Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: After much debate, we’ve decided to have a groom’s cake at our wedding. My fiancé didn’t think it was necessary — and of course it isn’t — but I thought it would be fun. Our wedding is near Carnival season and we are both very involved in our respective krewes, so we agreed that a King Cake – in the elegant galette des rois style — would be perfect. My mother insists that we slice and package it during the reception, then give it to guests as a favor when they are leaving the reception. She insists that is the proper etiquette. We on the other hand want to have it out and available for anyone who’d rather have King Cake than the wedding cake. Is it OK to serve the king cake style groom’s cake during the reception?
Answer: Actually, you and your mother are both correct. Traditionally, slices of groom’s cake — a Victorian custom — would be sent home with guests. But over the years it has become acceptable and common for it to be made available and served during the reception. As a compromise, you could get extra King Cake and do both or let your mom know that you aren’t breaking any rules by offering it throughout the reception.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.