Whether you choose to have a traditional cake with vertiginous tiers or something more personal, the possibilities are endless. Start by asking for recommendations from recently married friends and family.
Consider asking your baker to meet with you in advance. This gives them a chance to get an idea of your vision and make sure they can accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Symbolism
A wedding cake is often a visual representation of love and commitment. It also symbolizes prosperity, good luck and fertility. Traditionally, the cake was made with the finest ingredients to ensure that the couple’s marriage would be long and happy and they would have many offspring.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, a white wedding cake was used as a symbol of purity. It was also a sign of the bride’s family’s wealth and social status. Having color added to the icing or having a tiered cake indicated even more wealth and prestige.
During the wedding ceremony, a couple feeds each other a bite of cake which is seen as a display of their love and devotion for one another. This is a beautiful way to show their commitment and start their new life together. Some couples even take this opportunity to smear icing on each other’s faces which makes for an interesting photo! Guests are usually given a slice of cake to take home, which is considered a favor. This is a great way to send off the newlyweds and their loved ones.
History
The tradition of the wedding cake dates back to ancient Rome when unsweetened wheat or barley bread was broken over the bride’s head to ensure fertility and prosperity. Over time this became a practice amongst many cultures and the custom evolved into what we now know as a wedding cake.
In medieval times, the English started stacking spiced buns and scones as high as they could before they teetered over, and if the bride and groom successfully smooched without knocking the whole pile of pastries over they were guaranteed good luck. This was a precursor to the tiered cakes we see today.
When iced cakes were introduced in the 17th Century, the bride pie was gradually replaced by them and as sugar became cheaper this was the first step towards the modern bridal cake. Double icing (covering the cake first with almond and then with white) was also introduced as a symbol of purity and virginity.
The cutting of the wedding cake is symbolic of the couple launching into a new life together and feeding each other. Whether you smash the piece of cake in each others face or just feed them each a few bites off your fork, it’s a fun way to celebrate the start of your new marriage.
Types
There are many different types of wedding cakes, and each one can be a beautiful addition to your special day. Some are more intricately decorated than others, while others may feature a particular style or theme. Some even use flowers to add color and beauty to their design.
A petal shaped cake is a romantic choice with soft curved edges that create an elegant look. This unique shape can be embellished with fresh flowers or sugar flowers for a visually stunning centerpiece.
The choice of fillings is also a great way to tie your wedding cake into the overall theme of your event. Coconut filling is perfect for a beach-themed wedding while pumpkin spice adds a seasonal touch to fall festivities.
Traditionally, brides and grooms would eat a small piece of their wedding cake on their first anniversary or at a christening ceremony. While this tradition may seem a bit outdated, it’s still a delicious way to share a slice of your special day with your loved ones! You can also opt for a drip style cake that has chocolate, caramel or sweet coloured ganache flowing down the sides.
Decorations
A cake’s decoration is a big decision that you and your baker will make together. Traditionally, wedding cakes were decorated with lots of intricate details, but today most are iced with smooth sugar paste icing (or rolled fondant in the US). This blank canvas is ideal for all sorts of beautiful adornments.
One of the most popular techniques is applique. Using a special piping tip, your baker can pipe latticework, beading, flowers and other patterns into a wedding cake. This technique looks especially lovely if you have a floral or nature-inspired theme.
Another option is stenciling. Using a stencil and edible ink, your baker can add a pattern to the icing of your wedding cake. Stencils work best for simpler cake designs, but if you want to incorporate more intricate detail on your cake, you might opt for hand-painted appliqué instead.
Sprinkles can instantly brighten a wedding cake. These fun decorations look particularly great if you have a playful or bright wedding theme. Gum paste, a type of clay-like edible sugar paste, is often used to mold realistic-looking fruits and flowers for the top of a wedding cake. These details can be finished with edible paint or gold leaf to match your color scheme.
Budget
The price of a wedding cake depends on a variety of factors. First, the bakery you choose can increase or decrease your cost. Higher-end bakeries and those specializing in wedding cakes typically cost more. The frosting and decorating style also affect the price of a cake. Buttercream is generally cheaper and considered tastier than fondant. However, fondant is more versatile for decorations and won’t melt in warmer temperatures.
Special ingredients, such as liqueurs and other unique flavors, may add to the cost. Also, a wedding cake with multiple different fillings will be more expensive than one with standard flavors and fillings throughout all tiers.
A more traditional option is to serve cupcakes, cookies or other desserts in addition to the wedding cake. This allows guests to have the option they prefer and will save you on the cost of a larger cake. Also, opting to use actual flowers instead of icing flowers can reduce costs and look just as beautiful. Finally, choosing to pick up your cake will cut down on the cost of a delivery fee.