Soiree Classroom: How to cut a wedding cake

At every wedding, I ask my brides and grooms if they'd like a cake cutting lesson before they attack the cake. While some couples want to just dig right in, others are concerned with making their photographs look great and will take a few seconds to learn how to do it right. Here's me teaching Jamie&John and Robin&Brian:Here are my instructions for the perfect cake cutting:

1. Decide which side of the table you will stand on. Look at the background behind you. Is there an ugly painting there? Or a mirror? Or a window? Ask your photographer which background they prefer. If your cake has a definite 'front', slice from the side or back to showcase the detail of the cake. Ashley & Jason wanted to include their guests and the beautiful view from Top of the Town:2. The bride will stand slightly in front of the groom. If you are both right-handed, you will probably stand a bit more to his left side. This way both of your faces will show in the photo and your beautiful gown will be on display. Greg was left-handed but you get the idea:3. Put your plate close to the edge of the cake where you plan to cut it. It will be easier to hit the plate if the cake doesn't have to go airborne after removing the slice.

4. The groom will hold the knife regularly in one hand (probably his right). The bride will place her dainty hand on top of his, just for show. No squeezing fingers or double-fisting, please.5. Aiming for the bottom layer of the cake, put the knife in as far as you can towards the second tier and slice all the way to the bottom. Pull the knife out and reposition at the top of the tier. Try to make a triangular slice by placing the knife tip near the furthest point on your last cut. Your two cuts will make a "V" shape and you'll be able to pull out one nice, clean wedge of cake. No cake stabbing necessary. Melisa & Frank followed directions nicely:6. Pull the wedge on to one plate and hold it chest-height. You and your groom will feed each other a little bite, either with your fingers or with forks if they are provided. If you want to play fair, agree to feed each other at the same time. Otherwise, the groom should feed the bride first and then the bride may feed her groom. If he values his life (and his wedding night luck), he will have more incentive to keep the frosting in your mouth and not up your nose or down your dress. Ashley & Jason are doing great here:Cleo was not so lucky but Rocco made the moment into a hilarious photo opportunity:7. I personally think linking arms and drinking champagne is a little outdated, but if you'd like to do this it's not too tricky. Pick up your own glass in your right hand. Groom does the same. Extend your arms towards each other then bend them back, linking at the elbows. You'll drink from your OWN glass. Just remember to bring your glass with you, if you had previously used it during toasts at your table. These guys are not one of our couples, but it illustrates the point:8. Once you've completed your cake cutting ceremony, plan to have another event immediately after. There's nothing worse than a cluster of guests staring at you during an awkward silence while you nervously say "mmm - the cake is good." Have the DJ announce for everyone to hit the dance floor, invite your father to the floor for the father-daughter dance, or perform your first dance if you haven't already. Trust me - this will save you some embarrassment.