Saving Your Wedding Cake: Tradition Or Superstition?

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake is a long-standing tradition for many couples. It dates back to 19th-century England, when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, typically within the first year of marriage. The cake, usually a dense fruit cake, would be preserved and eaten for good luck. Over time, the tradition evolved, and now couples tend to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary.

The history of saving wedding cakes

The tradition of saving the top layer of a wedding cake dates back to the 18th or 19th century. In the 18th century, newlywed couples would try to keep the cake until their first anniversary to prevent marriage problems in the future. The cakes of that time were made of fruits and blended with wine, allowing them to last longer.

In the 19th century, the saved top tier of the wedding cake symbolised the hope for the couple's first child. The act of saving part of the cake was rooted in superstition and symbolism. Couples believed that by eating a piece of the preserved cake on their first anniversary, they would be blessed with good luck and prosperity in their marriage.

The tradition gained popularity in the Victorian era, as couples adopted this custom as part of their wedding reception celebrations. Wedding cakes during this period were made with rich fruitcakes, which have a much longer shelf life than modern cakes.

Today, couples often save a slice of their wedding cake to reminisce about their special day and to celebrate their first anniversary in a meaningful way. The tradition of saving wedding cake is no longer associated with the welcoming of a couple's first child. Instead, it is now a symbol of the love shared, the exchanged vows, and the celebration of the couple's union.

How to preserve your wedding cake

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, as it was customary for married couples to have a child within the first year of marriage. The tradition has evolved, and now couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary.

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh:

Before the Wedding

• Identify what you want to save (a slice, a mini cake, or the top tier) and bring a container that is large enough to hold it.
• Choose a member of the wedding party to be responsible for saving the cake after the cake-cutting ceremony.
• Ask your cake baker if they have any recommended preservation methods for your specific cake.

During the Wedding

Be mindful of how and where you cut the cake. Do not cut the cake with a sawing motion, as this may cause the cake to shake or fall over. Only slice pieces from the bottom tier so that the top tier remains untouched.

After the Wedding

• Remove any decorations, such as the cake topper, flowers, or other ornaments, as these may cause a reaction during preservation.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing and make it easier to wrap.
• Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Do not use aluminium foil as it can cause freezer burn.
• Label the cake and store it in the freezer.

On Your First Anniversary

• Thaw the cake in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before serving.
• Remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Enjoy your cake! It may be a little stale, but if properly preserved, it should still be edible.

Why do people save their wedding cake?

Saving the top tier of the wedding cake is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. At that time, it was customary for families to make large decorative cakes to celebrate the christening of their first child, which was expected to take place within the first year of marriage. Wedding cakes were typically dense fruit cakes, which allowed them to be preserved for long periods. Couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake, often rich fruitcakes full of bourbon and wine, to be served at their first child's christening.

Over time, the tradition evolved as the birth of the first child became less closely associated with the wedding date. The top tier of the wedding cake began to be saved to celebrate the couple's first anniversary instead. This shift also occurred because modern wedding cakes have shorter shelf lives and are often made with elaborate flavours, frostings, and decorations that do not preserve well.

Today, the wedding cake is seen as a symbol of the love shared and the vows exchanged between the couple. Eating the saved top tier of the cake on their first anniversary is a way for the couple to relive their wedding day and celebrate enduring the toughest part of their marriage. The tradition is considered a prophecy or symbol of good luck and the couple's commitment to each other.

Alternatives to saving your wedding cake

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to 18th or 19th-century England. The cake was initially saved for the christening of the couple's first child, but now, it is more commonly consumed on the couple's first anniversary.

However, there are several reasons why you might not want to save your wedding cake. Firstly, modern cakes are often less dense and more elaborate than traditional fruit cakes, making them more challenging to preserve. Secondly, even with proper preservation, the cake may not taste as fresh after being frozen for a year. Finally, some couples may simply not want to go through the hassle of saving and preserving the cake.

If you are looking for alternatives to saving your wedding cake, here are some ideas:

• Order a fresh, miniature replica of your wedding cake from the same bakery for your first anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy the tradition of eating cake to celebrate your anniversary without having to worry about preservation.
• Hire an ice cream truck, rent a soft-serve machine, or create a sundae bar for your guests.
• Serve cinnamon rolls from a local bakery, displayed beautifully on a table.
• Create a donut wall or use tiered dessert holders to showcase this popular treat.
• Opt for cupcakes, which offer multiple flavor options and can easily accommodate allergies.
• Serve macarons, a fun, delicate, and colorful alternative that will look great at your wedding.
• If you prefer pie over cake, there is no rule saying you can't have wedding pie! Serve your favorite flavor or an assortment of pies to your guests.
• Set up a candy bar for your guests, offering a variety of treats that can also double as a late-night snack.
• Serve cookies, either baked by a family member or catered from a bakery or cookie shop. You can even opt for gourmet cookies with unique flavors and designs.
• Offer brownies, a simple and delicious dessert that can also save you money.
• If your wedding venue has a fire pit, you can pre-package s'mores kits for your guests to enjoy.

How long can you save your wedding cake for?

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake dates back to 19th-century England, when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, which typically took place within the first year of marriage. These cakes were usually dense fruit cakes, which have a much longer shelf life than modern cakes.

Nowadays, the tradition has evolved, and couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary. However, most bakers will recommend storing it for no longer than six months, depending on the type of cake. If you want to save your cake for a year, it is important to preserve it properly. This includes removing any decorations, wrapping the cake in several layers of plastic wrap (not aluminium foil, which can cause freezer burn), and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Even with proper preservation, a year-old cake may be slightly stale or dry. Some couples opt to skip this tradition altogether, choosing to have their baker recreate a fresh, small version of their wedding cake for their first anniversary instead.

Frequently asked questions