Learn how to cut a wedding cake from an Idaho Wedding Photographer.

I think I have been asked, "What do we do?" at probably 75% of the weddings when it comes to cake cutting. As an East Idaho Wedding Photographer I am usually right up front and ready according to our timeline. Since I am right in front of the couple they usually ask me - now what. 

Are you surprised? I am, but not really. Most of these couples are first time married and probably aren't paying attention on the exact positioning and what others do at their weddings. 

If you are planning to do a cake cutting with your partner there are some things you should discuss with your significant other prior to the wedding day when it comes to cake cutting. 

• Keep the top layer 
  If you have a tiered cake, traditionally the top tier is kept and frozen and enjoyed again by the couple on their first year anniversary. So is this something you want to do? Do you want to keep the first tier cake for your first anniversary or enjoy the whole thing the day of? 

 • Cake smashing
  This is one cake tradition that is quickly dying. You may have seen couples smash the cake into one another's face. This is often funny but a lot of newlyweds and opting out of this "tradition." This is something the couple should be talking about and on the same page with prior to the day. 

  I have seen some couples wait and talk about smashing the cake the minute before the cake cutting. This is important because let's be honest - you are investing a lot of money into your wedding day and you may not want your night to be ruined by the cake cutting. If you are getting hair, makeup and professional photos you may avoid the messy cake smash altogether. 

• Have the right tools
  Make sure you have plates, a knife and cake server ready and at the table. 

 - How to cut your wedding cake -

1. Make sure you have the right tools. You need a knife, a cake server and a single plate. 

2. You and your partner will stand together, one slight behind the other. You two with cut the cake together, both holding the knife. 

3. One you two have cut the cut you will use the cake server and transfer the one piece to a plate. 

4. From the plate you and your partner will each take a small piece, you will feed one another. 

That's it. Everyone will clap and cheer. 

It seems a lot harder and some couples get nervous when everyone is looking at them in that specific moment but it's that easy - four easy steps. 

I see so many different variations of wedding cakes and wedding desserts in general as an East Idaho Wedding Photographer. I have seen beautiful traditional tiered wedding cakes and weddings with no cakes at all and just tables of pies and cream puffs. 

Dessert is one tradition that has certainly changed over the years. You would once see a traditional wedding cake and often a "groom's cake" as well. Now couples are opting towards their favorite desserts or cupcakes or cookies. 

Megan, of Str8 Outta the Oven, is an experienced wedding baker in Salmon, Idaho. Megan offers custom wedding cakes and desserts. She provides wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies and a dessert bar. 

When planning your wedding, consider ordering your desserts/cakes four to six months prior to your wedding day. This ensures you have a baker ready and one thing less to worry about. 

If you want a traditional cake Megan broke down layers and tiers. "Layers refer to the inside of a cake. They are sandwiched together by frosting," she said. "So when you cut into your cake, you can count the layers. Tiers refer to the number of cakes stacked on top of each other. They decrease in size as they are stacked."

With Megan's help you can have your dream cake. While you and your partner may just want a plain chocolate or vanilla or you can have decadent flavors like banana cake with chocolate ganache, secret ingredient carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or strawberry shortcake. Megan also offers flavors like Almond Joy, Peanut Butter Cup, Neapolitan - the options seems endless and delicious. 

If you wanted to go with more desserts over cakes, Megan offers a dessert bar with three types of desserts. Think a table full of your favorite cookies, cupcakes, etc. A variety of flavors. Sounds wonderful and chances are you guests will find one they like rather than hoping they like the same flavor of cake you do. 

If you are planning a summer wedding make sure you are planning for summer heat and your desserts. If you are waiting to table the desserts make sure you either book Megan for help and ensure someone can help present the cake when ready. If you leave the desserts and/or wedding cake out in the summer sun, it will melt. 

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Once you order and are in the "prepping" stage of wedding planning here are the details you need to know. Thanks to Megan for guiding up on the wedding planning journey. 

Who provides the wedding cake flowers? 
  The couple will provide the any flowers for the cake. Whether they are real or fake make sure you get extra for the cake. The decorations should also be discussed at ordering time. 

Who provides the wedding cake topper? 
  Megan orders the specific topper you want online. The additional fee is added to your total. If you have a special cake topper you want, you can discuss the size and everything with Megan so everything fits properly. 

Do you offer gluten free wedding cakes? 
 Megan offers gluten free, diabetic safe, Keto etc. etc. options for people who have diet restrictions or have to follow a specific diet plan.

Do you provide the cake and cupcake stands?
 No. Megan and most wedding bakers will not come with presentation ready stands and set ups. Megan said she delivers in clean, simple and professional packaging but display pieces needs to be ready and set up for the desserts arrival. Megan does provide a table, tablecloths and small display props when you reserve a dessert bar.