Every Wedding Cake Question You've Ever Had, Answered

Ah, the wedding cake. The party stopper of the celebration. Such a special centerpiece, it needs its moment in the reception spotlight. If you’ve been fantasizing about your wedding since you were a little girl, you’ve probably already mapped out what that sweet spectacle is going to look like. But as beloved as wedding cake is, choosing the perfect one isn’t a piece of cake.

Filling and frosting possibilities are nearly endless, and so are design styles and toppers and dessert table options and alternative treats. If that all makes your head swim a little bit, don’t feel bad — you’re not alone. Let this guide help you work your way through every level of the decision-making game.

From how to pick flavors and designs to when to cut into the cake and when to serve it, we’ve answered your top wedding-cake questions to make it simple to plan the perfect sweet ending to your soiree.

When Do We Agree on the Flavors and Design of the Cake?

“We generally recommend setting up a tasting six months prior to your wedding date,” says Velvet Whisk Bakery owner Olivia Carter. “It’s also good to have a general sense of your wedding’s style, so that we can make a cake that’s in line with your red-bowl vision.”

At tastings, lots of bakers design the cake on the spot with the couple. Before that, however, you’ll want to nail down big details like your wedding color palette, the decorative setup of your venue and attire so that your cake is a perfect match. And speaking of looks, don’t pick your cake based solely on how beautiful it is — attend a tasting to sample the flavor and design options.

Who Would Traditionally Pay for the Cake?

The bride’s family was traditionally responsible for covering the cake. These days, however, that duty can fall to anyone — the groom’s family, the couple themselves or as a shared contribution.

Do We Need to Marry Just One Flavor?

Not at all. Many couples choose a tiered cake with a variety of flavors to satisfy every taste bud. If you love dark chocolate and your partner’s a vanilla-bean type with raspberry filling, why not have both? Talk with your baker about layering flavors intentionally and plan to go a little bigger with your cake order — guests will want to taste all the options.

When Should the Cake Be Cut?

Cutting the cake is more than a photo op — it’s a key point in the evening. Once reserved for the very end of the reception, cake cutting is now usually scheduled toward the end of dinner, right before dancing. This is a signal to the older guests that they can slip out soon without missing anything big.

There are also pragmatic reasons to trim so soon. If your photographer is planning to head out by 9 p.m., having the cake cutting around 7 p.m. will make sure they get it. It also allows the waitstaff time to serve cake with dessert.

What Do We Say When the Cake Is Cut?

The cue to cut your cake, whether it’s delivered by a member of the wedding party or the emcee, should simply be the announcement that it’s time. A fun, bouncy song can then play for gathering everyone around. You don’t need to make it a speech; most guests just like seeing you and your partner have a sweet moment together (you know, and maybe a cake smash).

How Do We Share the Cake?

Maybe it’s the first time you and your mate will have ever taken a cake knife in your hands together — and that’s O.K. Stand near, put your hands together on the knife and slice about an inch into that cake. Cut clean through, then make a second cut to make a wedge and lift this out onto a plate. No need to call for the serving spatula — your cake knife and fork will suffice.

For the remaining cake, Carter suggests that you ask your baker for a cutting guide that will help you calculate the right number of portions from each tier.

What Is the Best Way to Serve the Cake?

Carefully pick up each slice with a knife and a fork and transfer it to a plate, widest side down. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for pretty slices, especially if your cake has a colorful insides or if it has thick frosting.

Who Gets the First Bite?

The traditional method has the couple serving the first slice to each other. Whether you gingerly feed it to one another on a fork, or go full “cheeky cake smash,” it’s a sweet moment of whimsy, and it adds some verve to the party.

What Is a Groom’s Cake and When Do You Serve It?

The groom’s cake: What used to be a boxed memento for guests is now an opportunity to express the groom’s spirit. It could be a reflection of a person’s interests, in fun shapes (think sports team logo or favorite pastime) or flavors (spiced bourbon, mocha fudge).

It’s that these days, it’s commonly positioned next to the main wedding cake and served just after. If the cake options are big, you may even want to Pinterest some pins and provide guests a piece of both flavors on one plate.

More Desserts Do We Need More?

Cake is typical, to be sure, but that doesn’t mean it has to be your immediate go-to. You might add trays of truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries to tables, for those in search of something lighter, than wedding cake or serve cake with ice cream, or a spirited sauce. Late-night sweets, such as cookies or an ice cream bar, can help maintain energy into the evening.

Do We Want to Bring in Boxes for Cake Leftovers?

Definitely. Given how much is happening during the reception, some guests may not even make it to dessert at all. Stash cake favor boxes or bags to pack up slices for guests to take home. This is particularly useful if you’re providing multiple cake choices.

Can We Rescue the Cake’s Top Tier?

Keeping the top tier for your one-year wedding anniversary is a long tradition. Tell your baker and caterer in advance, so they can box it up properly and not serve it to someone by mistake.

“If there’s leftover cake, you can serve it the next day at a brunch with friends and family,” Carter says. Freezing the Top: To freeze the top tier, wrap it in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it again, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it rest for 24 hours, then let it sit out at room temperature for 2 to 5 hours, depending on size.

Must We Have a Wedding Cake at All?

Not if it’s not your thing. If you prefer mini pies, doughnuts or cookies, do it! Set them out on pretty platters and share one collectively, thus continuing the tradition in your own way.

For those who aren’t into sweets, you can have a plated dessert from your caterer or even a mini dessert station that guests can pick and choose their favorites from. Prefer to bypass the sweets altogether? And serve coffee or a favorite cocktail with a toast for a snug, intimate note to close the night.