Displaying and Cutting Your Wedding Cake ... yes, there is an art to it. The wedding cake is a focal point of the reception. Second to the bride and groom. The first thing you see when you enter the room. The cake is usually displayed from the beginning of the reception until the cutting. So, choose a filling and icing that can hold up for the duration. If you're adding special lighting to the room, add a spotlight on the cake table. Otherwise, place the cake in a focal point where the guests can see it. (Cake pictured on left is from
Wedding Cake On Sugar.)
Cake table secrets
The base of the cake determines the size of the table. Make sure the table size is relative to the cake. You don't want the cake to look too small for the table; or too big. To embellish the table try these tricks:
- Wrap picture wire (as if tying a package) around the tabletop, after the tables are covered, you can attach swags, garlands, and sprays with safety pins to the wires in the appropriate places.
- Layer sheets and/or tulle to give the tablecloth fullness and make it look more elegant.
- A nice touch is to make use of those expensive bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony -- have the maitre d' or wedding consultant discreetly take the bridesmaid's bouquets and arrange them around the cake.
- Have the cake placed on a gorgeous cake stand (like the one to the right.) Again, a beautiful addition to the cake and reusable for parties you may have in the future
- Add a small picture framed picture to the table of the grooms parents and bride's parents.
Make sure the cake is delivered at least two hours before the reception begins. Cakes are rarely transported fully assembled. This gives the caterer time to position the cake, and the reception hall to make sure everything is in order.
Cutting the Cake
Prior to the wedding, be sure to choose a cake knife and serving set. These make a great heirloom that you can use for years. And, they are reusable, long after the wedding.
Everyone looks forward to the cake cutting. Traditionally, the first shared piece symbolizes the couple's first meal as husband and wife. The cake cutting also used to signal the end of the wedding, as the bride and groom would then change and be off.
Have the DJ or Host announce the
cake cutting. The bride and/or groom often make their toast at this time, presenting a perfect photo opportunity. After the cutting and toasts are completed, the band plays quietly in the background until the bride and groom finish exchanging their first bites, whereupon the music swells into a full-fledged dance number. You will usually be asked to pick a song for both the cake cutting and the following dance number.
When you create your wedding day schedule, put in bold type: "Entire band should be ready to play immediately after cake cutting." Many bands seem to think this is the perfect time for a break. Just the opposite — if the music ebbs now, your party is over.
The headwaiter should show you where to make the first cut, particularly if the cake has a
dummy layer (a fake bottom layer that serves as support for the cake). To symbolize the couples' shared life together, the groom places his right hand over the bride's, which holds the knife. Together they cut a small piece from the back of the bottom tier. Traditionally, the groom feeds the bride first, a small mouthful easily washed down by a sip of champagne. Then the bride feeds the groom.
After the photos, the banquet directors should have the cake taken into the kitchen to be cut quickly and efficiently. They should also put cake bags out on the table for the guests to take home with them.
Some places charge a cake-cutting fee — usually $1 a slice — to cover the cost of the "setup" (plates and forks). If you strongly feel that this charge is inappropriate, then you should attempt to expunge this clause from your contract.
Tips for Saving the Top Tier
Traditionally, a couple saves the top tier of the wedding cake to share on their first anniversary. Unfortunately, the cake often ends up somewhere in the back of the freezer, squished beyond recognition!
Therefore, make sure you have everything in order before you freeze the cake. To freeze the top tier for your first anniversary bring a properly sized box, saran wrap and foil. Leave instructions for airtight wrapping (freeze the cake first for a few hours before it's wrapped). Wrap the cake in saran wrap tightly and then wrap again in foil. Place cake in box and rewrap again with saran wrap and foil. This, to make sure there is no freezer burn. Then make arrangements to have someone either store it in their freezer (usually one of the moms and dads) or placed in yours. An easier option, put in an order for a small cake of the same flavor to be scheduled for baking and pickup on your first-year anniversary.
Option three is even easier.
You can buy the
Silver Keepsake Cake Box. This box is made specifically for storing your cake, so it's as perfect and tasty in a year as it is now. Printed with a beautiful silver filigree design, the box is made of sturdy cardboard with a slick coat surface for durable storage and easy clean up. Includes a removable silver board for easy cake transfer, and a freezer-proof plastic liner.
My opinion. You've spent alot of money on the wedding, why not buy a nice box to ensure that your cake is safe until your anniversary. Under $25.00; it's a great idea : )
Sources:
Dummies
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