Superstition, Wedding Cake: Bad Luck To Bake Your Own?

There are many superstitions associated with weddings, and one of them is that it's bad luck for a couple to bake their own wedding cake. However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to your wedding, and you can choose to include or exclude any traditions or superstitions that you like. While baking your own wedding cake can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience, it can also be a stressful and challenging task, especially if you're short on time or don't have much baking experience. Ultimately, the decision to bake your own wedding cake depends on your skills, preferences, and the level of complexity you're comfortable with.

It can be a therapeutic activity for busybodies

Making your own wedding cake can be a therapeutic activity for busybodies. Baking can be a great way to de-stress and clear your mind, especially if it is something you are passionate about. It can be a welcome distraction from the stress of wedding planning and a chance to focus your energy on something creative and satisfying.

For those who enjoy keeping their hands busy, making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience. It can be a source of pride and a way to showcase your skills and talents. If you are confident in your baking abilities and have experience making tiered cakes, it can be a enjoyable challenge to take on.

However, it is important to consider the time and effort required to make a wedding cake. It is a big commitment that involves hours of work and planning. Practicing the cake design ahead of time is crucial to ensure the final product turns out as envisioned. Additionally, transporting the cake to the venue safely and assembling it on-site can add to the stress of the wedding day.

To make the process less overwhelming, it is recommended to bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting in advance. This breaks up the workload and allows you to focus on decoration closer to the wedding. Enlisting help from family or friends can also make the experience more enjoyable and manageable.

Overall, for busybodies who find baking therapeutic, making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, it is important to carefully consider the time and effort involved and plan accordingly to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable process.

It's a great way to save money

Making your own wedding cake can be a great way to save money, but it's important to consider the time and resources you'll need to invest. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking of making your own wedding cake to save on costs:

Practice and Preparation:

Start practising well in advance. Wedding cakes are denser than traditional layer cakes and require structural support to prevent collapse when stacked. Practise different recipes, flavours, and decorating techniques.

Costs of Ingredients and Equipment:

Even if you're an avid baker, you may need to purchase additional equipment and speciality ingredients for your wedding cake. This can include different-sized cake pans, decorating tools, colour gels, meringue powder, a cake-cutting wire, and a revolving cake stand. The cost of ingredients, especially for a large guest list, can add up quickly.

Time Management:

Baking and decorating a wedding cake takes time, and you'll need to manage your time effectively, especially if you have other wedding preparations. Consider preparing cake layers and fillings in advance and freezing them.

Scaling Back:

If you're set on a grand design but want to save money, consider scaling back. Opt for simpler design elements, fewer tiers, or a "naked cake" with minimal or no frosting. This reduces the time spent decorating and the amount of frosting needed.

Alternative Desserts:

Instead of a traditional tiered cake, consider alternative desserts such as cupcakes, cookies, pies, or a dessert bar. This can be a more affordable option, and you can still have a small cutting cake for tradition and photos.

Delivery and Setup:

If you're making your own cake, you'll need to handle delivery and setup at the venue. This includes transporting the cake safely and ensuring it's properly set up and refrigerated if needed.

Sheet Cake Workaround:

One cost-saving trick is to order a small tiered display cake and serve sheet cake to your guests. This gives you the traditional cake-cutting moment without the high cost of a large, decorated cake.

While making your own wedding cake can save you money, it's important to consider the time and effort involved. If you enjoy baking and have the resources, it can be a rewarding experience and a unique personal touch to your wedding.

You can make it ahead of time and freeze it

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to plan ahead, especially if you want to make it ahead of time and freeze it. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you successfully freeze your wedding cake:

Baking and Cooling:

Start by baking your cake layers and letting them cool completely. This is an essential step to ensure that your cake is ready for freezing.

Wrapping:

Once your cake layers are cooled, it's time to wrap them securely. The best way to do this is to use Press & Seal wrap or plastic wrap. Make sure to wrap each layer tightly to prevent air bubbles, as this will help keep the cake fresh and prevent drying out.

Labelling:

Before wrapping the cake, it's a good idea to label the type of cake and the use-by date on a piece of aluminum foil. This will help you identify the cake and ensure that you consume it within the recommended timeframe.

Additional Wrapping and Container:

After wrapping the cake layers in plastic, add another layer of protection by wrapping them in aluminum foil. This will create a barrier against condensation and freezer burn. Finally, place the wrapped cake layers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them in another layer of aluminum foil if you don't have a suitable container.

Freezing:

You can freeze your wedding cake for up to 3 months. Any longer than that, and the taste and texture may start to deteriorate. Place the cake in the freezer, preferably in a frost-free freezer to prevent icy buildup, which can dry out the cake.

Thawing:

When you're ready to decorate or serve your wedding cake, take it out of the freezer and transfer the wrapped cake layers to the refrigerator one day before. This will allow the cake to thaw slowly, preserving its texture and taste. Make sure to keep the cake wrapped while thawing to prevent condensation from forming on the cake itself.

Decorating:

Once the cake layers are thawed, you can begin decorating. It's best to assemble and decorate the cake as close to serving as possible. A completely decorated cake may not withstand the freezing and thawing process without some damage to your handiwork.

Storage:

If you have any leftover frosted cake, you can certainly freeze it. While it may not look exactly the same after thawing, it will still taste delicious.

Tips from Other Bakers:

Some people who have made their own wedding cakes suggest baking and freezing the layers ahead of time. This can help reduce stress closer to the wedding day. One person baked and froze the layers a week before the wedding, then assembled and decorated the cake the day before. Another person froze the cake layers two days before the wedding and assembled and decorated the individual tiers the night before.

Final Thoughts:

Making your own wedding cake can be a rewarding experience, but it requires planning and practice. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully freeze your wedding cake ahead of time, ensuring that it tastes fresh and delicious for your special day.

You can choose any flavour you want

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the time and effort involved. If you're thinking of taking on this task, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the flavour!

• If you're having multiple tiers, you can have a different flavour for each tier. This is a great way to offer variety to your guests and accommodate different taste preferences.
• Consider having at least one tier in a crowd-pleasing flavour, like vanilla or chocolate, to cater to those with less adventurous taste buds.
• Think about the time of year and the weather for your wedding. Lighter and fruitier flavours like lemon or strawberry might be more suitable for a summer wedding, while richer and spicier flavours like chocolate or apple spice could be perfect for a winter celebration.
• Incorporate flavours that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Maybe you have a favourite dessert or beverage that you can draw inspiration from.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with unique combinations. Your wedding cake flavour can be a reflection of your personal tastes and can make your wedding even more memorable.
• Work with a professional baker who can guide you in choosing flavours that will complement each other and create a delicious and stable cake.
• Practice making your chosen flavour in advance to ensure it tastes great and can withstand the structure of a wedding cake.

Remember, your wedding cake flavour should be a representation of your tastes and should bring you joy. So, feel free to get creative and choose any flavour combination that makes your heart sing!

It's a fun activity to do with family and friends

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun activity to do with family and friends. It can be a great way to save money and ensure that you have a cake that you love. However, it is important to consider the time and effort that goes into making a wedding cake. It is a big commitment that takes hours of work and a lot of planning. If you decide to make your own wedding cake, here are some tips to make the process more enjoyable:

• Involve your loved ones: Baking your wedding cake can be a fun activity to do with your family and friends. You can assign tasks, such as mixing ingredients, baking the cake layers, or decorating the cake, and turn it into a fun group activity. Not only will this make the process less daunting, but it will also create memorable moments with your loved ones.
• Practice beforehand: Before attempting your wedding cake, it is essential to practice baking and decorating smaller cakes. This will help you refine your recipe, improve your decorating skills, and identify any potential challenges. Practising will also give you a realistic idea of the time and effort required, so you can plan accordingly.
• Choose a simple design: Opt for a simple cake design with easy decorations. This will reduce the stress and complexity of the task. You can decorate your cake with fresh flowers that match your wedding bouquet or go for a "semi-naked" cake, which requires less frosting and assembly.
• Make it a therapeutic activity: Baking can be therapeutic and a great way to de-stress. If you enjoy being a busy body and working with your hands, baking your wedding cake can be a relaxing activity amidst the wedding chaos. It can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, especially when creating a tiered cake.
• Break up the workload: Instead of doing everything at once, break up the workload. You can bake the cake layers and make the frosting ahead of time, freezing them properly until you're ready to assemble and decorate the cake. This will give you a breather between tasks and allow you to focus on different aspects of the cake at different times.
• Turn it into a tradition: Instead of eating a year-old, freezer-burned cake topper on your anniversary, make a small version of your wedding cake each year. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked wedding cake every year and create a new tradition with your spouse.

While making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, it's important to manage your expectations and be prepared for any challenges that may arise. Remember to enjoy the process and savour the memories created with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions