Flying into history: The voyage of Alcock and Brown
The skies were overcast on that late spring day at Lester's Field. The two pilots reviewed the latest meteorological forecast handed to them by a U.S. army lieutenant.[...]

The tradition of cutting the wedding cake is one that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. Instead of eating cake, the groom would break a loaf of bread over his new wife's head. Although the tradition has changed slightly (what bride would want a fully frosted wedding cake crumbled over her head?), the symbolism the cake represents remains the same.

And while the cutting of the may only be one part of your entire reception, a plastic knife and fork probably aren't going to cut it (no pun intended). With literally hundreds of options to choose from, how do you pick an elegant wedding knife and cake server set? The following tips can help you select the one that's just right for your wedding.

Theme - Take a few moments to ponder the theme of your wedding; is it a romantic, contemporary, beachside, casual, etc? The specific theme of your wedding should be your initial guide to choosing the right wedding knife and cake server set.

Cake Style - The style of your cake should also help you select the perfect set. Take into consideration how ornate your cake will be, the colors, the flowers, and other accessories.

Price - Decide on how much you are willing to spend. Depending on the quality and design, cake server sets and knifes can run from as little as $20 to hundreds of dollars. Determine your budget, and then find the highest quality and best looking sets within your price range.

Research - Chances are you have a large stack of bridal magazines you used to garner ideas for other parts of your wedding, right? Go through them once more and tear out any sets you find that you like. You can also search online and through other catalogs that sell cake server sets. This will help give you ideas as to what you like (and don't like).

Compare - Out of the cake server sets you've found so far, compare them based on how they look and their design. Are they the right size? Does the pattern or design fit flawlessly with your theme? Is the set timeless enough that you could use it again (say, for a special anniversary)?

Quality - From stainless steel to silver and gold and other precious metals, wedding knifes and cake server sets are available in a myriad of different metals. Some even have plastic or wooden handles. Certain sets are higher quality than others and will last much longer. Determine what you like and what you can afford.

Shape - The shape you have chosen for your wedding cake will also dictate what type of server you have; for a round cake, use a triangle server while a square cake requires a square cake server.

Engraving - Many couples opt to have their wedding knife and cake server set engraved, often with their names, initials, or wedding date. If you have your heart set on engraving, make sure you find out if they retailer you plan to purchase the set offers engraving and factor the additional cost into the budget you've decided on for the knife and set.

Zurchers Party & Wedding Supplies Store: Your source for all your wedding and party tips and ideas. Zurchers carries thousands of discount party & wedding supplies at our wedding store. For the best everyday low prices on wedding server sets visit our wedding site. Zurchers offers party & wedding supplies at steep discount pricing. There you will also find a party & wedding blog with decorating tips and more by professional party & wedding event planners. With over 50 years of experience you'll be sure to get the help you need when planning your next party, wedding, or other celebration.