2009-10-27 08:30:00 by TALENEVENTS
When do I cut that cake? Traditions & Etiquette for your Reception
As we discussed yesterday, the Traditions and Etiquette for your wedding will sometimes be informed by your culture or sometimes just by what you want - you are the star of course! However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your wedding, for both the ceremony and your reception. When it comes to the ceremony, read our blog on Wedding Ceremony Traditions & Etiquette. For the reception, check out yesterday's and today's things to keep in mind in the whirlwind of planning!
Photo courtesy of Talen Events
Cutting of Cake: Beginning or End of Evening Affair?
It is usually best to cut the cake right before desert service within the meal. In fact, as a budget saving tip some couples opt to cut the cake at the beginning of the evening because the cake will actually be served to the guests as dessert. Sometimes having people crowd around to take pictures of you cutting your cake can ruin the moment, so if you do it quickly enough in the beginning you won’t lose the intimacy of cutting your cake. Also, if your dancing has already started, the last thing you want to do is ruin the flow of the party by cutting the music and telling everyone the cake is going to be cut. Doing this as part of the meal service is the best way to keep your evening on track.
Flow: Keep the Evening Moving
Speaking of keeping things on track, when it comes to the flow of the evening the best person to keep everything moving is your MC. This person is tasked with ensuring there are no major stops throughout the evening. One of the ways to avoid the stop and go, especially with speeches, is to consider having them delivered with each course of your meal.
First Dance: When?
Photo courtesy of Christina Gapic Photography
It is becoming more commonplace for couples to do their first dance just after they have been announced and enter their reception. This is a great way to start the evening as all eyes will be on you and groom; and then you can move on with the rest of the evening. Plus, if you've practiced a special dance for the evening, performing it sooner than later also takes some of the pressure off you and lets you relax and enjoy the celebration - like you're supposed to!
For more reception questions answered, check out some other Wedding Reception Traditions & Etiquette.
Until next time, happy planning
Amalia & Tiffany
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Amalia Ward and Tiffany daSilva created Talen Events with a focus on living a green lifestyle. As an environmentally conscious event firm, they are dedicated to creating unique events that highlight and preserve the environment. Talen Events is eco-friendly & casually elegant...just like you!
