The Significance Of Wedding Cakes: Cutting And Traditions

The wedding cake-cutting ceremony is a long-standing tradition that has evolved over time. In ancient Rome, it was customary to break bread over the bride's head to symbolise the groom's dominance, while in Victorian times, the bride cut the cake to symbolise the loss of her individuality. Nowadays, the couple cuts the cake together, symbolising their unity and shared life as a married couple. The cake-cutting ceremony is also a way for the newlyweds to show their devotion to each other and their promise to care for one another. While some couples still opt for a traditional tiered cake, others choose alternative desserts like cupcakes, donut walls, or cheese wheels. Ultimately, the decision to cut a wedding cake is a personal one, and couples should feel free to incorporate this tradition or create their own unique celebration.

The history of wedding cake cutting

The wedding cake has been a part of the ceremony since ancient Roman times. Back then, the groom broke bread or cake over the bride's head to symbolise her submission, the end of her purity, and to represent good luck and fertility.

During the Middle Ages, the newlyweds would kiss over a high-stacked cake. If they managed to do so without knocking it over, it was believed they would be blessed with many children. The English took this a step further, deciding that the bride's fertility would be best increased by throwing the cake at her.

In the 17th century, as sugar started to become more affordable, white icing began to be used on wedding cakes, symbolising the bride's virginity and the wealth of her family. Later, colour was added to the icing, and cakes became tiered and more elaborate, indicating even greater affluence and social status.

The tradition of cutting the wedding cake itself originates in the Victorian era, when it was customary for the bride to cut the wedding cake, and then hand out pieces to all her guests, which represented fertility. As weddings grew in size, the groom would help with the cake-cutting ceremony, and the couple would cut the cake together, with one partner's hand placed over the other's in a symbol of their promise to support each other.

The symbolism of the wedding cake

The wedding cake is an important part of any wedding party. It is a symbol of the couple's love and commitment to each other, as well as a representation of their personalities and backgrounds.

Ancient Traditions

The tradition of the wedding cake dates back to ancient times, with the ancient Greeks and Romans including bread or cake in their wedding ceremonies. In ancient Rome, a cake made of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to symbolize her submission, the end of her purity, and to bring good luck and fertility to the couple.

Colours and Decorations

The colours and decorations on a wedding cake can also be symbolic. For example, flowers on a cake might indicate that love is delicate, while ribbons or bows could represent the joining of two families.

Cake Flavours

The flavour of the cake can also hold significance. A chocolate cake, for instance, might symbolize a couple's deep love, while a fruit cake could signify a happy and plentiful future.

Cake Cutting

The act of cutting the cake is also symbolic. In the past, the bride would cut the cake alone, symbolizing her loss of virginity. Nowadays, the couple cuts the cake together, with the groom's hand placed over the bride's hand to show his support and promise to care for her. This is the couple's first joint task as newlyweds, symbolizing their devotion to each other and their promise to share their lives together.

Feeding Each Other

After cutting the cake, the couple may feed a piece of cake to each other, symbolizing their commitment to provide for and care for one another.

Superstitions and Folklore

Wedding cakes are also surrounded by superstitions and folklore. In some traditions, giving cake to loved ones is a way of spreading happiness and wealth. It is believed that eating the crumbs of a wedding cake brings good luck, as the cake symbolizes happiness and a good life for the newlyweds. There is also a belief that sleeping with a piece of wedding cake under your pillow will make you dream of your future spouse.

Cutting the wedding cake: Step-by-step

The wedding cake is an important part of the wedding celebration. Cutting the cake symbolises the newly married couple's promise to always be together and share their lives with each other. It is usually done after dinner, between dinner and the parent dances, or before the first dance. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting the wedding cake:

• Positioning: One person stands closest to the cake, holding the knife with their dominant hand, while the other stands behind, placing their hand on top.
• Cutting: Cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding any boards in between tiers. Make a straight cut, not a sawing motion, to prevent the cake from crumbling. Then, cut a connecting line to create a square or wedge shape, depending on your preference.
• Lifting: Use the knife or a server to lift the slice of cake gently and place it on a plate.
• Feeding: The couple may then feed each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another.
• Serving: The catering staff will then take over, bringing the cake back to the kitchen to be sliced for the rest of the guests.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a special moment for the couple and their guests, often serving as a fabulous photo opportunity. It is also a signal to guests that the reception is almost over, and they can start heading home.

Preserving the wedding cake

The wedding cake is an important part of the wedding party. Cutting the cake symbolises the newly married couple's promise to always be together and share their lives with each other. It is the first thing they do together as a married couple.

The tradition of preserving the top tier of the wedding cake and sharing it on the first wedding anniversary became popular in the 19th century. Back then, newlyweds would typically have their first child within the first year of marriage, and they would serve the top tier of their wedding cake at the child's christening to cut down on costs.

• Remove all flowers and adornments from the cake. This is to prevent spoilage.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing and make it easier to prepare for freezing.
• Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It is recommended to use several layers of plastic wrap to prevent the icing from sticking.
• Place the wrapped cake in the freezer.
• Thaw the cake in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before you plan to eat it.
• Remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Remember that even with proper preservation, the cake will still be stale after a year. Certain types of cakes, such as chocolate, almond, or carrot, will last longer and taste better than a white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cake.

Other wedding cake alternatives

While a wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition, modern couples are increasingly opting for alternative desserts to mark their big day. Here are some unique ideas for wedding cake alternatives:

Pies

Whether it's a small, personal pie or a large pie to share, these can be a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake. You could opt for sweet pies with a variety of fillings, such as key lime, custard, or apple strudel, or go for a savoury option like chicken pot pie or steak and ale pie.

Macarons

Light and delicate, macarons are a colourful and elegant alternative to a wedding cake. They can be arranged in a tower to resemble a traditional tiered cake, or displayed on a custom stand for a unique ombré pattern. Macarons can also be personalised with different flavours and colours to match your wedding theme.

Donuts

A popular choice for weddings, donuts can be displayed in a variety of ways, from a simple tower to a more elaborate "donut wall". You can offer a range of flavours and toppings to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Cheese

For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake made from stacked wheels of cheese is a unique and tasty option. It can be decorated with flowers and greenery to resemble a traditional wedding cake.

Ice Cream

Perfect for a summer wedding, ice cream can be served in cones, cups, or as ice cream sandwiches. You could even hire an ice cream truck to come to your venue and serve your guests.

Cultural Desserts

Pay homage to your heritage or wedding locale by serving a dessert that is meaningful to you and your spouse. For example, Italian millefoglie or cannolis, French croquembouche, or Spanish custard cakes.

Other Alternatives

The possibilities are endless when it comes to wedding dessert alternatives. Here are a few more ideas to consider:

• Cupcakes
• Brownies
• Cake pops
• Cookies
• Churros
• Cream puffs
• Eclairs
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Rice Krispie treats
• Candy

Frequently asked questions