If you plan to cut and serve your wedding cake at your wedding, instead of having the wedding cake designer or caterer manage the project, you will need to follow certain guidelines and rules.

Cutting the cake as a couple is a part of many traditional wedding ceremonies, but what do you do after that first slice is cut and shared by the bride and groom? Here’s what you need to know about the proper etiquette for cutting the wedding cake at a traditional Western wedding:

1. Serve the cake before desserts. You will need to undertake the cake cutting ceremony before desserts are served during the reception. Make sure everyone has enough time to get over to the cake table after the reception brunch, lunch or dinner for the event.

2. The cake must be cut with the bride’s right hand. The groom must hold the bride’s right hand while slicing the cake right down to the bottom layer. The couple can then enjoy the first bite of the cake together from the slice they have just cut.

3. Serve the couples’ parents first. The bride must serve the groom’s parents a piece of the cake after the first slice has been cut, and the groom can then serve the bride’s parents a piece of cake. Make sure the wedding photographer is nearby to capture this moment!

4. Remove the cake from the guest’s view for cutting. The cake should never be cut in front of the reception party at the wedding. Remove the cake from the dessert table before serving.

5. Use a silver cake knife and serving set to continue the cutting process. Use only these tools to cut the remainder of the cake and serve it to guests. Avoid using additional spoons, knives and forks.

6. Separate the cake tiers before the formal cutting begins. You will need to cut each tier separately when it’s time to serve the rest of the wedding party. Separate each cake tier onto the dessert table and cut the largest tier first. Make sure to set aside the top tier for the bride and groom’s first engagement.

7. For round tiers, move in two inches from the outer edge and cut a circle before slicing the tier into one inch pieces. For square tiers, move in about two inches from the other edge and cut straight across to create one inch slices. For oval tiers, move in about two inches from the outer edge and cut straight across, then slice the cake into one inch pieces. Use the Wilton Cake Cutting Guide for directions on heart tiers, petal tiers, hexagon tiers and paisley tiers.

8. Serve the cake with coffee and other desserts. The cake becomes part of the dessert buffet service, and can be presented on the same table as any desserts and pastries you plan to serve at the wedding.

Cutting the wedding cake can be a complex process, and you will need to observe certain formalities for the event. Make sure to follow these guidelines for a memorable event.