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Savvy September 2019

When to do the cake cutting?!

Katie, on August 1, 2019 at 11:25 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 11

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I need help deciding when to do the cake cutting! The dinner buffet line opens at 5:15pm, and then we are aiming to do toasts around 6. After the toasts should we do the first dances and then the cake cutting? Or should we do the cake cutting after the toasts and then first dances? Our photographers end their coverage at 7:30, so we are trying to time everything out accordingly. People have said to do the dances after the cake cutting because it will open up the reception for dancing, but I also don’t want to cut the cake too soon while people are still full from dinner. Any thoughts?! Sorry for the long post!

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11 Comments

Latest activity by Jennaya, on August 3, 2019 at 6:42 AM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on August 1, 2019 at 11:38 PM
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I do think it would be a good idea to do your dances after to open up the dance floor
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Champion December 2017
earias · on August 2, 2019 at 2:39 AM
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We ate dinner, had a toast as dinner was finished, cut the cake, and then did our first dance. We invited everyone to join us after about 30 seconds into our first dance as a way to open the floor for dancing. The cake wasn't served immediately. Instead, the servers set the cake at each guest's place setting later in the evening so as guests wanted the cake they could sit down and eat it. I think it flows better when you cut the cake before opening the floor for dancing.
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WeddingWire Administrator January 2030
Clíodhna · on August 2, 2019 at 7:13 AM
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Hi there Katie
Personally, I would cut the cake and then have the dances to open the reception to dancing. To me, it flows better!
If you’re afraid it’s too soon for cake after dinner, as Earias mentioned, you could ask the servers to serve the cake later on.
Which do you feel makes the most sense to you and how you want your reception to flow?
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VIP October 2019
SummerBrideInAutumn · on August 2, 2019 at 7:16 AM
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I think we’re going to do toasts, dances, and then cut the cake. I understand the logic with doing the dances last to open up the dance floor, but those are usually slow songs and don’t really give a “Let’s start the party vibe.” In my experience, guests typically stand up and walk closer to the cake table so they can watch the cutting. We chose a fun cake cutting song bc my reasoning is if they are already up, then let’s transition into another fun song and get them right out on the dance floor.
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Master June 2019
Danielle · on August 2, 2019 at 8:29 AM
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This is what we did at our wedding:
6:00- Grand Entrance
6:05- First Dance
6:15- Blessing of the food / Dinner
6:45- Toasts
7:00- Cake Cutting
7:15- Planned Surprise (that didn't end up happening, which caused the timing on the following things to move up some or happen slightly different)
7:30- Father/Daugther & Mother/Son dances
8:00- Dancing
9:00- Bouquet & Garter Toss
10:30- Last Song
10:45- Sparkler Exit
11:00- Reception Ends
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Expert July 2019
Mary · on August 2, 2019 at 11:12 AM
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We also did our first dance immediately after our grand entrance. After dinner, we did cake cutting and a "group photo" on the dance floor since everyone was already up. (A specific request from our DJ.) This opened the dance floor.
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VIP September 2019
Melissa · on August 2, 2019 at 1:26 PM
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Our cake cutting will most likely be in the middle of the dance part of the reception. I’ve never really seen it done before the dance floor opens, but for the photography coverage, I would definitely do it after dinner. You can cut it and have the cake out. Nobody will be forced to eat it at that time.
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Super May 2020
Michaela · on August 2, 2019 at 5:21 PM
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At all the weddings I've been to, no one actually went to get cake the exact time that the bride and groom cut it. So it's totally reasonable to cut the cake, then do your dances. Then you don't have to feel rushed to stop dancing to go cut the cake, and everyone will have rested while watching you dance! Or if they're like me, they will want cake ASAP regardless of how full they are from dinner
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Master October 2021
Sexypoodle · on August 2, 2019 at 5:32 PM
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A less “choppy” flow would be to cut your cake at the end of dinner/ after toasts. Then do your first dance, which leads into open dancing During that time, staff can begin cutting the cake while your guests are dancing. When they’re done on the dance floor they can enjoy their cake after working up a sweat.
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Dedicated June 2021
Fredrecia · on August 2, 2019 at 5:37 PM
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We're doing our first dance after entrance then cutting the cake before the dancing
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