Wedding Cake Woes: Half Tossed, Half Treasured?

Wedding cakes have been a tradition since ancient Rome, and today, couples have the freedom to choose any type of dessert they want to serve at their wedding. While there is no rule that half of the wedding cake must be tossed after the wedding, it is common for couples to save the top tier of the cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake to serve at their first child's christening, as it was likely that they would have a baby within the first year of marriage. Nowadays, couples may not be so quick to start a family, but the tradition of saving the top tier of the cake remains. Some couples choose to freeze the cake and eat it on their first anniversary, while others may opt for a fresh cake baked by their original bakery with the same flavor options as their wedding cake.

Wedding cake alternatives

While a traditional wedding cake will always be a popular choice, some couples may prefer to opt for something different. Here are some unique and creative alternatives to the classic wedding cake:

• Macaron towers: Macarons come in a variety of colours and flavours, making them a fun and customizable option. They can be arranged in a tower to resemble a traditional tiered cake or displayed on a custom stand for an elegant and unique look.
• Donut walls: Donuts are a popular choice for weddings, and a donut wall adds a fun and interactive element to the dessert table. Consider offering a variety of flavours and glazes to match your wedding colour scheme.
• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a great way to offer guests a variety of flavours and can be displayed in creative ways. They can also be easily customized with toppings and decorations to match your wedding theme.
• Pie: Whether it's a traditional fruit pie or a creative flavour combination, pie is a delicious and comforting dessert option for a wedding. Consider offering a variety of pies to cater to different tastes.
• Cheese tower: For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a tower of stacked cheese wheels is a unique and elegant option. It can be a fun way to incorporate your heritage or cultural background into the wedding.
• Ice cream: An ice cream sundae bar or ice cream sandwiches are perfect for a summer wedding. Offer a variety of flavours and toppings for guests to create their own unique dessert.
• Cake pops: Cake pops are a portable and customizable treat that can be made to match any colour scheme. They are a fun and playful alternative to a traditional cake.
• Croquembouche: This French patisserie confection made with cream puffs and spun sugar is a unique and elegant option for a wedding dessert. It can be decorated with butterflies or fresh flowers to add a whimsical touch.
• Candy bar: A candy bar with a variety of treats in your wedding colours is a fun and interactive alternative to a cake. It can be a hit with guests of all ages and is a great way to incorporate your personality into the dessert.
• Cookies: Cookies can be a fun and nostalgic choice for a wedding dessert. Offer a variety of flavours and stack them in a tower or on a platter for a visually appealing display.
• Fruit-based desserts: For a light and refreshing option, consider a fruit-based dessert such as a tart or cobbler. Fresh berries can also be used as a topping for cakes or cupcakes to add a pop of colour.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Ultimately, your wedding dessert should reflect your personal taste and style. Get creative and think outside the box to find the perfect alternative to the traditional wedding cake!

Cake-cutting timing

There are several options for when to cut the cake at your wedding. Each option has its own advantages and considerations.

Grand Entrance

This involves cutting the cake immediately after your grand entrance and introduction as a married couple. All eyes will be on you as you make your way to the dance floor, and then over to the cake table. This option ensures your photographer captures the moment without a crowd of people swarming around you.

First Dance

Similar to the grand entrance, you would first take a spin on the dance floor and then walk over to the dessert table when the song ends. This option also ensures all eyes are on you without disrupting the flow of the party.

After Toasts

Cutting the cake after the Maid of Honor and Best Man's toasts usually happens as dinner is wrapping up and just before the dance floor opens, so it's a great time to cut the cake.

Party Pause

If you want to get the party started and let your guests dance up an appetite, you can have your DJ announce that the cake-cutting is about to take place.

Confidential Cutting

If you don't want to make a big fuss or have all eyes on you, you can plan a time to sneak away and cut the cake privately, perhaps with just your photographer present. However, consider telling your mothers in advance to avoid hurt feelings or FOMO.

The End

Cutting the cake at the very end of the reception is still an option and may give Grandma an excuse to stay out past her bedtime! It also honours the tradition of cake-cutting as a signal to guests that they are welcome to head home.

There are a few advantages to cutting the cake early. In addition to guaranteeing your photographer's presence, it gives your catering team extra time for slicing and serving, and you may need to pay your photographer for fewer hours.

Cake-smashing pros and cons

The wedding cake smash, also known as the wedding smash, is a lighthearted tradition that has been around for centuries. It is typically done during the cake-cutting ceremony, where newlyweds feed a piece of cake to one another and then smear the frosting or a small portion of cake onto each other's faces. While some find this ritual funny, others consider it messy and misogynistic. Here are some pros and cons to consider before deciding whether or not to include the cake smash tradition at your wedding:

Pros:

• It is a fun and playful way to celebrate the couple's union, providing an intimate moment between the newlyweds while entertaining their guests.
• It offers a great photo opportunity, capturing authentic moments and candid smiles among the couple and their guests.

Cons:

• It can be messy and wasteful, especially if a large portion of the cake is smashed onto one's face, soiling the couple's attire and wasting a perfectly good slice of cake.
• It can ruin the bride's hair and makeup, which she may have spent a lot of time and money on.
• It may be considered outdated and uncomfortable, symbolising male dominance and fertility assurance, which some brides may not be comfortable with.
• It can be embarrassing, especially if one partner is not on board with the idea or if it is done too aggressively.

Ultimately, the decision to include the cake smash tradition in a wedding is up to the couple. If it aligns with their personalities and they are both comfortable with it, it can be a fun addition to their celebration. However, if they are unsure or have reservations, there are alternative traditions they can consider, such as exchanging bites of cake or creating their own unique ritual.

Cake-freezing tips

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve it for your first anniversary. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stays in the best condition:

Before freezing:

• Allow the cake to cool completely.
• If you are freezing a decorated cake, ensure it is fully frozen before wrapping.
• For unfrosted cakes, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, ensuring it is well covered.
• Wrap the cake in aluminium foil. This will ensure no condensation will seep in.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container.
• Label the cake with the date and type of cake.
• For unfrosted cakes, freeze for up to 3 months. For decorated cakes, this can be extended to 4-5 months.

Thawing:

• Transfer the wrapped cake from the freezer to the refrigerator one day before serving.
• Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, then bring to room temperature for another hour.
• If you are concerned about condensation, keep the cake wrapped while it thaws.
• If you are decorating the cake, it is best to do so once it has thawed.

Cake-eating utensils

When it comes to cake-eating utensils, there are a few essential tools that will make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are some recommendations for utensils to use when eating a wedding cake:

• Parchment paper rounds: Using parchment paper rounds is a great way to ensure that your cake comes out of the pan easily. Simply trace the bottom of your cake pan on a large piece of parchment paper, cut out the circle, and grease the pan and parchment paper lightly before pouring in your batter. This will create an ultra-nonstick environment for your cake.
• Cake turntable or cake stand: A cake turntable can be helpful when frosting a layer cake, as it allows you to easily spin the cake while you work. If you don't want to serve the cake on the turntable, you can carefully transfer it to a serving plate or cake stand with the help of a couple of thin, flat spatulas.
• Spatulas: Having a variety of spatulas in different sizes and shapes will make decorating your cake a breeze. A large straight icing spatula is perfect for frosting a large layer cake, while a small straight spatula is ideal for removing a cake from its pan or spreading frosting on a smaller cake. An offset spatula is also useful for decorating sheet cakes.
• Bench scraper: A bench scraper is a handy tool for smoothing out the icing around the sides of a layer cake, giving it a neat and professional finish.
• Cake carrier: A cake carrier is a must-have for storing and transporting your cake. It will keep your cake fresh and protected, and can even be used for pies and other desserts.
• Digital food scale: A food scale is useful for accurate measuring, especially when making layer cakes. By weighing your pans before adding batter, you can ensure that each layer will be uniform and bake evenly.
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve: Sifting dry ingredients is an important step in many cake recipes, as it aerates the ingredients and removes lumps. A sifter or fine mesh sieve is also useful for dusting treats with confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder.
• Electric mixer: An electric mixer is essential if you plan to do a lot of baking. A stand mixer is ideal for larger batches or recipes that require extended mixing, while a hand mixer is more affordable and perfect for mixing cake batter.

With these tools, you'll be well-equipped to enjoy your wedding cake, whether it's a traditional tiered cake or a stylish sheet cake.

Frequently asked questions