Woohoo Cake! We love chatting about cake (who doesn’t!), but how come even the wedding cake seems to have become confusing? Don’t worry, help is at hand! And it helps to understand the history of the wedding cake before making up your mind about why/how/whether to have a cake and then what type of cake to have.
Courtesy of Blakestock Estate…
‘The History Of The Wedding Cake
The cake is not just a delicious dessert; it also has a significant meaning. In ancient Rome, cakes were made with wheat, a symbol of fertility and prosperity. This is thought to be the reason they were introduced, as an act to represent good luck.
The tradition of wedding cakes themselves originated in medieval England. At the time, guests would typically bring smaller cakes to the wedding reception. The couple would stack these on top of each other and attempt to kiss over the tower. If they were successful in kissing without knocking the tower over, then it was a symbol of good luck for the newlyweds. This good luck usually equated to them being blessed with many children. Wanting to take the goal of the bride’s fertility one step further, it was decided that child-bearing would be best increased by throwing the cake at the bride!! Can you imagin that nowadays!!
As the tradition evolved, bakers began to create larger and more elaborate cakes for weddings. These cakes were often decorated with intricate designs and icing, and they became a status symbol for the wealthy.
Today wedding cakes are a key part of many wedding ceremonies and receptions. It serves as a beautiful centrepiece and a reminder of the couple’s commitment to each other. Whether you choose a traditional tiered cake or a more modern dessert, the wedding cake is a cherished symbol of love and happiness.’
Why Couples Save The Top Tier Of Their Wedding Cake
Many couples choose to save the top layer of the wedding cake as a sentimental tradition for various reasons. Whether it’s for the first-anniversary celebration or to carry on a family tradition, the cake acts as a reminder of the commitment made on the wedding day.
So Now to the Decision Making Process
You need to find the balance between a wedding cake that looks good and tastes fantastic, and make a choice as to whether you really want a cake or don’t, or perhaps you fancy a gorgeous stack of cheese, the original cheesecake?
But we think that there really is nothing better than a cake that blows people away twice; once when it’s revealed and again when they take their first bite! You can definitely use this moment to impress your guests with a visually stunning and delicious creation, and of course, they make a great photo op for your photographer! We’ve popped a selection of cakes below for you to have a browse and a think, but the sky really is the limit…..
A cake and some wee cakes or a wee cake!
This means that you can have some wee cakes for those with dietary requirements too…..
A Cheesecake?
Cats and Dogs? They are totally part of the AH family!
Pop them on the cake too!
A Naked Cake?
(Yep, just one that’s not got lots of décor, sorry, nothing more risqué! But you can decorate a naked cake in anything you fancy!)
A Traditional Cake?
A Themed Cake?
(Autumn Pumpkins, Woodland Creatures, but your imagination is the only limit!)
When to Cut the Cake?
Now, it’s just a decision about WHEN to cut and eat the cake! If you’ve chosen a menu without a pudding, why not have your cake as your pudding? You can cut the cake just after the meal, and everyone then has a slice of delicious cake for pudd, leaving ample space for some reception nibbles later in the evening too.
If you’re set on having the big cake cutting moment before the meal, that’s fine too. This is YOUR Wedding, so you decide when you have your cake and eat it too!
How to Cut the Cake?
Don’t forget the right tools for the job! Here at AH we provide you with a cake sword, perfect for a good sponge or fruit cake, but not quite so fab for a roundel of cheddar (sorry!), so it makes it easy for you both to share in cutting your cake together. If you’re at another venue, do make sure that they, or the caterer provides a suitable knife for you!
