The bride normally holds the knife in her right hand with the groom's right hand over hers, followed by the bride's left hand on the top. Once the all-important cut has been made, the cake is whisked off to be cut into small slices and handed round to guests.

Traditionally, the wedding cake has a rich fruit filling and is smothered in a thick icing. This type of cake needs to be baked about three months in advance to give it enough time to mature, though the icing and decoration can be added much nearer the date.

However, not everyone likes a fruit cake and so over the years different types of filling have emerged to suit all tastes. For example, a bride and groom may decide they want a three-tier chocolate cake instead of the traditional fruit, which is just as acceptable.

The wedding cake also has a role once the wedding is over - guests who were invited but unable to attend the Big Day can be sent a piece of the cake afterwards.

It is traditional for the bride and groom to keep the top layer of the wedding cake to be eaten at the christening of their first child.