Reception

Cake Cutting

The photographed moment where the couple jointly cuts the wedding cake, traditionally signaling guests are free to leave whenever.

The cake-cutting traditionally happens 30-45 minutes before the planned end of the reception, signaling that the formal program is over and guests can leave whenever they want.

Have the photographer, videographer, DJ (to announce), and a server (to plate) staged before the cut. Modern couples often skip the face-smashing tradition — talk about it in advance to avoid an awkward photo.

Related terms

Cake-Cutting Fee

A per-slice fee charged by a venue or caterer to cut and serve an outside wedding cake.

Send-Off

The final exit from the reception, where guests line up and cheer the couple's departure — often with sparklers, bubbles, ribbons, or petals.

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