What was once a necessary part of any wedding ceremony has now become one of it’s most beloved traditions. Cutting the cake is one of the most popular photo opportunities at the reception and is a much celebrated tradition for newlywed couples. In earlier times, cutting the cake was impossible for the bride to do alone. Because she actually needed the additional muscle of her new husband to break through the thick layers of cake and frosting, cutting the cake was once a two-person job.

Today, however, cakes are made to be much softer and more easy to manage. Even though cutting the cake is no longer impossible for the bride to handle alone, it has become a tradition that both the bride and groom hold the cutting utensil as they slice the first piece of wedding cake. It is important to remember that any embellishments should be removed before cutting the cake in a particular area. If there are silk flowers or other decorative pieces, removing them from the cake will ensure that none of the pieces accidentally find their way into someone’s mouth.

With cutting the cake being such a popular tradition, many cutting utensils can be engraved to commemorate the special day. For instance, a couple may choose to have their names or the date of the wedding engraved or, in some cases, even both. It is customary that the bride’s hand goes onto the cutting utensil first. Once she has a firm grip, her husband should place his hand gently over hers as they begin to cut the cake. This process should not be rushed because, being that it is a tradition, many photographs will be snapped during this time. The bride and groom should let everyone know that this is their last opportunity to snap a photo of the wedding cake in it’s undisturbed condition and that, jokingly, it will be devoured in a few moments.

Because cutting the cake is one of the highlights to any reception, the cake quickly becomes the focal point. Whether it’s a simple design or a lavish tier, the wedding cake should be personalized with designs that both the bride and groom have chosen.

Traditionally, after cutting the cake, the bride and groom each feed one another a single bite before sharing with their guests. Once the cake cutting ceremony is complete, the guests will have an opportunity to sample the delicious delicacy.