Traditional Presentation

• The Wedding Wizards website asserts that proper etiquette for showcasing the wedding cake means placing the dessert on a decorative, small table in front of the main table. The table that the cake rests on should be a little off-center in relation to the table where the bride, groom and wedding party sit, so that the bride is in clear view throughout the entire reception. It is appropriate to decorate the wedding cake table similar to the rest of the reception table. For instance, sprinkling rose petal confetti on the smaller table or covering it with a tablecloth in one of the reception decor colors is fitting.
  
  

Alternate Presentations

• It is also a good idea to showcase the wedding cake near the entrance of the reception hall, so it's one of the first things guests see when they enter the space. Place the cake off to the side of the entrance, so that loved ones are less likely to bump into it. You can also place the cake on the head table, so the guests will automatically shift their focus to the beautifully decorated dessert and the guests of honor.
  
  

Cutting the Cake

• It is proper etiquette to announce the cutting of the wedding cake after the guests have enjoyed the main meal. If you want to keep the look of the cake a surprise, you can bring out the confection while the cake cutting is being announced. If you want to preserve the look of your cake, showcase a mini version of the cake in the center of the table, and adorn the table with pre-cut slices of the cake in the same flavor for everyone to enjoy so you can take the intact cake home as a keepsake.
  
  

Groom's Cake

• The groom's cake is a smaller version of the main wedding cake, and often baked in a different flavor. The cake is usually presenting on a separate table that is not as adorned as the table for the main wedding cake, but still visually appealing. For instance, a silk tablecloth and cutlery is sufficient. The table for the groom's cake can be positioned next to the main wedding cake, or on the opposite side of the buffet table. Or, you can bring the groom's cake out near the end of the reception to immediately cut and package it for guests. It is customary to slice the groom's cake and send pieces home with guests, as folklore suggests that if a single woman sleeps with the cake under her pillow, she'll dream up her own wedding.