How Long Does Wedding Cake Last?

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on a couple's first anniversary is a long-standing one. In the 19th century, the top tier was saved for a couple's first child's christening, but as the timing of childbirth changed, the tradition evolved to saving it for the one-year anniversary. While some couples continue this tradition, others are put off by the idea of eating year-old cake. Experts advise that there are no safety issues with eating a year-old cake, but it may not taste as good as it did on the wedding day.

Wedding cake freezing ritual

The wedding cake-freezing ritual is a tradition that stems from the 19th century, where couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat at their first child's christening. This was considered an omen of good luck, and with couples typically having children within a year of marriage, it was also common to eat the cake on their first wedding anniversary.

Nearly 46% of couples who married in 2019 saved or planned to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their one-year anniversary. However, opinions vary on whether the cake remains edible after a year in the freezer. Some say it is safe to eat but may not taste as good, while others claim it can cause food poisoning.

For those who wish to continue the tradition, it is important to properly store the cake. It should be carefully wrapped in plastic wrap, then tin foil, and stored in an airtight container. The type of cake also matters: oil-based cakes tend to preserve better than butter-based ones, and fruit fillings may cause the cake texture to change when thawed. On your anniversary, the cake should be thawed in the refrigerator for about 24 hours and then at room temperature for another hour before consuming.

An alternative to freezing the actual wedding cake is to ask your baker to create a miniature version of the cake to be packaged and frozen instead. This ensures you are digging into a fresh version of the dessert on your anniversary.

How to freeze wedding cake

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your wedding day and relive the moment on your first anniversary. However, it's important to note that even with the best preservation methods, a year is a long time and the cake may not taste exactly as it did on your wedding day.

• Before the wedding, discuss with your catering staff about carefully boxing up the top tier of the cake after the cake-cutting ceremony. Appoint a family member or friend to take the cake home.
• As soon as you get the cake home, place it in the freezer to let the icing harden. If there are any decorations such as sugar flowers, now is the time to remove them so they don't interfere with the freezing process.
• Take the cake out of the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil as this could lead to freezer burn.
• Seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container or box. If using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap first.
• Place the cake back in the freezer and mark it with a ribbon or label so you know what it is.
• On your first anniversary, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
• On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours to reach room temperature.

If you're concerned about the quality of your cake after a year in the freezer, you can always order a replica from your bakery. This way, you can still enjoy a fresh cake that brings back fond memories of your wedding day.

Wedding cake alternatives

While wedding cakes are an iconic part of a wedding reception, they are not for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to serve as a show-stopping dessert that pays homage to the custom without serving an actual cake.

One reason couples choose not to serve a classic wedding cake is simply that they don't like cake. If this is the case for you, feel free to serve your go-to treat instead. You could offer an Oreo cookie confection, a Rice Krispie treat, or even a cake-inspired display of cheese wheels for a unique, savoury option.

If you want to nod to your heritage, consider a dessert that pays homage to a meaningful locale. For example, Italian millefoglie, French croquembouche, or Italian cannolis.

For those who want something sweet but not too sugary, a fresh fruit option like a heart-shaped custard confection topped with strawberries or a Belgian waffle cake topped with whipped cream could be perfect.

If you're looking for something fun and unique, why not try a steak and potatoes cake, ice cream sandwiches, or even a doughnut wall?

And if you're more of a cookie person, you could serve your favourite type stacked in a wedding cake-inspired tower.

Whatever you choose, your wedding dessert should be a reflection of you and your fiancé's preferences. So, get creative and think outside the box!

Wedding cake history

The wedding cake has been a part of the ceremony since ancient Greek and Roman times. In ancient Rome, the wedding ceremony was finalised by breaking a cake of wheat or barley (mustaceum) over the bride's head as a symbol of good fortune, fertility, and the “breaking of the bride's virginal state and the subsequent dominance of the groom over her". The newly married couple then ate a few crumbs together, in a custom known as confarreatio. After this, guests would gather up the crumbs as tokens of good luck.

During the Middle Ages, wedding cakes took on a new form, with small spiced buns or sweet rolls being stacked as high as possible. The bride and groom would then attempt to kiss over the towering pile, and if they were successful, it was believed they would be blessed with a prosperous life together and many children.

In the 17th century, bride pie—a large round pie with an elaborate pastry crust and a filling of oysters, pine kernels, cockscombs, lambstones, sweetbreads, and spices—developed into bride cake, which was the predecessor of the modern wedding cake. These cakes were often fruited, as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, sugar started to become more affordable and accessible, and white icing began to be used as a symbol of the bride's purity and virginity, as well as an indicator of the wealth of the bride's family. The more refined and whiter the sugar, the more expensive it was, so only wealthy families could afford very pure white frosting. This tradition was popularised by Queen Victoria, who used white icing on her wedding cake, which then became known as "royal icing".

The modern wedding cake as we know it today originated at the wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in 1882. This was the first wedding cake that was completely edible, with separate layers of cake and dense icing. The tiers represented prosperity and were a status symbol, as only wealthy families could afford them.

Wedding cake preservation

Wedding cakes have traditionally been preserved for the christening of a couple's first child or for their first anniversary. However, modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not made to be frozen for extended periods. If you are committed to preserving your wedding cake, it is crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure its safety and quality.

Firstly, consider the type of cake you have. Butter-based cakes tend to freeze better than oil-based cakes. If your cake has a fruit filling, be aware that the texture may change upon thawing. It is also essential to carefully package the cake to prevent freezer burn and the growth of bacteria and mould. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by tin foil, and store it in an airtight container. Ensure that the cake is refrigerated as soon as possible after the wedding. You may want to ask a trusted person to handle the packaging and refrigeration to ensure it is done promptly and correctly.

When it comes time to enjoy your preserved wedding cake, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, and then at room temperature for an additional hour before serving. However, keep in mind that even with proper storage, there is no guarantee that your cake will taste as good as it did on your wedding day. Some couples choose to order a fresh replica of their wedding cake from their baker to enjoy on their anniversary instead of preserving the original cake.

Lastly, while there may be sentimental value in preserving your wedding cake, it is important to prioritise food safety. If your cake shows any signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant smell or discolouration, it is best to discard it.

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