Wedding Cake Etiquette
February 14, 2009
Weddings are very traditional events, and there are a number of protocols involved from the ceremony itself through to the reception, and the wedding cake is no exception. The wedding cake is a very symbolic part of the wedding, along with the bride’s gown, the rings and the bouquet, and traditionally represents the future fertility and fruitfulness of the marriage, and the bride and groom will cut the cake together, to symbolise their union as a newly married couple.
There are certain modern day etiquette involved with the wedding cake, which have evolved from many different customs over the years, and although you need not follow all of the etiquette guidelines, they are useful to know if you are having a more formal, traditional wedding.
Cake Setting
Wedding cakes should be displayed in the reception room for when the guests arrive, and you can create stunning photographic opportunities and really impress the guests if you present the cake on a nicely decorated table of its own, (which will be situated near the main table), with matching table cloths that compliment the cake itself and the rest of the wedding colors. It is also traditional to lay out an ornate, engraved knife ready for when the cake will be cut by the bride and groom, and this only has to be sharp enough to cut into the first layer, the rest of the cake can be taken away and cut into pieces by the caterers.
Time to Cut the Cake
The time you cut the cake will of course depend on the sort of reception you are having, but traditionally you cut the cake after all the speeches have been made and the main dinner has been served, as this gives everyone time to relax and have some refreshments. You can serve pieces of cake at this time with tea and coffee, or you could simply ask the caterers to start boxing the cake up into portions, so guests can take some with them when they leave.
How to Cut the Cake
The bride and groom symbolically cut the cake together, and this is a good photo opportunity so can take some time! The right hand of the groom should be placed over the right hand of the bride as they cut they cut the first slice, and the groom then traditionally offers a piece to bride, and then after that the bride can ask for the cake to be cut into slices by the caterers (or if it is a small one she can do this herself), and the wedding party can help to distribute the cake the rest of the guests.
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How To Write Your Own Wedding Vows
February 11, 2009
It is very popular these days for couples to write their own wedding vows, as many people feel that the traditional vows of ‘love, honour and obey’ are no longer relevant for modern ceremonies. There are some vows you must say as part of the legal ceremony, but once you have completed these you will be free to add your own vows, and this can be discussed with the person officiating your wedding, who will also be able to make some suggestions to help you create the perfect vows for your big day.
Key things to think about when writing your vows include:
- Any special circumstances surrounding how you met or fell in love
- Things that inspire you about your loved one
- What goals and dreams you both share
- What qualities make your relationship unique
- How love has improved your life and perspective
- What you have learnt from each other and how you look forward to the future together
- Special moments in your relationship
- And most importantly of all, how you feel about each other.
Also if you if any children already, either by your intended spouse or from a previous relationship, then it is a wonderful idea to include them in your vows, and mention how much you and they are looking forward to being part of a new family. This can make your children feel much more a part of the wedding ceremony, especially if they are more grown up and been involved in the planning of the wedding at any stage.
Reading your own vows can be very moving and personal experience, so make sure both you and your partner have discussed what you are both going to say thoroughly, and also make sure you have checked with the officiator of your wedding for the length of time available to read the vows. 
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