The cake-cutting ceremony is one of the most time-honored wedding traditions. It symbolizes the very first task you perform together as a married team. Plus, let’s be honest, it is often the sweetest part of the night.
However, it is easy to freeze when you are standing in front of a multi-tiered work of art with a knife in one hand and 150 cameras pointed at you. Which tier do we cut? Who holds the knife? Do we really have to smash it?
We have helped thousands of couples navigate this moment at Pelazzio, a top Houston wedding venue hosting over 400 events annually. We know how to make this moment smooth, photogenic, and delicious.
Here is our expert, step-by-step guide to nailing the cake cut without a hitch.
TL;DR
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The Rule: Always cut from the bottom tier. The top tier is unstable and traditionally saved for your first anniversary.
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The Grip: The bride holds the knife; the groom places his hand over hers to guide it. This is the classic “unity” pose.
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The Etiquette: Decide beforehand if you are “Smashing” or “Feeding.” (Pro Tip: Makeup is expensive; we recommend the polite feed!).
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The Savings: Unlike many venues that charge $1–$3 per slice to serve your guests, Pelazzio’s cake-cutting service is free and included in our packages.
1. Timing is Everything: When to Cut
Traditionally, the cake was cut at the very end of the reception as a signal that the party was ending. Today, timelines have shifted to keep the energy high.
Option A: The “Post-Dinner” Cut (Most Popular) We recommend cutting the cake immediately after dinner or right before the dance floor officially opens.
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Why: It serves as dessert for your guests and energizes the crowd with sugar before the dancing starts. It also signals to older guests that the formal events are over, allowing them to leave politely if they wish.
Option B: The “Grand Entrance” Cut. Some couples choose to cut the cake immediately after their grand entrance into the ballroom, before dinner is served.
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Why: Your hair, makeup, and attire are still 100% fresh for the photos.
2. The Setup: Hand Placement & The Knife
This is the part that feels the most awkward but looks the best in photos.
The Positioning Stand is slightly to the side of the cake (creating a “V” shape toward the photographer). Never stand directly behind it, or you will look like a floating head behind a wall of frosting.
The Grip (The “Unity” Pose)
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The Bride (or Partner 1) picks up the knife with her right hand.
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The Groom (or Partner 2) places his right hand over hers.
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This symbolizes his support and your unity as a couple.
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Use your left hands to gently steady each other’s backs or hold the plate.
Pro-Photo Tip: Before you make the cut, look up at the photographer and smile. Then, look down at the cake as you slice. This ensures you get both the “portrait” shot and the “action” shot.
3. The Cut: Where to Slice (And Why)
The biggest mistake couples make is trying to cut the top tier.
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The Rule: Always cut from the bottom tier.
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The Reason: The top tier is often unstable. Plus, tradition dictates saving the top tier for your first anniversary (which Pelazzio fully supports!). Cutting the base provides a solid foundation.
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The Method:
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Make two small parallel cuts about an inch apart.
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Make a horizontal cut connecting them at the back of the wedge.
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Use the cake server to slide the wedge out smoothly onto the plate.
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Note: Don’t “saw” the cake. Our partners at Supreme Kakes bake fresh, never frozen cakes, so the knife should glide through like butter.
4. The Bite: To Smash or Not to Smash?
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This is the moment of truth.
The “Civilized” Feed Carefully break off a small piece of cake (forks are highly recommended for less mess). Feed it to your partner gently.
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Why: This is the safest route for preserving expensive makeup, false lashes, and tuxedo rentals.
The Smash If you plan to smash cake in each other’s faces, discuss it beforehand.
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Why: A surprise smash can ruin the mood if one partner isn’t on board. It can also ruin the professional photos for the rest of the night if the mascara starts running.
The Pelazzio Advice: We suggest the polite bite for the photos. You have the rest of your lives to be playful, but you only wear that wedding dress once!
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5. 5 Songs for a Sweet Cake Cutting
You need a song that lasts about 2–3 minutes to cover the announcement, the cut, and the bite. Here are top requests from Pelazzio weddings:
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“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” – James Taylor (The Classic)
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“Sugar” – Maroon 5 (High Energy)
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“Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard (The Rocker Choice)
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“Love You Madly” – Cake (The Literal Choice)
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“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole
6. The “Hidden Fee” Myth & The Pelazzio Advantage
Once you have fed each other a bite, you are done! You do not need to stand there slicing cake for 200 people.
The Industry Secret: Many venues charge a “Cake Cutting Fee” (averaging $1.50 – $3.00 per slice). They charge this to cover the staff time required to cut, plate, and serve the dessert. For a 200-person wedding, that is a $600 hidden cost.
The Pelazzio Advantage: Our Paradise Packages include the cutting service for FREE. Once you finish your photo op, our Event Captain and waitstaff will whisk the cake away to the kitchen, slice it professionally, and serve it to your guests. You simply head to the dance floor
7. Meet Our Partner: Supreme Kakes
A great cutting ceremony requires a great cake. We are proud to partner with Supreme Kakes & Catering Bakery for our all-inclusive packages.
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Custom Design: You get a custom round-tiered buttercream cake included in your package.
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Freshness: They are known for baking individually to order. No frozen cakes here.
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Tastings: Your Pelazzio package includes a cake tasting, so you can decide between Red Velvet, Vanilla Bean, or Amaretto with confidence.
8. FAQ: Common Cake Questions
Do we need to bring our own knife and server?
Pelazzio provides a standard knife and server set. However, many couples choose to buy a personalized or engraved set as a keepsake. If you bring one, just hand it to your Event Captain when you arrive!
How do we save the top tier?
Let your Pelazzio Event Manager know you want to keep it. We will box it up specifically for you to take home. Pro Tip: Wrap it in multiple layers of plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
What if we have guests with allergies?
Supreme Kakes can accommodate dietary restrictions. We can also provide a separate, small “groom’s cake” or dessert station that is Gluten-Free or Nut-Free to ensure everyone gets a treat.
The cake cutting is a sweet start to your new life. Let us handle the details from the bakery coordination to the serving so you can enjoy the moment.
Contact Pelazzio today to learn more about our all-inclusive packages featuring Supreme Kakes.
