Preserving Wedding Cake Decorations: How Long Is Too Long?

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first wedding anniversary is a long-standing tradition. It dates back to the 18th century in Great Britain when couples would typically have their first child within a year of marriage and serve the cake at the christening to cut costs. Today, the tradition has evolved, and couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary, as a way to relive their special day and celebrate getting through the toughest part of their marriage.

If you want to save your wedding cake, it's important to properly store and preserve it. Most bakers will tell you not to save your cake for more than six months, but if you use the right preservation methods, it can last for a whole year.

How to store wedding cake decorations

Storing wedding cake decorations requires careful preparation and handling to ensure they remain intact and edible for future enjoyment. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly store your wedding cake decorations:

Remove Decorations and Flowers:

Before storing your wedding cake, it is crucial to remove all flowers and adornments, including fresh, sugar, or fondant flowers. These decorations can spoil quickly and affect the preservation of the cake.

Chilling the Cake:

Place the cake in a refrigerator shortly after the wedding. Chilling the cake will harden the icing, making it easier to wrap and prepare for freezing. It also prevents the plastic wrap from sticking to the icing.

Wrapping the Cake:

Once the cake is chilled, wrap it with several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that the plastic wrap is pressed directly onto the surface of the cake to create an airtight seal. Then, follow up with at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything in the freezer that could affect its taste or texture.

Storage Container:

After wrapping the cake, place it in an airtight container, such as a cake box, Tupperware, or a freezer bag. If using a cake box, wrap it with several layers of foil and place it in a large Ziploc bag for added protection. Label the container with a permanent marker or sticker to identify its contents.

Freezing the Cake:

Store the wrapped and boxed cake in a freezer. It is recommended to keep it somewhere it can remain untouched for a year, especially if you plan to move within that time frame. Avoid removing it from the freezer until it's time to defrost and enjoy it on your anniversary.

Defrosting and Serving:

To defrost the cake, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours. Then, take the cake out of its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving. It is important to note that the cake will be stale after a year, but proper preservation techniques will ensure it is still edible and enjoyable.

How Long to Keep Wedding Cake Decorations

The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake dates back to the 19th century. Couples would typically serve the cake at their first child's christening or on their first wedding anniversary. Today, the tradition continues, with many couples choosing to eat the preserved cake on their first anniversary to rekindle their wedding memories.

While there is no safety issue with eating year-old cake, proper storage is essential to prevent freezer burn and maintain taste. Most bakers recommend not keeping the cake for more than six months, but with proper preservation, it can last for a year or even longer.

How long can you keep a wedding cake?

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first wedding anniversary dates back to the 19th century. Back then, marriage was a means to increase the size of your family, and couples would typically have their first child within the first year of marriage. Serving the top tier of their wedding cake at the child's christening was a way to cut down on costs.

Today, this tradition has evolved, and couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary as a way to relive their special day and rekindle those newlywed feelings.

So, how long can you really keep a wedding cake? Most bakers will tell you not to save your cake for more than six months. However, if you properly preserve it, you can keep it for a whole year safely.

• Let your baker know that you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake. They can adjust the ingredients for a longer shelf life and provide tips for keeping it preserved.
• Identify what you're saving (the top tier, a slice, or a mini-cake) before the wedding and bring a container that is large enough to hold the saved cake.
• Assign a member of the wedding party to save the cake. After you cut the cake, they will take it and prepare it for storage.
• Before storing the cake, remove any decorations, flowers, or cake toppers as they may cause a reaction during preservation.
• Freezing is the best option for keeping your wedding cake preserved.
• As soon as possible after the wedding, cover your cake and place it in the freezer overnight. This will help keep it in great condition for long-term freezing.
• In the morning, wrap your cake in several layers of freezer plastic wrap. Do not use aluminum foil as it will lead to freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to a year.
• When it's time to thaw your cake, let it defrost in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, then leave it at room temperature for a few hours before digging in.

It's important to note that even with proper preservation, your cake will still be stale after a year in the freezer. Certain types of cakes, like chocolate, almond, or carrot cake, will last longer and taste better than a white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cake.

How to preserve a wedding cake

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when marriage was a means to increase family size. Back then, couples would typically have their first child within the first year of marriage and serve the top tier of their wedding cake at the child's christening to cut down on costs.

Today, the tradition has evolved, and couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary as a way to relive their special day and rekindle their newlywed feelings.

If you want to save your wedding cake, here is a step-by-step guide on how to preserve it:

• Remove all flowers and adornments: This includes fresh flowers, sugar flowers, and fondant flowers. Even sugar and fondant flowers will spoil quickly, so it's best to remove them all. If you want to keep sugar flowers as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.
• Chill the cake: Place the top tier of your cake in the refrigerator shortly after the wedding to harden the icing. This will make it easier to prepare the cake for freezing and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking.
• Wrap the cake: Once the icing has hardened, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Then, add at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything entering the freezer.
• Store in an airtight container: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag and put it in the freezer. Label the cake so you know what it is, and remember to keep it untouched for a year.
• Consider other items in your freezer: Ensure that aromatic items, such as fish or frozen onions, are well-wrapped and sealed. You can also put a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any smells and flavours.
• Plan ahead: If you know you will be moving or relocating during the year, consider storing the cake somewhere else, like your parents' house, to avoid defrosting and refrosting.
• Thaw the cake: When you are ready to eat the cake, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Note that while you can preserve your wedding cake for a year, it will still be stale. Certain types of cakes, like chocolate, almond, or carrot, will last longer and taste better than white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cakes.

If you don't want to eat a year-old cake, you can skip this tradition or have your baker make a smaller version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary.

Wedding cake storage containers

Choosing a Container

First, you'll need to select a container that is the right size for your cake. It should be large enough to hold the entire cake, with a little extra room for the cake to expand during freezing. The container should also have an airtight seal, which will help to prevent freezer burn.

Preparing the Cake

Before placing your cake in the container, it's important to remove any fresh flowers, fondant details, or other decorations, as these may cause a reaction during preservation. It's also recommended to chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to harden the icing and prevent it from sticking to the plastic wrap.

Wrapping the Cake

Once the cake is chilled, wrap it in several layers of plastic freezer wrap, pressing the edges together firmly. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cake inside the airtight container.

Storing the Cake

Store the container in a freezer for up to a year. When it's time to enjoy your cake, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, let it sit at room temperature for another hour or so before digging in!

Alternatives to Traditional Containers

If you're looking for a more modern approach to storing your wedding cake, there are now products on the market specifically designed for freezing cakes, such as the KeepCake, which uses vacuum technology to prevent freezer burn and create a strong airtight seal.

Wedding cake freezing instructions

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary, you'll need to know how to properly freeze and store it. Here is a step-by-step guide to freezing your wedding cake:

Before the Wedding:

• Discuss your plans with your caterer and baker. Let them know that you intend to save the top tier of your wedding cake so they can advise on the best ingredients to use and provide tips for keeping it preserved.
• Identify what you want to save (the top tier, a slice, or a mini-cake) and bring a suitable container to the wedding. The container should be large enough to hold the cake and preferably freezer-safe and airtight.
• Assign a "cake captain." Choose a family member or friend to be responsible for taking the cake home and storing it in the freezer.

At the Wedding:

After the cake-cutting ceremony, the designated "cake captain" should carefully box up the top tier of the cake and transport it home.

Freezing the Cake:

• Remove any decorations: Before freezing, remove any sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments from the cake. This will ensure that they do not interfere with the freezing process or cause a reaction during preservation.
• Chill the cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Chilling the cake will harden the icing and prevent it from sticking to the plastic wrap later. Clear your refrigerator of any foods with strong odours to avoid the cake absorbing those smells.
• Wrap the cake: Take the cake out of the refrigerator and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that every inch of the cake is tightly wrapped, with no air bubbles, to prevent drying out. Do not use aluminium foil as it can cause freezer burn.
• Seal the cake in an airtight container: Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container. This will help maintain the cake's original taste and texture.
• Store in the freezer: Put the container with the cake in your freezer. Turn off any defrosting settings to avoid interrupting the preservation process. Mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it away.

Defrosting the Cake:

• Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. This will give it enough time to defrost properly.
• Remove the wrapping: Take the cake out of the airtight container and slowly remove all the plastic wrap.
• Return the cake to the refrigerator: Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. This will ensure the cake is fully defrosted and soft.
• Bring the cake to room temperature: On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Please note that even with proper preservation, your cake will still be stale after a year in the freezer. Some types of cakes, like chocolate, almond, or carrot, will last longer and taste better than white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cakes.

Frequently asked questions