I've seen the cake cutting done early, and it wasn't too bad. The timing of that whole reception was a little bit awkward though because the bride and groom came in, sat down, immediately got up to cut the cake, and then left for family pictures while the first course was served to guests. It was kind of like "Here they are! Oh, just kidding," and the cutting felt a bit forced, like "Tradition says we have to do this, so we'll do it first to get it out of the way."
I think you can get around that by knowing what's going on timing wise and having your announcer make some remark about cutting early so that more people can enjoy deliciousness.
There is definitely one thing to consider when contemplating timing for cutting the cake (and in your case, the croquembouche!) ... more than likely you spent the energy, time and money to get a cake that you really love. The cake/croquembouche almost becomes a unique aspect of the reception decor - and by cutting early you tend to lose the chance to marvel at the baker's artistry!
I have also contemplated cutting the cake early to save on serving time, but love the design of my cake so much that I want it to stick around through dinner for all to admire!
Another option that I have now seen at several friends' weddings is that they wait to cut the cake towards the end of dinner, then the caterer cuts the cake and places slices beautifuly plated on a dessert buffet. This gives people the chance to start getting up to dance - and leaves the option to add other tasty desserts on the plate next to your slice of cake! Mmmm...
we're having a croquembouche instead of a traditional american wedding cake...
our venue says it will take 45mins-1hr to cut and serve.
and we want the croquembouche to be timed with the regular dessert... so this means we'll have to cut the croquembouche early.
i was thinking:
bride/groom announced
cake cutting
first-course served
best man/maid of honor toasts
first-dance
did anyone else have an early cake-cutting?
posted by vee 172 posts 2 months agoThat's exactly what we're doing! I think it will work out nicely because people won't have to wait for a super long time after dinner for dessert :)
posted by sdbride 69 posts 2 months agoI think that sounds completely fine. Mrs. Penguin cut her cake at that time too, so they could get down to boogey-ing sooner!
posted by lilneko69 200 posts 2 months agoso the toasts go after the salad has been served...?
posted by vee 172 posts 2 months agoI've seen the cake cutting done early, and it wasn't too bad. The timing of that whole reception was a little bit awkward though because the bride and groom came in, sat down, immediately got up to cut the cake, and then left for family pictures while the first course was served to guests. It was kind of like "Here they are! Oh, just kidding," and the cutting felt a bit forced, like "Tradition says we have to do this, so we'll do it first to get it out of the way."
I think you can get around that by knowing what's going on timing wise and having your announcer make some remark about cutting early so that more people can enjoy deliciousness.
posted by historykitty 33 posts 2 months agoThere is definitely one thing to consider when contemplating timing for cutting the cake (and in your case, the croquembouche!) ... more than likely you spent the energy, time and money to get a cake that you really love. The cake/croquembouche almost becomes a unique aspect of the reception decor - and by cutting early you tend to lose the chance to marvel at the baker's artistry!
I have also contemplated cutting the cake early to save on serving time, but love the design of my cake so much that I want it to stick around through dinner for all to admire!
Another option that I have now seen at several friends' weddings is that they wait to cut the cake towards the end of dinner, then the caterer cuts the cake and places slices beautifuly plated on a dessert buffet. This gives people the chance to start getting up to dance - and leaves the option to add other tasty desserts on the plate next to your slice of cake! Mmmm...
Best wishes in planning!
posted by phl1018 7 posts 2 months ago