Wrapping Sri Lankan Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cakes in Sri Lanka are often wrapped up and/or boxed in fancy packaging, depending on the budget of the groom's family. The cake is usually a small, dense, and incredibly sweet affair, and only a small section is made of actual cake for the bride and groom to eat. The rest of the cake is made of cardboard and icing or coloured plaster paste. Each guest is handed a piece of cake wrapped in colourful cellophane, while wealthier families may also include a fancy cardboard box with wedding information printed on it.

How to wrap a Sri Lankan wedding cake in tissue paper

Wrapping a Sri Lankan wedding cake in tissue paper is a great way to present the cake as a gift to guests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before wrapping the cake, ensure it is ready for packaging. If you are making a Sri Lankan Christmas cake, brush the cake with brandy and add a layer of marzipan on top. Cut the cake into square pieces. The size of the pieces can vary, but for a wedding cake, you might want to consider smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

You will need tissue paper, wrapping paper, and ribbon for this project. Choose a type of tissue paper that is thin and flexible enough to wrap around the cake without tearing. As for the wrapping paper, you can opt for foil wrapping paper, glass paper, or any other type of decorative paper that complements your wedding theme. Select a ribbon colour and style that matches your chosen wrapping paper.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake in Tissue Paper

Place the cake piece in the centre of a sheet of tissue paper. Fold the tissue paper over the cake, covering all sides. Secure the tissue paper with tape or a small piece of clear cellophane. This step is important, especially if your cake is sticky, as it will contain the stickiness and prevent it from leaking onto the wrapping paper.

Step 4: Wrap the Cake in Decorative Paper

Now, take your chosen wrapping paper and carefully wrap the cake, ensuring that the tissue paper is not exposed. You can use clear contact paper over the wrapping paper to create a "`wipeable` surface" and enhance its appearance.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, tie a bow with your chosen ribbon on top of the wrapped cake. You can also attach a tag with the wedding information or a personalised message for your guests.

And there you have it! A beautifully wrapped Sri Lankan wedding cake. This technique will not only make your cake look like a present but will also help keep the cake moist and fresh.

Using foil wrapping paper for a Sri Lankan wedding cake

Foil wrapping paper is a great way to add a touch of elegance and glamour to your Sri Lankan wedding cake. Here are some tips and instructions on how to use foil wrapping paper to create a stunning presentation for your special day:

Choosing the Right Foil Wrapping Paper:

• Color and Design: Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme and décor. You can opt for classic options like silver, gold, or rose gold, or go for bolder shades like cranberry, fuchsia, or royal blue. You can also find foil wrapping paper with embossed floral or metallic designs, adding a touch of texture and visual interest to your cake.
• Size and Length: Ensure you have enough foil wrapping paper to cover your entire cake comfortably. Standard cake wrapping paper rolls are typically 15 to 20 inches in width and around 30 to 40 feet in length.
• Type of Foil: Look for food-safe foil wrapping paper specifically designed for cake drums or food presentation. This type of foil is thin, flexible, and easy to work with.

Wrapping the Cake:

• Prepare the Cake: Before wrapping, ensure your cake is chilled and has been brushed with brandy, as per Sri Lankan tradition. If using a marzipan layer, add it before wrapping.
• First Layer: Start by wrapping the cake with a thin layer of tissue paper or oil paper. This step is crucial as it absorbs any excess moisture or oil from the cake, preventing it from seeping through the foil.
• Foil Wrapping: Carefully wrap the cake with the foil wrapping paper, ensuring that it is smooth and free of creases. Overlap the edges slightly as you wrap, creating a seamless finish.
• Secure the Foil: Use a ribbon or twine to secure the foil wrapping paper in place. You can tie a bow at the top or centre of the cake for added decoration.
• Final Touches: Once the cake is wrapped, you can add any additional decorations, such as fresh flowers, a cake topper, or personalised tags with the couple's names and wedding date.

Advantages of Using Foil Wrapping Paper:

• Presentation: Foil wrapping paper adds a luxurious and elegant touch to your wedding cake presentation. It gives the cake a polished and sophisticated look.
• Protection: The foil wrapping helps preserve the freshness and moisture of the cake, especially when combined with the traditional tissue paper layer.
• Tradition: Wrapping wedding cakes is a unique tradition in Sri Lanka, and the use of foil adds to the festive and celebratory nature of the occasion.

By following these steps and choosing the right foil wrapping paper, you can create a stunning and memorable wedding cake presentation that will impress your guests and reflect the joy of your special day.

How to add a bow to a Sri Lankan wedding cake

Although I could not find specific information on how to add a bow to a Sri Lankan wedding cake, I did find information on how to add a bow to a cake in general, as well as information on Sri Lankan wedding cakes.

How to Add a Bow to a Cake:

There are several ways to add a bow to a cake, depending on the type of bow and the materials used. Here is one method for creating a fondant bow:

First, roll out your fondant to about half a centimetre thick. Use a ruler to measure and cut out a ribbon. Cut the ribbon in half and pinch the ends together on each side of both halves. Take one half and fold it over a straw or a dowel, bringing the pinched sides together. This will help the bow keep its shape while it dries. Repeat this step with the other half of the ribbon, so you have two bow halves. Leave these pieces to dry overnight.

Once dry, remove the straws or dowels from your bow halves. Roll out a small piece of fondant into a ribbon and place it over where the bow ends meet to create a 'knot'. You can add extra ribbons to create bow ties if desired. Finally, secure the full bow to the cake with buttercream icing.

Sri Lankan Wedding Cakes:

In Sri Lanka, cakes are often presented at weddings among various ethnic and religious groups. This tradition was likely brought by European colonisers and adapted to Sri Lankan tastes and customs. The cake is usually cut by the bride and groom, who feed each other a piece. However, the cake is not typically served to the wedding guests. Instead, each guest is given a small piece of cake wrapped in fancy packaging as they enter the reception hall. The type of packaging depends on the family's budget, ranging from colourful cellophane to cardboard boxes with wedding information printed on them.

The cake itself is usually a big, dense, and incredibly sweet affair, often made of cardboard covered in icing or coloured plaster paste, with only a small section made of actual cake for the bride and groom. These cakes are supplied by local bakeries and are often reused at multiple weddings.

How to wrap a Sri Lankan wedding cake in cellophane

Wrapping a Sri Lankan wedding cake in cellophane is a great way to present the cake as a gift to guests. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Prepare the Cake:

Before wrapping, ensure your cake is ready. Traditionally, Sri Lankan wedding cakes are small, dense, and incredibly sweet, often with a cardboard construction, and only a small section made of actual cake. If you are making a cake from scratch, ensure it is baked and cooled completely.

Wrap the Cake in Tissue Paper:

Firstly, wrap the cake with tissue paper or oil paper. This step is crucial as it helps to contain the cake's stickiness and prevent it from leaking through the outer wrapping.

Cellophane Wrapping:

Now, you are ready to wrap the cake in cellophane. Cut a piece of cellophane that is large enough to wrap around the cake comfortably. Place the cake in the centre of the cellophane and bring the sides up, twisting them gently at the top. Secure the twisted end with a small elastic band or ribbon. Ensure that the wrapping is not too tight or airtight, as this could affect the cake's texture and decorations.

Add a Bow:

To finish the wrapping, tie a bow with a ribbon around the twisted end of the cellophane. You can also add a tag with wedding information or the names of the bride and groom.

Storage and Transportation:

Cellophane-wrapped wedding cakes can be stored and transported easily. They can be placed in a cardboard box or cake carrier for extra protection. This method of wrapping is perfect for presenting cakes to guests, as it is both beautiful and functional.

By following these steps, you will be able to create a lovely presentation for your Sri Lankan wedding cake, offering guests a delightful treat.

How to box a Sri Lankan wedding cake

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but you can make boxing your Sri Lankan wedding cake a breeze by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before boxing, ensure your cake is ready for wrapping. The approximate dimensions of a Sri Lankan wedding cake before wrapping are 4cm x 4cm x 2.5cm in height. It is also important to note that the cake should be left out at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, depending on the environment.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

You will need wedding cake boxes for this process. You can find these online, and some suppliers will even personalise them for you. The standard box size is 5cm x 5.5cm x 5cm. You will also need white tissue paper to wrap the cake. Some suppliers will include this with your box order.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

First, wrap the cake in white tissue paper. This step is important as it helps contain the cake's stickiness and prevents it from leaking through the outer wrapping.

Step 4: Box the Cake

Place the wrapped cake inside the box. If you want to add a special touch, you can tie a ribbon around the box. Repeat this process for each piece of cake.

Step 5: Store and Transport

If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3-5 days.

There you have it! A simple guide to boxing your Sri Lankan wedding cake. Remember to plan ahead and give yourself enough time to prepare and box your cake before the big day.

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