When the speeches and toasts are over, it’s time to cut the cake. This is one of the last traditional photo moments of the day. Time was, that the cake was cut by the bride alone; a symbolic act representing her loss of virginity. Ah well, times move on.
These days, both the bride and the groom hold the knife. His hand is placed over hers and the knife makes a cut into the cake. Hard iced cakes are usually pre-cut to avoid toppling under pressure, so the couple need only make a gesture of cutting the cake. However, as most cakes today are decorated with fondant or soft icing over sponge bases, it’s rare for mishaps or accidents to occur.
When it comes to distributing the cake, you could leave it to the waiting staff, or ask your bridesmaids and ushers to be dutiful. But, when doing it yourselves, it’s becomes a really nice opportunity to get around to everyone and spend a moment or two with them; something that is rarely possible otherwise.
It’s usual to post a piece of cake in a pretty box to any friends and relatives who were unable to attend. It’s worth remembering that sponge will not travel long distance and during vigorous transit through a Royal Mail journey, some damage may be inevitable. So, perhaps it’s better to send miniature cakes that are individually iced for protection and correctly parcelled with a FRAGILE sticker.
