Wedding Cakes: A Necessary Tradition Or An Unnecessary Expense?

Wedding cakes have been a staple at nuptial celebrations since ancient Rome, but are they necessary? The short answer is no. Couples may choose to forgo the cake in favour of alternative desserts or skip dessert altogether. However, if a couple wants a wedding cake, there are many ways to make it their own. From flavour to design, the options are endless.

Wedding cake alternatives

While a wedding cake is a classic choice, it's not for everyone. Here are some unique and fun alternatives to the traditional wedding cake:

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular choice for weddings as they are easy to serve and eat, and can be offered in a variety of flavours to suit different tastes. They can also be displayed creatively, such as on a ceramic cake stand or with edible gold foil, to elevate this simple treat.

Macarons

Macarons are a colourful and elegant alternative, especially when displayed on a custom stand. They can be offered in a variety of flavours and colours, making them a fun and tasty option for guests.

Doughnuts

A doughnut wall or tower is a fun and interactive way to present this dessert. Guests can even customise their doughnuts with sprinkles and frosting! For a more elegant take, stack frosted doughnuts to create a classic tiered cake look, dressed up with blooms.

Pies

Mini pies are a great option, especially for a fall wedding. They can be offered in a variety of sweet flavours and are a nice, rustic-inspired treat. For something a little different, consider a pie-cutting instead of a cake-cutting!

Ice Cream

Hire an ice cream truck or set up a sundae bar for a fun and refreshing dessert option, especially for summer weddings. Alternatively, serve ice cream sandwiches or go for a unique steak and potatoes cake!

Cheese

For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake made from stacked wheels of cheese is a fun and unexpected choice. For something a little sweeter, a cheesecake can be filled with just about anything and is a versatile option.

Candy

Set up a candy bar with jars of colourful treats, or fill glass containers with candy in the wedding colours. Guests can help themselves to a variety of sugary snacks, and it makes for a visually appealing display.

Cookies

From Oreo stacks to Rice Krispie treats, cookies are a versatile option that can be dressed up or kept simple. They can also be offered in a variety of flavours and colours, and are a great choice for a more casual wedding.

Other Desserts

There are no rules when it comes to wedding desserts! Consider churros, cream puffs, brownies, s'mores, or even a whole dessert bar with an assortment of treats. For a more elegant option, serve up some profiteroles or a croquembouche.

There are endless possibilities for wedding cake alternatives, so feel free to get creative and choose something that reflects your personality and tastes!

Cake-cutting ceremony

The wedding cake has long been a symbolic detail in wedding ceremonies, with the tradition of breaking the cake (or, historically, bread) over the bride's head dating back to the ancient Romans. Today, the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake remains a popular and meaningful wedding reception activity. According to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study, 77% of couples had a cake-cutting ceremony during their reception.

• Timing: Usually, the cake-cutting happens after dinner, between the dinner and the parent dances. This lets guests know that the reception is almost over and that they can start heading home. Some couples prefer to have their couple-centred tasks, like the bouquet toss and the cake-cutting, back-to-back.
• Preparation: Ask your cake baker or caterer for instructions on how to cut your specific cake. You can use a wedding cake knife set for your first slice, or a large professional-grade knife from your venue or caterer.
• Positioning: With your spouse, position yourselves so that one of you is standing closest to the cake and holding the knife with your dominant hand, while the other stands behind, placing their hand on top.
• Cutting: Using the knife, cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake, avoiding a sawing motion to prevent the cake from crumbling. Cut another slice parallel to the first one for a square-shaped piece, or make two diagonal cuts for a wedge-shaped piece.
• Serving: Slide your server under the piece of cake and gently place it on a plate. The newlyweds then usually feed each other the first slice, symbolizing their commitment to providing for one another. This moment can also be replaced by smashing cake into each other's faces, depending on the couple's preference.
• Catering staff: Once the initial piece is cut, the catering staff will take over and bring the cake back to the kitchen to slice for the rest of the guests.
• Saving the top tier: If you plan on saving the top tier of the cake for your first anniversary, let the catering staff know in advance.
• Sending guests home with cake: In the past, couples would send guests home with a slice of cake or send pieces to those who were unable to attend. While this tradition is less common now, it is still a nice gesture to offer boxed slices for guests as a sweet takeaway.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic and meaningful part of the wedding reception, providing an opportunity for a fabulous photo and marking the couple's first joint task as newlyweds.

Wedding cake toppers

Figurines

If you want to stick with tradition, you can opt for porcelain or acrylic figurines that resemble the happy couple. These can be personalised with your hair colour and skin tone, and some even offer custom details like hobbies or pets. You can also find cultural and ethnic designs, such as traditional Asian and Indian wedding attire.

Rustic and Wooden Toppers

For a rustic or country-themed wedding, wooden cake toppers are a perfect choice. These toppers often feature natural designs, such as floral or bohemian motifs, and can be personalised with your initials or wedding date.

Acrylic Toppers

Acrylic cake toppers are a modern and versatile option. They can be customised with your names, wedding date, or other details, and their lightweight design makes them ideal for destination weddings or outdoor receptions.

Funny and Unique Toppers

If you want to add a touch of humour to your cake, consider a funny cake topper. These can range from lighthearted sayings to quirky designs that reflect your interests as a couple.

Custom Designs

If you're looking for something truly unique, you can request a custom cake topper design. Whether you want to incorporate specific themes, colours, or personal touches, a custom topper will ensure your cake reflects your style.

Remember, your wedding cake topper can be a cherished keepsake, so choose something that speaks to your personality and ties in with your overall wedding theme.

Groom's cake

A groom's cake is a wedding cake that is entirely influenced by the groom's tastes, hobbies, and personality. It is usually designed around the groom's interests, such as sports, video games, TV shows, or professions. The groom's cake is typically richer and bolder in flavour than the wedding cake, with "masculine" flavours like chocolate or liqueur. It is often served at the rehearsal dinner or alongside the main wedding cake at the reception.

The groom's cake originated in late 19th-century England and later gained popularity in the American South. It was originally offered as a second flavour option for guests, with a richer taste than the bride's cake, and often included alcohol or chocolate. One tradition involved single women taking a slice of the groom's cake home and sleeping with it under their pillow, with the hope of dreaming about their future husband.

Today, the groom's cake can be a fun and creative way to incorporate the groom's personality into the wedding. It can be used as a centerpiece or served as dessert, offering guests a unique and indulgent flavour. The cost of a groom's cake is typically between $100 and $300, but it can be more or less depending on the design and size.

Some unique groom's cake ideas include:

• A football helmet cake for sports fans
• A stack of video game consoles for a gamer
• A replica of the groom's favourite car or guitar
• A cake shaped like a toolbox for someone who loves DIY

Cake-smashing

The wedding cake smash, also known as the wedding smash, is a tradition typically done during the cake-cutting ceremony. After slicing the cake, newlyweds feed a piece of cake to one another, then take the frosting or a small portion of cake and rub it (gently or aggressively) onto each other's faces.

The tradition is said to have originated in ancient Rome, where the bride would have barley cake crumbled over their head. This act was supposed to signify the promise of fertility and male dominance in the marriage. Over time, the tradition evolved, and in medieval England, newlyweds shared their first kiss as a married couple over a pile of buns to promote a wealthy future.

Today, the cake-smashing tradition is a playful moment during the reception, offering an opportunity for couples to connect and share a laugh with their guests. However, it is not without its drawbacks. The main drawbacks are that it can be messy and wasteful, with the potential to ruin hair, makeup, and clothing. It can also be seen as disrespectful or a sign of male dominance, which some may find off-putting.

Some alternative traditions include:

• Couples' 'first bite' – this can be playful or subtle, such as taking the first bite of a dish together or sitting down to eat together.
• A cross-hand champagne toast to celebrate coming together.
• Putting a small dot of frosting or whipped cream on your partner's nose.
• Creating your own ritual that resonates with you – there are no mandatory traditions for weddings.

Pros and Cons of Cake-Smashing

Pros

• It is a fun and playful way to celebrate the couple joining together.
• It provides an opportunity for an authentic, candid photo moment with guests.

Cons

• It can be messy and wasteful, with the potential to ruin hair, makeup, and clothing.
• It may be seen as disrespectful or a sign of male dominance, which some may find off-putting.
• It can be dangerous if there are toothpicks or dowels in the cake.
• It may be expensive, with the potential to ruin an expensive dress, hair, and makeup.
• It may be seen as outdated.

Frequently asked questions