Superstitions Around Wedding Cake: Bad Luck To Eat Early?

Wedding cake superstitions have been around for a long time. The practice of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on the first anniversary is believed to bring good luck and is considered a symbol of love, commitment, and fortune by many couples. However, some consider cutting into the top tier of the wedding cake before the one-year mark to be bad luck. This notion has its roots in the 19th century when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, which was expected to occur within the first year of marriage. While some modern couples still follow this tradition, others opt for alternatives such as recreating a fresh version of their wedding cake for their anniversary or choosing other desserts like cupcakes or pies.

Wedding cake origins

Wedding cakes have been a part of the ceremony since ancient times, with the first wedding cakes probably originating in ancient Greece. In ancient Rome, a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to bring good fortune to the couple. This was followed by the couple eating a few crumbs together, in a custom known as confarreatio. Wedding guests would then gather up the crumbs as tokens of good luck.

In medieval England, small spiced buns were stacked in a towering pile, and the newlyweds would kiss over the pile. If they were successful in kissing without knocking the buns over, it was believed that they would be blessed with many children.

In the 17th century, bride pie—a large round pie filled with oysters, pine kernels, cockscombs, lambstones, sweetbreads, and spices—was served at most weddings. The bride's pie would evolve into the bride's cake, which was usually a simple pound cake with white icing, as white was associated with virginity and purity.

In the 19th century, sugar became more accessible, and the whiter sugars were more affordable, so only wealthy families could afford very pure white frosting. This display of wealth and social status carried over to the modern wedding cake, which originated at the 1882 wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany. His wedding cake was the first to be completely edible and included tiers separated by pillars.

Superstition and luck

Wedding cake traditions are steeped in superstition and symbolism. The practice of saving the top tier of the wedding cake to eat on a couple's first anniversary is believed to bring good luck and is considered a way to honour the couple's commitment to each other.

However, there are also beliefs that cutting into the top tier of the wedding cake before the one-year anniversary is bad luck. This superstition originated in the 19th century when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat at their first child's christening, which was expected to occur within the first year of marriage.

Today, some couples still choose to honour this tradition, despite the potential risks of food poisoning and spoilage. To ensure the cake remains edible, it is important to wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

For those who are hesitant to eat year-old cake, there are alternatives such as ordering a replica of the original cake from the baker or creating a fresh, smaller version at home. Ultimately, whether one believes in the luck associated with saving the wedding cake, it is a personal choice that adds a unique touch to the celebration.

Freezing and storage

Freezing and storing your wedding cake is an important step if you want to save the top tier for your first wedding anniversary or your first child's christening. While it may be considered bad luck by some, there are ways to ensure your cake stays as fresh as possible during its time in the freezer.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all cakes are created equal when it comes to freezing. A traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year, while a sponge cake (especially one with fruit and cream) may not last as long. Heartier cakes, such as chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond, will generally stand up better to freezing.

If you do decide to freeze the top tier of your wedding cake, make sure you do not cut into it at the reception. Instead, have the bottom tiers sliced and pop the top tier into a box to prevent spoilage. Before freezing, remove any large decorations such as ribbon and cake toppers. Smaller decorations, especially those made from icing, can be left on. If the cake is on a cardboard bottom that is not foil-wrapped, transfer it to foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to avoid any cardboard smell or taste transferring to the cake.

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to allow the icing to harden. This will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake. Clear out any foods with strong odours from your refrigerator to prevent the cake from absorbing any unwanted smells.

Once the icing has hardened, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered tightly with no air bubbles. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Then, seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container and place it in the freezer.

To defrost the cake, take it out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. Remove the cake from the airtight container and slowly unwrap it. Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight to defrost completely. Finally, on the day you plan to eat it, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Food safety

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on a couple's first anniversary is steeped in superstition. Some believe that the practice is good luck, while others consider it bad luck to cut into the top tier of the cake before the one-year mark.

While it is not unsafe to eat a wedding cake that has been frozen for a year, the flavour and texture will not be as appetising. Freezing a wedding cake for a year is generally safe, but it is not risk-free. The cake must be stored properly to prevent food poisoning and other health risks.

Bacterial Growth

Bacteria can grow in cakes, especially if they are not stored properly. Warm temperatures and high humidity can cause mould to develop. Cream fillings and frostings are more likely to spoil, and common bacteria can cause food poisoning or be dangerous for pregnant women.

Changes in Texture and Flavour

The cake may become dry and hard, and the flavour may deteriorate. Ingredients can also cause allergies over time. Fruit-based fillings may spoil faster, and buttercream frosting may seal in moisture, but it can also harden or become dull.

Preservation Techniques

To preserve a wedding cake for a year, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. It should be stored in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is more stable, and labelled with the date. Freezer burn can be prevented by removing as much air as possible from the wrapping, avoiding opening the freezer frequently, and keeping the cake away from strong-smelling foods.

Thawing

When it's time to eat the cake, it should be thawed slowly in the fridge for at least 24 hours, then another hour or so at room temperature. After thawing, the cake should be inspected for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual colours, off or sour odours, or an overly hard texture.

Alternatives to eating old cake

While it is not unsafe to eat a wedding cake after a year in the freezer, the flavour and texture won't be very appetising. Here are some alternatives to eating old cake:

Re-create the Cake

Ask your baker to re-create the top tier of your wedding cake or a mini-replica of your full wedding cake for your anniversary. This way, you can relive your cake-cutting moment with a freshly-baked dessert that tastes like it did on your wedding day.

Choose a Different Dessert

Many couples are opting for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake. From cupcakes and pies to donuts and strudels, there are plenty of options to choose from. A simpler, less costly cake option may also appeal, such as a ready-made cake from a bakery or a unique choice like a watermelon cake.

Freeze a Denser Cake

If you're set on enjoying your original wedding cake on your anniversary, consider freezing a denser cake, as they tend to freeze better. Let your baker know you intend to freeze the cake, and they can advise on the best tactics for freezing it.

Eat it Sooner

Some couples choose to eat their wedding cake within the week after their wedding. This way, they can enjoy it while it's still fresh and avoid taking up valuable freezer space.

Alternatives for Special Occasions

If you're looking for alternatives to cake for a special occasion, such as a child's birthday, there are plenty of options. Some ideas include chocolate-dipped banana bites, frozen yogurt strawberry bites, healthy banana cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, or even non-food options like a sensory bin filled with coloured pasta or rice.

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