The Sweet Etiquette Of Wedding Cake Consumption

Wedding cake is often seen as an edible piece of art that goes to waste. However, there are many instances where guests do eat the wedding cake. In fact, some guests enjoy it so much that the couple hardly gets a look-in!

There are several factors that can influence whether guests eat the wedding cake, such as the timing of when it is served, whether it is announced or not, and whether it is easy for guests to access.

Some couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. This tradition is common in the northern half of the United States and in the United Kingdom, where it is sometimes saved for a child's christening instead.

Wedding cake as dessert or an extra?

Wedding cake is often served as dessert, but it can also be served as an extra sweet, in addition to another dessert.

If you're serving your wedding cake as dessert, it's a good idea to have one serving per guest. If you're serving it as an extra, you can get away with smaller slices, or even just one slice per couple.

If you're serving your wedding cake as dessert, it's a good idea to make sure it's served at the right time. If it's served too late, your guests might already be full from the main course, or they might have left. Serving the cake during cocktail hour can be a good way to ensure it gets eaten.

If you're serving your wedding cake as an extra, you can be more flexible with the timing. You could serve it with coffee, or in the evening when guests start to get peckish again.

Another thing to consider is whether you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary. This is a tradition in some parts of the world, but it's not necessary. If you do decide to save the top tier, make sure it's wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.

Saving the top tier for your first anniversary

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Back then, marriage was a means to increase family size, and newlyweds would typically have their first child within the first year of marriage. The top tier of the wedding cake would be served at the child's christening to cut down on costs.

Today, the tradition has evolved into a way for couples to remember their wedding day and rekindle their feelings on their first anniversary. While it is considered good luck to freeze the top tier and eat it a year later, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the cake is still edible after a year.

Firstly, it is important to remove all decorations and flowers from the cake, as even sugar or fondant flowers can spoil quickly. You should then chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing and make it easier to prepare for freezing. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that the icing does not stick. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

When your first anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying a slice with your spouse. It is important to note that certain types of cake, like chocolate, almond, or carrot, will last longer and taste better than a white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cake.

While some couples choose to follow this tradition, others prefer to share the top tier of their cake right after returning from their honeymoon or order a small replica of their cake from the bakery for their first anniversary. Ultimately, the decision to save the top tier of the wedding cake is a personal choice, and couples can choose to create their own traditions to celebrate their special day.

How much cake to order

Ordering the right amount of wedding cake is a common concern for brides and couples. You want to have enough cake to feed your guests, but not so much that you're bringing home tiers of leftovers.

The first thing to consider is how many guests you're planning to have. When ordering a cake 6 months or more before your wedding, you may not have an exact number. A good rule of thumb is to assume that 20% of the people you invite won't be able to attend. So, if you're inviting 150 people, you can predict that about 120 will attend.

The second thing to consider is whether you're having other desserts. If you're having a dessert table with a selection of treats, you probably don't need a slice of cake for every guest. However, if the cake is your only dessert, it's best to plan on having a slice for all of your guests.

The third consideration is whether you plan to save the top tier of your cake. A typical 6-inch round top tier serves about 14 people, so you'll need to add those servings to the other tiers.

Another thing to think about is how the cake will be served. If you have a cake station where guests can help themselves, you can usually get away with less cake, as some people may opt to continue dancing instead of eating cake. However, if the cake is plated and served to guests at their tables, you'll likely want a slice for each person.

Finally, consider the design of your cake. If you want a huge cake that serves more people than you've invited, you can use Styrofoam tiers to achieve the look without the waste. On the other hand, if you're having a large wedding but don't want a huge cake, sheet cakes can provide extra servings at a lower price point.

The best advice is to work closely with your cake artist and provide them with as much information as possible so they can recommend the best options for your special day.

Cake-cutting rituals

The cutting of the wedding cake is a symbolic tradition that has evolved over the years. It is one of the sweetest and most cherished moments of the wedding reception. The ritual dates back to ancient Rome, when cakes were made of wheat to symbolise fertility and prosperity. The groom would break the cake over the bride's head, and guests would gather the crumbs for good luck.

In modern times, the couple cuts the cake together, usually making a single slice wedge in the bottom layer. This act represents the first task the couple performs together, signifying their unity and commitment. The joined hands on the knife also symbolise the strength of their new bond.

After cutting the cake, the couple traditionally feeds each other a bite, symbolising their mutual commitment to provide for and care for one another. This is a romantic and sweet gesture, though some couples take it further and smash cake into each other's faces (with consent, of course!).

There are several variations and additions to the cake-cutting ritual:

• The Groom's Cake- A separate, smaller cake that is often chocolate or the groom's favourite flavour. It usually displays the groom's hobbies, interests or favourite sports teams.
• Saving the Top Tier- Couples may save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on a special occasion, such as their first anniversary or their first child's christening. This tradition stems from the time when weddings often included fruitcakes, which could be easily preserved.
• The White Wedding Cake- In Victorian times, white icing was expensive and symbolised wealth and social importance, making it desirable for weddings.
• Wedding Cake Charms- Charms baked into the cake or attached to ribbons and pushed into the cake. Each charm has a special meaning, such as a ring for an upcoming engagement or a four-leaf clover for luck.
• Kissing Over the Cake- A medieval tradition where couples kiss over the top of their multi-tiered wedding cake. If they can do so without damaging the cake, it is considered a positive omen for a long and successful marriage.
• Sleeping with Cake Under Your Pillow- The night before the wedding, the bride sleeps with a piece of cake under her pillow, believing it will inspire dreams of her future spouse. This tradition is messier with modern wedding cakes, so a more durable cake or skipping the icing is recommended.

Alternatives to wedding cake

There are many alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. Here are some ideas:

Pies

Pies are a great alternative to wedding cakes as they are still sweet and can be served slice by slice to your guests. You can dress them up with toothpick toppers or edible flowers.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a fantastic alternative as they require no slicing, plates, or utensils. Guests can grab and go, making it easier for them to socialise and dance. They are also mini cakes, so you can still be traditional while switching it up!

Croquembouche

A croquembouche is a French pastry made up of choux pastries filled with cream and held together with caramel syrup. It is then decorated with spun sugar ribbons, icing sugar, chocolate, or more caramel. You can set a plain croquembouche on top of a traditional wedding cake or embellish it with edible flowers and chocolate pearls.

Doughnuts

Wedding doughnuts are a great choice for a more laid-back wedding and are also budget-friendly, especially when ordered in bulk. You can decorate them with edible heart candies and toothpick toppers and display them on a 3-tiered cake stand or a nice silver tray.

Macarons

Macarons are small, delicate treats that are perfect for a classy wedding. They can be displayed on their edges in a tiered serving platter, filling side out, or in a unique conical "cake" that shows off their hand-painted tops.

Cheesecake

A cheesecake can be a beautiful tiered alternative to a wedding cake and can be filled with just about anything. A purple rose-bedecked tiered cheesecake, for example, looks sweet and definitely doesn't need any icing or fussy decorations.

Cheese Cake

For those who don't like sweets, a "cheese cake" made from stacked wheels of cheese is a popular savoury option. You can decorate it with fresh fruits like figs, strawberries, and grapes and source wheels from your wedding location or places that are significant to your relationship.

Crepe Cake

Crepe cakes can be kept low or stacked high, with whipped cream or fruit preserves between each layer. A dusting of powdered sugar is a perfect topper, but you can also decorate with fresh flowers or fruit.

Ice Cream Cake

For a summer wedding, an ice cream cake can be a great alternative. It can be tiered, frosted, and decorated like a traditional cake but without the sponge. Choose complementary flavours and add crushed cookies between the layers for a textural contrast.

Bundt Cake

Bundt cakes are often flavoured with cinnamon, sugar, and warming spices, making them perfect for an autumn wedding. For a summertime celebration, an angel food bundt cake drenched in lemon curd would be a wonderful choice.

Millefoglie Cake

Millefoglie is a traditional Italian wedding cake made of circular layers of puff pastry alternating with a light diplomat cream. It is then dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh fruit.

Nordic Kransekake

The kransekake has Scandinavian roots and is made from concentric rings of almond cookies secured together with icing. It is a popular alternative at weddings and other celebratory occasions.

Oreo Cake

A stack of Oreos in the rough shape of a wedding cake is sure to bring a smile to your guests' faces. A touch of icing and a few decorations are all you need to make this humble cookie feel celebratory.

Rice Krispies Treat Cake

Rice Krispies treat cakes are a fun and unexpected alternative to a wedding cake. You can decorate the layers with ribbons and fresh fruit.

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