for the perfect celebratory confection, you’ll also choose how the cake is going to be displayed. Not to mention, choosing your wedding cake flavor! But when the big day comes, there’s just one more key thing to consider: Cutting your wedding cake.

The tradition of the couple cutting their cake together goes back decades. It’s a symbolic moment and, of course, makes for the perfect photo op. But just how do you pull it off gracefully? While it may seem like a daunting task, it’s simpler thank you think.

Below, find expert tips from a wedding cake baker on how to properly cut a wedding cake.

Consider Location First

The key to making it simpler to cut your wedding cake in front of all of your family and friends is to make it accessible to you first. “I recommend finding a spot to showcase where it’s easily seen by guests,” says Heather Leavitt, owner of Sweet Heather Anne. In choosing the cake table location, be sure there’s room to move around the cake, so you and your partner aren’t trying to squeeze in next to it for your cake cutting.

Leavitt also advises making sure it’s displayed out of direct sunlight, in a spot that’s well-lit, and includes a great backdrop so you’ll have stunning photos to look back on for years to come.

Grab the Essential Tools

Before the cake cutting, be sure to have the essential tools on hand to pull it off flawlessly. You’ll want to have a cake knife, one or two plates to put the slice or slices on, and two forks. Some couples like to make a toast during the cake cutting, so you may consider staging two champagne flutes to fill with bubbly as well.

Following the cake cutting, the job of cutting the rest of the cake typically falls to your caterer. “If the job does fall to a trusted friend or family member, I recommend having a chef's knife, an offset spatula, gloves, paper towel, and an assistant to help set out plates as they cut,” says Leavitt.

Cut the Cake

Typically, the couple will cut the cake following dinner. When it’s time for the cake cutting, the couple will stand on the side of the cake, allowing guests to watch and for the photographer to capture the moment!

“The good news is there’s no wrong place to cut a cake,” says Leavitt. “Since the couple is just making a ceremonial cut, it's unlikely to affect the structure.”

Don’t stress too much about the location of where you’re making that first cut. It may also be helpful to ask your cake baker if they have a specific recommendation based on the size, shape, and design of your cake. Leavitt suggests choosing a tier that is a comfortable height for you and your partner. Once both of you have your hand on the handle of the knife, cut a small slice together from the side of that chosen tier. Slice into the cake toward the center one to two inches. Then, move the knife over one inch and make another cut. Use either the knife or a cake server to remove the slice and place it on the plate.

Some couples choose to only cut one slice, transfer it to a plate, and use individual forks to enjoy that first bite together. You may also choose to cut two small slices, each on their own plates. Once
the cake is cut, dig in for a bite at the same time to celebrate!