I'm coming up on my 4th year as a wedding photographer! (that is so strange to realize!) I've seen quite a few cake cuttings over the last few years — some sweet, some hilarious, and some disastrous. Here are some of my favorite tips to help you get nice photos and make nice memories!
MAKE SOME SPACE
Sometimes cake displays are put into a corner, literally. It makes sense, since it keeps the cake out of harms way throughout the reception, but it can make for a squished up cake cutting and guests that can't see what's happening. Instead, bring your cake table away from the wall — or at least have a plan to move it for the actual cutting! I recommend leaving enough space that you could realistically do the cake cutting from any side of the table, usually a couple feet. This will give you guys (as well as your photographer and guests!) room to move around it without having to squish!
USE WINDOW LIGHT
If you’re going to cut your cake while there’s still daylight, plan to do so with a window (or the sun) to your side or lighting the front of you, rather than behind you! These guys are a great example of a pretty daylight setup. They displayed their cake in front of a window, and simply turned it to the side when it was time to cut it!
PLAN YOUR TIMING
Decide together whether you want a private cake cutting or one with all of your guests, and when you want to do it. If you aren't doing a private cutting, I usually recommend doing the cake right before dinner, right before dancing, or at the end of dancing when the reception is about to wind down – any of those scenarios gets guests up on their feet right before they need to be up anyway, and keeps the reception flowing smoothly!
GATHER SUPPLIES
At the very least, you'll want to make sure you have a cake knife, a plate to put your first slice on, and some napkins or wipes staged nearby for cleanup! Forks are optional, and if there's a possibility of smashing I definitely recommend waiting to use them until after the cake cutting (for safety reasons.) Some couples also like to do a toast afterward, so if you're doing that you'll want a couple of champagne glasses and a bottle of bubbly within reach!
FINAL TIPS
Stand slightly off to the side of the cake, rather than directly behind it — especially if you or your partner are particularly short, or if your cake is particularly tall/high up!
- Have the shorter partner stand closer to the photographer (so that they aren't hidden in the photos)
- It's traditional to cut the bottom tier of the cake (symbolic of the relationships longevity), but it's also a practical choice! The lowest tier is usually the most stable, and it keeps you from having to reach up high to cut the cake and have arms all in each others faces. When you're choosing cake tier flavors, you'll want to keep this in mind and make sure that the bottom layer is one you both like a lot.
- Be respectful of your partner. Cake smashes can be a lot of fun if you're both into it, but there's nothing more awkward for everyone in the room than when one partner has made it very clear they don't want that, and their wishes are ignored. Make sure to get on the same page about how you want your cake cutting to go, and remember that the most important thing is how you make your partner feel.
That's about it! Best of luck as you plan your cake cutting. And don't forget to kiss at the end!
MEET SARAH
Alabama & Southeastern Wedding Photographer
Inspired by genealogy and family legacy, I go into every wedding day with the knowledge that your wedding photos are some of the only photos that stick around generationally — they are a critical part of the story your family will learn about you! I consider it my responsibility and privilege to help tell that story honestly and elegantly.
You should probably know: I will cry during your dad's speech. I will be getting down on the dance floor with your guests. I'll help you plan intentional time with your partner and closest friends and family on your wedding day — and step back so that you can experience those core memories without interruption. I'll guide you through portraits and wedding prep, work closely with your other vendors to make the magic happen, and capture every moment of your wedding day in all its glory.
If that's the kind of wedding photographer you're looking for...
You're in the right place.
INQUIRE
If you’re getting married in Huntsville, North Alabama, or elsewhere in the southeast, I would love to be part of your wedding day!
The best way to reach me is by either filling out this contact form, or sending an e-mail to sarahmismashphotography@gmail.com with your wedding date and location. If you’ve filled out the form and haven’t heard from me in 48 hours, please email me directly!