Wedding Cake Candles: A Traditional Twist?

Wedding cakes are a key part of any wedding, but there are many traditions and myths surrounding them. One question that often comes up is whether wedding cakes have candles. While birthday cakes traditionally feature candles, wedding cakes typically don't, and instead have cake toppers. However, some couples choose to buck tradition and add candles to their wedding cake, creating a romantic and chic alternative to traditional cake decorations.

Wedding cakes with candles are a romantic alternative to cake toppers

Wedding cakes with candles are a romantic and elegant alternative to traditional cake toppers. While birthday cakes are often adorned with candles, wedding cakes rarely feature them, leaving many to wonder why.

There is no clear reason why wedding cakes don't usually have candles, but one theory suggests that it is because brides know that making dreams come true takes more than just a wish. Planning a wedding and a life together requires doing and knowing, not just wishing.

However, there is something undeniably romantic about candlelight, and adding candles to a wedding cake can create a soft, dreamy glow that will look beautiful in photos. Whether it's a single candle for a couple to make a wish together, or a collection of candles in various colours and styles, this simple addition can make a big impact.

For example, tall taper candles in gold or silver can add a chic touch, while ultra-long skinny candles can provide drama and be visible from across the room. Coloured candles can bring your wedding palette to the cake, and simple, homemade cakes can be elevated with the effortless magic of candles.

So, if you're looking for a unique and romantic way to decorate your wedding cake, consider candles as a stylish alternative to traditional cake toppers.

The number of candles on a birthday cake represents the years being celebrated

While birthday cakes are often adorned with candles, wedding cakes are usually topped with cake toppers. These toppers are typically chosen to reflect the couple and their wedding day. However, some couples choose to forgo traditional cake toppers and get creative with flowers, donuts, funny figurines, inscriptions, or even no topper at all.

The number of candles on a birthday cake typically represents the years being celebrated and is believed to hold the power to make wishes come true. This ritual is deeply ingrained in birthday celebrations, with the act of blowing out candles and making a wish being considered essential to marking the occasion.

Although candles are not commonly seen on wedding cakes, there is no rule against their use. In fact, candles can be a romantic and elegant addition to a wedding cake, especially for a winter wedding or portraits at dusk. A single candle atop the cake can represent the couple's unity and their shared wish for their future together. Alternatively, a cluster of candles can create a dreamy glow, adding a touch of magic to the celebration.

Some couples may choose to incorporate candles into their wedding cake design if their wedding falls on one or both of their birthdays. In this case, the candles can serve the dual purpose of celebrating the wedding and the birthday, with the number of candles representing the birthday age.

Ultimately, the decision to include candles on a wedding cake is a personal one. While candles are not traditionally associated with wedding cakes, they can be a unique and meaningful way to add a touch of romance and symbolism to the celebration.

Wedding cakes don't usually have candles because brides know it takes more than a wish to make dreams come true

Wedding cakes are often the centrepiece of a couple's big day, with the bride and groom sharing a piece of cake before distributing it to their guests. This ritual symbolises their union and the promises they are making to each other.

While birthday cakes are usually topped with candles, wedding cakes are traditionally finished with cake toppers, which are often figurines of the couple. However, some couples are now opting for more creative alternatives, such as flowers, doughnuts, inscriptions, or even no topper at all.

Although candles are not a typical feature of wedding cakes, some brides choose to include them, especially if the wedding falls on the birthday of the bride, groom, or both. Candles can be a romantic addition to a wedding cake, creating a soft, candlelit glow that is perfect for portraits, especially at dusk or during a winter wedding.

However, one source suggests that wedding cakes don't usually feature candles because brides know that making dreams come true takes more than just a wish. Instead of relying on wishes, brides take action and plan to turn their dreams into reality. This idea highlights the proactive nature of brides in making their wedding visions a success, often with the help of wedding planners.

Tealight candles in frosted glass holders can be used to decorate wedding cakes

Wedding cakes are often candleless, as brides intuitively choose to abandon the candles, perhaps because they know that it takes more than a wish to make dreams come true. However, there is no reason why you can't decorate your wedding cake with candles if you want to. In fact, candles can be a romantic alternative to traditional cake toppers. A single candle or a bunch of candles on a wedding cake can create a dreamy glow, perfect for portraits at dusk or a romantic winter wedding. The simpler the icing and decoration, the more magical and effortless the candles will look.

To create a frosted glass tealight holder, start by gathering your supplies: empty food jars, frosting spray, and masking tape. Clean the jars thoroughly and dry them before proceeding to the next step. Use the masking tape to create your desired design by covering any parts of the jar you don't want to be frosted. Get creative with shapes like hearts, initials, or stars, or simply go for a frosted band around the centre of the jar. Once you're happy with the design, spray the jar with frosting spray in a well-ventilated area. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat for even coverage. You may even need a third coat, depending on the desired intensity of the frosted look.

Once the final coat of frosting spray is completely dry, carefully remove the masking tape to reveal your design. Now, it's time to decorate your jar! Use your glue gun to attach buttons, lace, or ribbon to the jar. You can also wrap lace or ribbon around the neck or base of the jar for a charming touch. Finally, place a tealight candle inside the jar and display it proudly on the wedding cake. These DIY tealight holders are a beautiful and unique way to add a personal touch to your wedding celebration.

Long, skinny candles add drama to a simple single-tier cake

Wedding cakes are often the centre of attraction at a wedding reception, with the bride and groom traditionally cutting the cake and sharing a piece before distributing it to the guests. While candles are not a common feature on wedding cakes, they can be used as a romantic alternative to cake toppers.

Long, skinny candles can add drama to a simple single-tier cake, creating a showpiece that is visible from across the room. The soft candlelight can illuminate the couple's faces as they cut the cake, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. This look is especially perfect for portraits, adding a touch of magic and effortlessness to the cake-cutting ceremony.

The key to pulling off this look is to keep the icing and decoration simple. The simpler the design, the more elegant and effortless the candles will appear. The colour palette of the wedding can also be brought into the cake through the use of coloured candles, or more luxurious options like silver or gold tapers.

For those looking for a DIY approach to their wedding cake, candles are an easy way to add a special touch. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind, such as ensuring the heat from the candles doesn't melt the icing and finding a way to secure the candles so they don't topple over or sink into the cake.

Overall, long, skinny candles on a single-tier wedding cake can be a unique and romantic way to add drama and atmosphere to the special day.

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