Pismo Beach Wedding Cake - How to have your cake and eat it too!

Looking to celebrate with some cake and a toast after your Central Coast wedding ceremony? Add on cake cutting photos so we can capture those moments with you and your guests.


Why Celebrate Right After the Ceremony?

There's something so special about sealing the deal right after you say your vows.  Some couples decide to have a cake cutting and toast instead of a reception or dinner.  While guests are waiting for photos, they can enjoy cake and some bubbly.


Cake Ideas

The cake in the photo above is from PK Custom Cakes  in Pismo Beach.  Our couples have also used Sea Breeze cupcakes in San Luis Obispo. Sea Breeze delivers.  We also did a blog on a grocery store cake decorated with flowers and a cake topper. 


Here's some reasons why you should celebrate with a cake cutting after the ceremony:

More photos = more memories -  Enjoy more moments with your guests and celebrate your wedding day
Makes the Celebration Simple & Personal
– No need for a long reception or dinner - celebrate the simple way! with cake and a toast

IA Surprising & Fun Twist  – Guests will enjoy the surprise of celebrating immediately - who doesn't love cake?!?

Less Stress, More Fun – No stress about a large reception timeline—just cut the cake, raise a toast, and celebrate!


How to Set Up a Ceremony Cake & Toast Celebration

Some of our locations already have a picnic bench. See the photo below for a set up at the Margo Dodd Gazebo.

Other couple have brought in small tables. The couple comes up with the decorations they want to add. 

Here's a list of what you need:

  • Table at the location or bring one in
  • Table cloth to cover the table
  • Plates, napkins, forks for the guests
  • Cups, glasses or champagne glasses for the toast
  • Cake or cupcakes for you and the guests (some couple do a small cake for themselves and then cupcake for guests)
  • Cake cutting set
  • Cake topper or flowers
  • Sparkling cider or champagne (make sure the location allows alcohol)
  • Decorations like initials, flowers, etc.


If you have the cake cutting after the photos with guests, we may be able to set up the table for you.


A Celebration That Feels Right for You

Weddings today are all about creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple. If the idea of a long, traditional reception doesn’t feel like you, then celebrating right after the ceremony with cake and a toast might be the perfect alternative. It’s simple, meaningful, and filled with love—exactly how a wedding celebration should be.


We always say - plan your day, your way!


So, as you plan your special day, consider skipping the wait and celebrating in the moment. After all, what better way to start your marriage than with a slice of cake, a glass raised in your honor, and the people you love cheering you on? Let's help you with your Pismo Beach wedding cake.


At an intimate Pismo Beach wedding or elopement, every detail becomes more intentional and meaningful—including the timing of the cake cutting. Choosing to cut the cake right after the ceremony creates a natural and joyful transition from the emotional vows to the celebration that follows. It marks the official start of your new life together in a sweet, symbolic, and visually beautiful way.


For smaller gatherings, a post-ceremony cake cutting also makes perfect logistical sense. There’s no rigid timeline or reception program to follow, and it allows you and your guests to savor a quiet moment of connection before any formal meal or toasts begin. It sets a light, celebratory tone—especially for daytime or outdoor weddings where the energy is more relaxed and personal.


Additionally, cutting the cake right away ensures you capture the moment while emotions are still fresh and the setting is perfect—whether that’s a mountaintop, backyard garden, or city courthouse steps. Your photographer can easily document this tradition without needing a second setup later, and your guests get to enjoy a sweet treat while mingling or toasting with champagne. It’s an elegant, heartfelt way to start the celebration without delay.


By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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