Superstitions Around Throwing Away Wedding Cake: Bad Luck?

Wedding traditions and superstitions are a dime a dozen, but what about the wedding cake? Is it bad luck to throw away your wedding cake? Well, it depends on who you ask. Some people believe that throwing away the top tier of your wedding cake will bring you bad luck, while others claim that it won't affect your luck one way or the other. In the past, couples saved the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, which was usually expected to happen within the year following the wedding. Nowadays, couples who follow this tradition tend to save the top tier in the freezer for their one-year anniversary, although it's more of a ceremonial act than a tasty treat.

Wedding cake and christening celebrations

Wedding cakes are often lavishly decorated, and their very appearance is a cause for celebration. Cutting the cake is one of the most anticipated moments of a couple's wedding reception. The moment when the newlyweds share the first slice of cake is seen as a symbol of their new life together. It is also a way to show their guests that they are committed to each other and to create a lasting memory of their wedding day.

In the past, couples saved the top tier of their wedding cake to use during the christening celebration for their first child, which was expected to come within the year following the wedding. Nowadays, couples tend to save the top tier in the freezer for their one-year anniversary, although the taste is not always pleasing, so sometimes the tradition is just ceremonial.

Fruit cakes can be stored for years as long as they are stored properly, and they can also be frozen. If not freezing, wrap the cake up in several layers of either brown paper or parchment, then several layers of foil and store in an airtight tin in a cool place. If freezing, it’s best to remove the icing beforehand. Wrap the cake in the same way as for dry storing. After two years, the cake will probably need re-icing.

Christenings are a special occasion for families to celebrate the birth of a new baby. A christening cake is usually a white sponge cake with pink or blue frosting on top. The cake is often decorated with flowers, angels, or other symbols of faith. Christening cakes can be simple or elaborate, but they are always special. The christening cake is a tradition that dates back centuries. In ancient times, christening cakes were made of wheat, barley, or other grains. They were blessed by a priest and given to the guests as a symbol of fertility and life.

Freezing the top tier for your first anniversary

Freezing the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a tradition that many couples choose to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to properly freezing and storing your wedding cake for the best possible taste and texture after a year in the freezer.

Before freezing:

First, check with your baker for any special instructions or tips specific to your cake. For example, buttercream and ganache freeze well, while meringue-based frosting does not. If your cake is on a cardboard bottom that is not wrapped in foil, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake.

Wrapping and sealing:

Next, place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to harden the icing. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake. Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it loosely in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil, as this may cause freezer burn. If you are storing the cake in a box, wrap the box in several layers of plastic wrap as well. Alternatively, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container.

Defrosting:

When your first anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. A few hours before serving, bring the cake to room temperature.

Alternative options:

If you are concerned about the taste or texture of your cake after a year in the freezer, there are a few alternative options. You could order a replica of the top tier of your wedding cake from your bakery to enjoy on your anniversary. This option ensures a fresh and sweet cake while still evoking fond memories of your wedding day. Alternatively, you could save a couple of slices of each tier or a few slices of just the top tier to enjoy at a later date.

The taste of frozen wedding cake

There is a long-standing superstition that it is bad luck to cut into the top tier of a wedding cake before your one-year anniversary. This tradition stems from the olden days when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening celebration, which was believed to come within the year following the wedding. Today, couples save the top tier in the freezer and eat it on their one-year anniversary.

While some people enjoy the taste of frozen wedding cake, others find it disappointing. It is said that the cake texture won't be the same, and it might have picked up off-flavours from the freezer. However, it is unlikely to cause any harm, and some people report that their frozen wedding cake tasted delicious even after being frozen for a year.

To ensure the best taste and texture when freezing your wedding cake, it is important to wrap it in multiple layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then, place it in a small box to protect it and store it in a deep freezer. When you are ready to eat it, be sure to thaw it appropriately by defrosting it in the fridge and not on the counter.

Some people choose to forgo the tradition of eating frozen wedding cake and instead order a "duplicate" top layer from their baker to celebrate their anniversary. This way, they can still enjoy the taste of fresh cake without worrying about freezer burn or stale flavours.

In terms of flavour, "wedding cake" is typically considered to be a white, almond cake with white icing. It is often described as a fairly firm, moist, and light on almond flavour, sometimes made with sour cream as the fat. However, wedding cakes can come in a variety of flavours, including chocolate, strawberry, lemon, and more. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to choose the flavour that they prefer.

Wrapping and storing the cake

Wrapping and storing your wedding cake is a delicate process, but if done correctly, you can enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, it is important to get the cake refrigerated as soon as possible. Ask your wedding planner or a designated person to ensure that this task is executed. If a freezer is not available, cover the cake with a single layer of plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will help to "pre-freeze" the cake and harden the icing.

Next, remove any flowers or non-edible decorations from the cake. Then, wrap the cake gently but tightly in several layers of plastic wrap or cling wrap. It is recommended to use at least three layers, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered and there are no air bubbles. This will protect the cake from freezer burn and help maintain its original taste and texture.

After the cake is securely wrapped, place it in an airtight container, such as a cake box, Tupperware, or a commercial food container. If using a cake box, wrap the box in several layers of aluminium foil and consider placing the entire box in a large Ziploc bag for added protection.

Finally, place the wrapped cake in the freezer, preferably in a section where it will remain undisturbed. You may want to label the cake with a permanent marker or sticker, so you don't accidentally throw it away when cleaning out your freezer.

Now, your wedding cake is safely stored and ready to be enjoyed on your first anniversary! To defrost the cake, simply follow the steps outlined below:

• Take the cake out of the freezer and remove the plastic wrap.
• Place the cake, still in its airtight container, in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it.
• 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.

Enjoy your delicious wedding cake and relive the memories of your special day!

Eating a duplicate cake on your anniversary

There is a popular tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on a couple's one-year anniversary. This custom stems from the olden days when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening celebration, which was expected to occur within the year following the wedding.

Nowadays, couples who follow this tradition often save the top tier of their wedding cake in the freezer, to be enjoyed on their one-year anniversary. However, the taste of the cake after being frozen for a year is not always pleasant, so sometimes the tradition is just ceremonial.

If the idea of eating a year-old cake doesn't appeal to you, there is an alternative. You can simply go back to your baker and order a "duplicate" top layer to enjoy on your anniversary. This way, you can still participate in the tradition without having to eat stale cake.

Whether or not it is bad luck to throw away wedding cake seems to vary from person to person. Superstition says that you should not cut into the top tier of your wedding cake until your one-year anniversary. However, one source claims that the top tier likely won't cast good or bad luck on you and your spouse, so you can decide whether or not to eat it based on your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions