A Wedding Cake: The Perfect Gift For Newlyweds

Wedding cakes can be expensive, with costs running into the hundreds or even thousands. As such, some people choose to gift the happy couple their wedding cake, especially if they are a professional baker. However, this can be a tricky situation, as the cost of ingredients and labour adds up, and it may be difficult to determine an appropriate price for a cake intended as a gift. Some people suggest that the couple and baker come to a mutual agreement about the cost, while others state that the baker should not expect any payment for the cake if it is intended as a gift.

Cake design and flavour options

There are endless options for wedding cake design and flavour, and it's important to choose a cake that reflects your wedding style and theme. Here are some considerations for the design and flavour of your wedding cake:

Design

The design of your wedding cake should complement the style of your wedding. For example, a naked cake, which highlights the cake layers instead of just the frosting, is a popular choice for rustic-themed weddings. If you want a more dramatic and elegant look, you could opt for a Lambeth-style cake, which uses a royal icing over-piping technique to create depth with layers of icing.

Another design consideration is whether to include fresh flowers or sugar flowers on your cake. Fresh flowers add a natural and elegant touch, while sugar flowers can be more durable and look just as realistic. If you choose to use fresh flowers, be sure to select flowers that are in season so that they are available and blooming at their best.

Flavour

When it comes to flavour, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, think about the time of year and the theme of your wedding. For example, a lemon cake is perfect for a spring or summer wedding, while a rich chocolate cake is ideal for an evening or winter wedding. You can also incorporate seasonal flavours, such as pumpkin cake for a fall wedding or strawberry-watermelon cake for a summer celebration.

Another consideration is the uniqueness of the flavour. While traditional flavours like vanilla and chocolate are always popular, you may want to choose something more eclectic like passionfruit or banana coconut mocha. Unique flavours can make your wedding cake stand out and be especially memorable for your guests.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with flavour combinations. For example, you could pair chocolate with raspberry or peanut butter, or try something truly unique like sake wine cake with black sesame paste and wasabi buttercream. The possibilities are endless!

Timing of the cake cutting

The timing of the cake cutting is an important aspect of wedding planning. While there is no right or wrong time, the cake is typically cut shortly after dinner, about an hour before the end of the reception. This allows guests to enjoy a slice of cake before heading home. Cutting the cake can also be a signal for older guests or those with young children that they are free to leave if they do not plan to stay for the rest of the party.

There are several schools of thought on the exact timing of the cake cutting. Some couples choose to cut the cake immediately after dinner while guests are still seated. This allows the cake to be wheeled away to be cut into slices while the first dance and other special dances take place. Others prefer to do the dances immediately after dinner and then cut the cake a little later, once the party has started.

To ensure a smooth cake-cutting ceremony, the master of ceremonies (MC) should confirm the timeline with the couple and wedding planner beforehand. The MC can also help prepare the couple for the cake cutting by providing a script and making sure the cake table area is clear. The MC might also cue music to be played in the background, such as the couple's "first dance" song.

Some couples choose to cut the cake before dinner and have it served as dessert. This can be a good option if you want to avoid a rush of guests leaving after the cake is cut. However, it is important to note that cutting the cake before dinner may give the impression that the wedding is coming to an end.

Who cuts the cake?

Traditionally, the bride and groom cut the first slice of the wedding cake together. The groom places his hand on that of the bride, and they cut the first slice in unity. This signifies how the couple will work together throughout their marriage, making decisions about themselves, their families, and other situations as one. It also symbolises the couple's commitment to taking care of each other.

After the couple has cut the first slice, the remainder of the cake is usually cut and served by the catering company, venue staff, or a family member or friend. Some venues or catering companies charge a cake-cutting fee per slice, so it is worth checking this in advance.

If you are having a small wedding, you may want to consider asking a family member or friend to cut and serve the cake. This can be a fun way to involve your loved ones in your special day. However, keep in mind that cutting a wedding cake is a skilled task, and it is important to ensure that the cake is cut into the correct number of slices.

One option to avoid cake-cutting fees is to have a self-serve cake buffet. This can be a fun and interactive way to serve your wedding cake, and it ensures that your guests can take as much or as little cake as they like.

Ultimately, the decision of who cuts the cake is up to the couple. Whether you choose to cut the cake yourself, have a professional do it, or ask a family member or friend, the important thing is to enjoy your special day and create beautiful memories.

Saving the top tier

Today, the tradition has evolved, and many couples now save the top tier of their wedding cake to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. This can be a fun and sentimental way to relive the happiness of your wedding day. However, it is important to note that even if frozen, the cake will likely be a little stale by the one-year mark. Most bakers recommend storing it for no longer than six months.

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

• Be mindful of where you cut the cake during the cake-cutting ceremony. Only slice pieces from the bottom tier so that the top tier remains untouched.
• Ask your catering staff to take off the top tier of the cake immediately following the cutting ceremony and box it for transportation.
• If you are going on your honeymoon or moving right after the wedding, appoint a family member or friend to take the cake and prepare it for preservation.
• Once you are ready to freeze the cake, remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers and cake toppers.
• Chill the cake so that the icing hardens and prevent making a mess.
• Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, not aluminum foil, which can cause freezer burn.
• Seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag, label it, and store it safely on a freezer shelf where it will be out of the way.
• If you are concerned about power outages or surprise defrosting, consider keeping the cake somewhere else, such as your parents' house, where it is less likely to be disturbed.
• When you are ready to eat the cake, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, leave it at room temperature on the counter for five to six hours before enjoying!

Some couples may not have the time or energy to save the top tier of their wedding cake. In this case, an easy alternative is to ask your cake baker to recreate a smaller-scale version of your original wedding cake for your first anniversary.

Whether you choose to save the top tier or not, it is entirely up to you and your partner! There is no right or wrong answer, and you can always create new traditions that feel meaningful to you.

Additional desserts

There are many options for additional desserts to serve at a wedding, ranging from elegant to fun and playful. Here are some ideas to consider:

Elegant Options:

• Mango Panna Cotta: This Italian dessert is popular in Pakistan and can be a unique and elegant choice for a wedding.
• Croquembouche: A French dessert made of pastry puffs formed into a cone shape with threads of caramel. It is often served at weddings in France and Italy.
• Pavlovas with Berries and Figs: A meringue-based dessert that is light and airy, topped with fresh fruit.
• Individual Crème Brûlées: These can be served premade or prepared in front of the guests, offering a unique entertainment moment.

Fun and Playful Options:

• Cotton Candy Station: A whimsical and fun option for guests of all ages.
• Sundae Bar: If the couple has a special memory associated with ice cream, this can be a fun and interactive dessert option.
• S'mores Bar: A fun and delicious treat, especially if there is a campfire at the reception.
• Cake Pops: An adorable and portable alternative to a traditional cake, allowing guests to enjoy different flavours and styles.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: A fun and refreshing treat, especially for summer weddings.
• Donut Wall: A fun and interactive way to display donuts, with icing and flavours matching the wedding colours and themes.

These are just a few ideas to consider when planning additional desserts for a wedding. It is important to choose options that reflect the couple's personality and taste preferences, creating a memorable experience for the guests.

Frequently asked questions