Cake Cutting 101: How to Make the Moment Special (and Get the Best Photos)

Cutting the wedding cake, it’s one of the most iconic moments of your big day, right up there with the first dance and the “I do.” But let’s be real: it can also feel a little awkward. Where do you stand? How do you hold the knife? Let’s talk about how to make your cake-cutting moment truly special and get the best photos to remember it by.

Setting the Stage: Where and How

• Pick the Right Spot – Your cake should be placed somewhere well-lit and easily visible so all your guests can enjoy the moment. Bonus points if there’s a stunning backdrop! (A beautiful floral wall? a stunning view? all your friends and family?)

• Think About the Photographer’s Angle – If the cake is against a wall or in a corner, your photographer may struggle to capture the best angles, and guests may have difficulty seeing. Ideally, place the cake so there’s room for your photographer to move around while ensuring guests get a clear view of the action.

• Consider standing behind the cake - When cutting the cake, consider standing behind it, that way your photographer will get the best angle of you and the cake, as well as all your guests having a lovely view.

• Stand Together Comfortably – Don’t stress about the exact positioning, just stand side by side in a way that feels natural and allows guests (and cameras) a good view. Pro tip: Try not to block each other like you’re about to battle over the last piece of pizza.

When to Cut the Cake: Unique Timing Ideas

Traditionally, the cake is cut after dinner but before the dancing begins. This ensures guests are still paying attention and provides a seamless transition into the party portion of the evening. However, remember that cutting the cake takes time, especially when it needs to be portioned for all your guests. If you wait until later in the night, some guests might be too tipsy to fully enjoy it! If you want to break away from tradition, here are some fun alternatives:

• Right After the Ceremony – Have your caterers hand out slices of cake as canapés alongside your welcome drinks. This works particularly well if you have a display cake and opt for pre-sliced gateaux or other mini desserts.

• Before Dinner – Cut the cake just before guests are seated for dinner, allowing it to be plated and served as dessert. This eliminates the need for a separate dessert course and keeps the flow of the meal smooth.

• Just Before the Speeches – Position the cake in a prominent place in the room and cut it before speeches begin. This way, the cake can be portioned and ready to serve immediately after, keeping guests happily munching during the speeches.

How to Cut the Cake (Without Looking Like You’ve Never Held a Knife Before)

• Use the Right Knife – Before the big moment, check whether the venue supplies a proper cake knife or if you need to bring your own, because a butter knife from the salad table is not going to cut it (literally).

• Know Your Cake – If you have a display cake, make sure you know which tiers are real and which are artificial, or whether there is a separate cutting section. You don’t want to be sawing into a block of Styrofoam in front of all your guests!

• Go for the Bottom Tier – It’s the most stable part of the cake and makes for a cleaner, easier cut. No need to decapitate your masterpiece from the top down.

• Be Aware of Internal Structures – Tiered cakes have internal supports to keep them stable, and each tier sits on a cake board. This means you won’t be able to run the knife straight through from top to bottom. All the more reason to go for the bottom tier first!

• Slice, Don’t Saw – Gently press the knife in and make a smooth, confident slice. You’re cutting cake, not a log in a lumberjack competition.

The Perfect Cake-Cutting Photos

Want to capture the sweetest moment? Here’s how:

• Angle Matters – Your photographer will likely position you at an angle where both of your faces and the cake are visible. You want to look blissfully happy, not like you’re performing surgery.

• Take Your Time – Don’t rush! Hold the knife together, pause for a moment, and smile so your photographer can get a beautiful shot before you actually cut. Think ‘cute couple moment,’ not ‘frustrated home cooks on a deadline.’

• Interaction is Key – Laugh, chat, and be playful with each other. Candid moments are often the best ones.

• The Cake Bite – If you’re feeding each other a bite, do it gently (or dramatically, your call).

Adding a Personal Touch

• Make It a Toasting Moment – Hold a glass of champagne after the cut and toast to your new adventure together.

• Have a Special Song Playing – A meaningful tune in the background can make the moment even more romantic. (Or hilarious, if you go for something unexpected like ‘Eye of the Tiger.’)

• Share with Guests – Instead of disappearing right after, make it fun by personally offering the first slice to a family member or close friend.

Final Thoughts

Your cake cutting should feel fun, not forced. Enjoy the moment, take it slow, and trust your photographer to capture it beautifully. At the end of the day, whether you delicately share a bite or simply enjoy the moment together, it’s all about celebrating the sweetness of your big day- with a side of cake (and maybe a little mischief).