Yes, that’s right, this blog is all about challenging the long held tradition that a newlywed couple should cut their wedding cake at the end of their reception, after the wedding breakfast and speeches. But like many wedding traditions, this doesn’t have to be the case!
There is no real practical reason to leave the cutting of your cake until this late in your wedding day – in fact, I can think of a number of reasons to cut your cake much earlier on in the preceding’s! Here’s 4 reasons why I think you should consider cutting your cake BEFORE your wedding breakfast:
1. If you cut your cake early, perhaps before your wedding breakfast commences, you will be looking and feeling much fresher than at the end of your reception. You’ll have just had your ceremony and perhaps some photos with your guests, as opposed to when the cake is traditionally cut, much later on in the day, when you’ve had a big meal (and perhaps a few drinks!). The cutting of the cake is such a huge photo opportunity for your guests, so you’ll want to be looking your best.
2. The earlier you cut your cake, the less likelihood of any accidents or issues with your cake being on display for long periods. This is particularly relevant to weddings in warmer months! So you won’t need to worry about melting buttercream and guests accidentally knocking into your cake!
3. The cake cutting is your first ‘official’ act as a married couple and is traditionally done after the formal meal and before the evening reception to symbolise the start of the celebrations. Well personally, I think the celebrations should start as soon as you’re married! So, let’s cut that cake before the start of your wedding breakfast to symbolise that the whole day will be one big celebration of your love!
4. The last reason to consider cutting your cake earlier is a more practical one. If you have chosen to serve your cake as a dessert at your wedding breakfast, cutting the cake before the meal allows your venue plenty of time to take the cake away and portion it for your guests to enjoy.
So, there you have it! Traditions don’t always have to be followed; it’s your day and it’s so important to do what’s right for you. Will you be cutting your cake before your wedding breakfast?
Photo Credits:
- Image 1: Melissa Megan Photography
- Image 2: Megan Daisy Photography
- Image 3: Laura Vieceli Photography
- Image 4: Natalie Chiverton Photography
- Image 5: Charlotte Wise Photography