Wedding Cake Basics: Structure, Design, And Flavors

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition and symbolism, with customs dating back to Roman times. In modern Western culture, the cake is usually on display and served to guests at the reception. Wedding cakes come in a variety of sizes, styles, and ingredients, and can be an expensive part of the wedding. This has led to the rise of fake wedding cakes, which are made from Styrofoam and fondant or Perma-icing, and are a fraction of the cost of a real cake. This article will explore the history, traditions, and modern alternatives to the wedding cake.

Cake-cutting ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic tradition that has been part of wedding celebrations for centuries. It is often seen as a signal to older guests that they can leave and also signifies the end of the reception.

The cake-cutting ceremony is also a great photo opportunity and symbolises the couple's first joint task as newlyweds. The couple can choose to feed each other the first slice, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another, or they can choose to smash the cake into each other's faces.

To cut the cake, the couple should position themselves with one person standing closest to the cake, holding the knife with their dominant hand, while the other stands behind, placing their hand on top. They should cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding a sawing motion to prevent the cake from crumbling.

The cake-cutting ceremony can be made more special by adding some personal touches, such as customisations to the cake, cake stand, and cutter. It is also important to announce that the cake-cutting is about to take place so that guests are aware and can gather around. Playing a song during the cake-cutting can also add to the atmosphere and make the moment more memorable.

After the couple has cut the cake, the catering staff will take over and bring it back to the kitchen to be sliced and served to the rest of the guests.

Choosing a cake style

Wedding cakes can be a reflection of the couple's personality, with modern pastry chefs and cake designers using a variety of ingredients and tools to achieve this.

The style of your wedding cake is an important decision and can be chosen to reflect the personalities of the couple. Wedding cakes can be made from a variety of ingredients, including marzipan, fondant, gum paste, buttercream, and chocolate. The cake can be decorated with flowers, either real or made from sugar or fondant.

The number of tiers on a wedding cake is also significant. In the past, the height of a wedding cake indicated the social standing of the couple, with taller cakes indicating higher social status. Today, the number of tiers is often chosen to reflect the number of guests, with each tier serving a certain number of people.

The shape of the cake is also important. Traditionally, wedding cakes were round, but today, couples may choose from a variety of shapes, including square, oval, or even custom shapes that reflect the couple's hobbies or interests.

The colour of the cake is another important consideration. White is a traditional colour for wedding cakes, symbolizing purity and social standing. However, modern couples may choose a coloured cake to reflect their personal style or the theme of the wedding.

Finally, the cake topper is a fun way to personalize the wedding cake. Cake toppers can be chosen to represent the couple's hobbies or interests, or they can be simple and elegant. Some couples may even choose to have a custom cake topper made to look like them.

Cake-cutting fees

The cake-cutting cost is calculated per person or slice, with an average cost of $1.50 per person, though this can vary depending on the region and venue. Some venues charge anywhere from $2 to $6 per slice. This means that for a large wedding, the cake-cutting fee can add up to hundreds of dollars.

There are a few ways to avoid paying a cake-cutting fee. One option is to bring the wedding cake pre-cut, or to cut it in the venue's kitchen if allowed. Another option is to serve an alternative dessert, such as cake pops, cupcakes, or donuts, which would not incur a cake-cutting fee. Couples can also opt for a self-serve station for their wedding cake, or choose to serve savoury snacks instead of cake.

It is important to note that cake-cutting fees are usually only charged if the couple does not purchase the wedding cake through the reception venue or its preferred vendors. Therefore, it is recommended to review the fine print and take into account all service costs during the initial consultation with potential reception venues.

Fake wedding cakes

The main advantage of a fake cake is the cost. Wedding cakes can be extremely expensive, and a fake cake allows you to have the look you want without the high price tag. Additionally, there is no risk of the cake falling over during transportation or being affected by heat and humidity if your wedding is outdoors.

However, it is important to note that you will still need to provide cake for your guests to eat. This can be done by ordering sheet cakes from a local bakery or wholesale store, which can be served to your guests after the display cake is taken back to the kitchen.

Another option is to have a fake cake with a small edible section. This allows you to cut the cake for photos and even feed each other a bite, while still having a display cake that is much more affordable than a real cake of the same size.

Fake cakes have been used for weddings since at least World War II, when rationing meant that real cakes were often too expensive or difficult to obtain. By using a fake cake, couples could still have the look of a nice cake for photos and for display, while serving a smaller, more modest real cake to their guests.

Saving the top tier

In the past, couples would eat the preserved top layer of their cake on the day of their first child's christening. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when wedding cakes were generally made of fruitcake, which has a long shelf life.

To save the top tier of your cake, let your caterer know in advance so they don't accidentally serve it. Ask your baker to provide a box that fits the top tier, and ensure it's securely sealed. You can then put it in the freezer until your first anniversary.

If you don't have much freezer space, you can freeze a small piece of the cake instead. To eat your frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and put it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, which could take two to five hours, depending on the size of the cake.

Frequently asked questions