when does cake cutting normally happen?

I also have us cutting the cake right after dinner. I think if you cut the cake and have it served everyone will still be seated and then all the speeches can happen. Then we are having our first dance.

Usually its towards the very end of the night, because people start to trickle out afterwards.

Also, if I was a guest I wouldn't want it right after dinner. I wouldn't be hungry for cake yet.

We are cutting our cake just before the late night buffet comes out sround 10:30, the cake will probably be cut around 9:30 to give the ladies plenty of time to get the cake cut and everything ready for the buffett

I heard cut the cake BEFORE (or during) dinner, because it takes a while to cut it, and that way when people are done with dinner, the cake is cut and they can get it as they wish. I always want cake right after dinner, because that's the best part!

If people want to get the cake and leave, fine with me. They obviously don't care about us if that's the case!

I should clarify. Our cake is actually cupcakes (but we are cutting a small top tier)

The reason I placed it there was to ensure we'd still have our photographer there for photos. I also figure people will wants to start plucking cupcakes from the display soon after dinner soooo earlier might be better?

Hmmm.... rethinking the time placement though.

Also remember that some cakes do not stand up well in certain weather (IE buttercream frosting) so you may also want to factor that in, because you may not want it sitting out all night. I'd ask your baker.

In meeting with our venue coordinator, we decided to do all the traditional stuff during our plated dinner.... so, we'll do speeches during salad, first dances during appetizers and dinner, and the cake cutting 'ceremony' while plates are being cleared... then the cake goes to the kitchen to be cut and serve later, while we (and our guests) are free for the rest of the evening to dance/schmooze/ do what we please.

We're doing it this way because it was very important for FH and I to maximize our party-dance time

I usually recommend cutting the cake shortly after dinner. Most of the time I do:

1) Dinner

2) Toast(s)

3) Formal Dances

4) Short Dance Set

5) Cake Cutting

6) Bride and Groom's "thank you"

7) More dancing

8) Bouquet and Garter

9) Dancing until the end

10:00am - 10:40am -- Ceremony

10:40am- 10:50am -- Everyone Directed to Rooftop

10:50am- 11:30am -- Momosa Hour

11:30am- 11:45am -- Everyone seated in Reception Hall

11:45am - 11:50am --Enterance and first dance

11:50am - 12:30pm --Brunch Buffet Served

12:30pm- 12:35pm --Cake Cutting

13:35pm - 2:00pm --Dessert Buffet served and dancing mingling

10:00am - 10:40am -- Ceremony

10:40am- 10:50am -- Everyone Directed to Rooftop

10:50am- 11:30am -- Momosa Hour

11:30am- 11:45am -- Everyone seated in Reception Hall

11:45am - 11:50am --Enterance and first dance

11:50am - 12:30pm --Brunch Buffet Served

12:30pm- 12:35pm --Cake Cutting

13:35pm - 2:00pm --Dessert Buffet served and dancing mingling