My last blog discussed the different types of dinner service; now let’s move on to the part you’ve all been waiting for… dessert! It seems the options are endless when it comes to picking sweet treats for your wedding. You can never go wrong with a traditional wedding cake, but what is a cutting cake? Do you need one? And what is the significance of the cutting ceremony? Most don’t know until they are frantically googling for their own wedding. So let’s explore the world of wedding desserts, shed light on the distinction between the cutting cake and a traditional wedding cake, and discuss the significance of the cutting ceremony.
Traditional Wedding Cake
The traditional wedding cake is the centerpiece of the dessert table. It’s usually a grand, multi-tiered confection, beautifully decorated to match the wedding theme, colors, or the couple’s personality. These cakes are often elegantly designed with intricate details, sugar flowers, and personalized cake toppers. While flavor is important, aesthetics play a significant role in the choice of a traditional wedding cake.
Traditional wedding cakes come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic options like red velvet, lemon, or fruit-infused fillings. Couples may choose a single flavor or opt for different flavors for each tier to cater to their guests’ preferences.
Cutting Cake
On the other hand, a cutting cake, also known as a ceremonial cake, is a smaller and simpler cake, usually a single-tier or a small two-tier cake. It’s primary purpose is to serve as a focal point during the cake-cutting ceremony and for the couple to share their first official slice of cake together.
Unlike traditional wedding cakes, cutting cakes are less elaborate and are often designed to complement the wedding’s overall aesthetic without overshadowing the main dessert spread. They are typically chosen for their symbolic role rather than their flavor or decorative details.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for a place to save money, this is it! Opt for a cutting cake so you can still have your cake cutting photo, and then purchase a sheet cake from your local Walmart, Wegmans, etc. to serve the guests. It is kept in the kitchen so guests won’t see the cake until it is plated and pretty – Houdini!
The Cutting Ceremony
The cutting ceremony is a cherished tradition at weddings, symbolizing the couple’s unity, commitment, and shared life together. The ceremony can take place before dinner, shortly after the meal or during the dessert course. It begins with the newlyweds standing together behind the cutting cake.
Key elements of the cutting ceremony:
Symbolism: The act of cutting the cake symbolizes the couple’s first task together as a married pair. The action of cutting the cake signifies their commitment to supporting and nourishing each other throughout their lives.
First Slice: The bride and groom typically hold the knife together and make the first cut into the cake, demonstrating their cooperation and unity in all things.
Feeding Each Other: After the initial cut, they feed each other a small piece of cake, symbolizing their commitment to caring for each other and ensuring that each other’s needs are met.
Sharing with Guests: Once the bride and groom have taken their first bites, they often share the remaining cake with their guests, signifying their desire to spread love and happiness to their friends and family.
Choosing Your Wedding Desserts
When selecting your wedding desserts, also consider a finger dessert buffet or “dessert bar”. They are a delightful and visually appealing way to offer a wide variety of sweet treats to your wedding guests. They consist of an assortment of bite-sized, handheld, and easy-to-eat desserts, perfect for guests to enjoy without the need for utensils. Finger desserts add a fun and interactive element to your wedding reception, allowing guests to sample an assortment of desserts and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Here are some popular finger desserts commonly featured on a wedding dessert display:
- Mini Cupcakes: These miniature versions of classic cupcakes come in various flavors and can be beautifully decorated to match your wedding theme.
- Cake Pops: Cake pops are small, spherical cakes on a stick, often covered in chocolate or icing and decorated with intricate designs.
- Macarons: Colorful and delicate French macarons are a popular choice, offering a range of flavors and colors to complement your wedding palette.
- Mini Tarts: Tiny fruit tarts or custard tarts provide a burst of flavor in a small package.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Miniature cheesecakes with assorted toppings or fruit compotes offer a creamy and decadent option.
- Petit Fours: These small, decorative cakes can be customized to match your wedding style and flavor preferences.
- Chocolate Truffles: Rich and indulgent, chocolate truffles can be infused with various flavors, like coffee, mint, or liqueurs.
- Fruit Skewers: A healthier option, fruit skewers can be a refreshing addition to balance the sweetness of other desserts.
- Mini Eclairs: Delicate pastries filled with cream or custard and drizzled with chocolate.
- Dessert Shooters: Small glass containers filled with layers of cake, mousse, or other sweet components for a visually appealing and tasty treat.
- Cookie Assortment: Offer an array of cookies, from chocolate chip to snickerdoodle, in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Donut Wall: A trendy addition to dessert displays, a donut wall features an assortment of mini donuts hung on pegs or hooks for guests to grab.
- Mini Pies: Personal-sized pies with various fillings, such as apple, pecan, or key lime, are a charming addition.
- Rice Krispie Treats: Classic childhood treats can be dressed up with colored sprinkles or icing for a fun touch.
- Chocolate Fondue Station: Provide a chocolate fondue fountain with an array of dippable items like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels.
Regardless of which option you choose, desserts are a delightful part of any wedding celebration. Whether you opt for an extravagant multi-tiered masterpiece, a simple symbolic cutting cake, or an entire dessert buffet, these treats will add a touch of sweetness to your wedding and create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. If you are struggling with dessert selection or choosing a pastry chef, please contact me and I would be happy to make a recommendation from my preferred vendors list!
