The cake-cutting fee (in Italian, diritto di taglio or costo di taglio) is the sum the caterer or the venue may charge when the cake comes from outside: from a pastry shop or a cake designer. It covers cold storage, cutting, portioning, dessert plates and service.
There is no common rule: some caterers do not charge it, others do, others still do not accept outside cakes, especially with an exclusive caterer. Logistics matter too: the cake must be delivered on time, kept in the fridge and assembled where the staff can serve it.
What to ask
Before ordering the cake, ask the caterer whether it accepts outside desserts, what the cutting fee is, whether dessert plates and cutlery are included and who receives the delivery. The guides on wedding cakes and cake design and on catering extra costs explain the alternatives.
