Cake Etiquette and Issues
<b>Q</b>: Why is my reception site charging me a "cake-cutting fee"?
<b>A</b>: lf you use a cake designer who is not affiliated with your reception site and/or caterer, you may be charged an additional fee by the establishment to cut and serve the cake. It's an incentive for you to use their in-house baker (and not be charged an extra fee), so if you decide not to, factor in another $1.50 or more per
person.
<b>Q</b>: Do we need to serve a dessert besides the cake?
<b>A</b>: We think the wedding cake is dessert enough, but many couples do opt for a table full of éclairs, petites fours, cream puffs, and other delectables. Especially if you choose a very specific cake flavor (cheesecake, dense chocolate, carrot) that not all your guests might like, you may want to offer additional dessert, or perhaps serve ice cream and/or fruit with the cake.
<b>Q</b>: What's a groom's cake?
<b>A</b>: Groom's cakes are a southern tradition. Traditionally they were rich chocolate cakes that complemented the white, light bride's cake (a.k.a. your wedding cake). These days, both cakes can be whatever flavor you like. Go theme-crazy with the groom's, having it made in the shape of a football, a checkerboard, or anything else. The groom's cake is generally taken home by guests in slice boxes. Supposedly, single women who sleep with the slice under their pillows will dream of their future husbands!
<b>Q</b>. When and where do we cut the cake?
<b>A</b>: We adore the idea of having the cake in plain sight on a lighted, decorated table during the entire reception- guests love to look at it! However, it depends on how much space you have (and the weather if the party is outside). Work with your caterer or site manager to determine the timing details. Here's how it unfolds: The bride and groom cut a piece from the bottom tier of the cake together (his hand over hers), slip the slice onto a plate, grab a fork (a waiter or the caterer should be nearby to help), and feed each other a bite. If you want to, you can cut pieces for your parents and use this as an opportunity to thank them. After the required photographs are taken, the banquet manager will take the cake away and have it cut in the kitchen, carrying plates out to each table. Often the bride and groom make a toast or speech at this time.
Courtesy of <a class='navitem2' href='http://theknot.com'>The Knot </a> via <a class='navitem2' href='http://scrippsmedia.com'>Scripps Media</a>
