Comparing Japan and Abroad: A Summary of the Similarities and Differences in Cake Cutting and First Bite Traditions

It Seems Not the Same Worldwide!

I thought that weddings, unless they are traditional Japanese weddings, generally involve Western-style ceremonies that we in Japan replicate in the same way. However, upon researching, I found it surprisingly isn't necessarily the case.

For instance, the candle service is a unique Japanese tradition, and it seems that the events and proceedings of weddings differ by country and region.

While investigating overseas wedding cake traditions, I discovered various similarities and differences when compared to Japan, so I would like to share them with you.

Difference ① Cutting the Cake and Putting It on a Plate!

First, let's talk about the cake cutting event.

In Japan, the cake cutting is highlighted as the first collaborative task, becoming a main feature of the program and a key photo opportunity. However, it appears that overseas, it is common for couples to go all the way to perform a "cake serve" afterward.

Using a cake server and cake knife, they cut a piece of the cake (typically from the top tier) and place it on a plate.

They do so carefully to prevent it from collapsing or falling over, creating a sense of collaboration.

It seems that photos of cake being sliced and placed on plates are quite common in foreign weddings.

This is because the presentation continues all the way until the wedding cake has been cut and served.

At this party, numerous plates seem to be placed beside the cake. I wonder if they will serve the guests by cutting pieces for them?

After cutting, it appears they feed each other from a single plate.

Difference ② Eating with Hands...!

But.

When observing the overseas first bite segments, there are surprisingly many instances where couples feed each other cake directly with their hands.

This too.

And this one.

Of course, many couples feed each other with forks, but the number of couples that do so with their hands is notable.

Is it treated as something akin to bread in a Christian context...?

I've not seen couples in Japan using creatively arranged tools like big spoons or syringes for the first bite.

Difference ③ Kissing for a Photo Opportunity

The cake-cutting moment being a photo opportunity is the same in both Japan and abroad.

(Having bridesmaids and groomsmen behind the cake is a unique aspect of overseas weddings.)

(As a feature point, it is common for fireworks to be displayed or confetti to fall during the highlight.)

However, there seems to be a slight difference in how the photos are captured.

Of course, like in Japan, couples pose during the cake cutting...

But it seems that many couples share a kiss at that moment, distinguishing it from Japanese weddings.

Photos of couples kissing while cutting the cake are commonly seen, making it a staple pattern in overseas weddings.

Difference ④ Attention to the Knife and Server

The Japanese cake cutting event only requires a knife, but abroad, since they also serve the cake, they need both a cake knife and a cake server, which is another difference.

Moreover, everyone seems to customize these items with engravings or create original designs to use in their married life.

It’s a stylish and intriguing custom.

Photos of them holding the server also become memorable keepsakes.

Similarities

Yet, there are many similarities as well.

For example, the "Simultaneous Bite."

Taking a simultaneous bite from the cake is also a commonly seen presentation in Japan.

Creative ideas for cake cutting also exist in Japan.

Couples doing a first bite with a glass.

Overseas Wedding Cake Presentations

The wedding cake presentation program was largely similar to Japan, but about half of it was conducted differently.

I believe weddings should be free and enjoyable, so if you find something in the foreign examples from this article that you like, please feel free to incorporate it!

The process of cutting and serving seems fun, like an exciting game...!