Wedding Cake: A Sweet Delight Or Disaster?

Wedding cakes are often treated as a given, but they are not always enjoyed. In recent years, some couples have opted for alternative desserts such as doughnut walls, cupcake spreads, and pie stations. However, the problem may not be the concept of wedding cake but rather its execution. A good wedding cake captures the vibe of the wedding and the couple and helps bake the celebration into a sensory memory for every guest. It is important to choose a bakery whose approach to wedding cakes aligns with your own vision and to select a flavour that will be well-received by your guests. While classic fruit-forward flavours like citrus and vanilla tend to be the most popular, you can also add a fun pop of flavour, such as a lemon curd filling. It is also crucial to consider the texture of the cake and the quality of the frosting, as cake can dry out while sitting at a wedding. Finally, think about how the cake fits into the overall mood of the event.

Wedding cake flavours: berry shortcake, vanilla, chocolate, lemon curd filling

Wedding cakes are a special part of any wedding celebration. They are a symbol of love and unity, offering a sensory memory for every guest to cherish.

When it comes to choosing a wedding cake flavour, there are many options to consider, such as berry shortcake, vanilla, chocolate, and lemon curd filling. Each flavour can be tailored to the couple's preferences and the overall theme of the wedding.

Berry shortcake is a popular choice, offering a fruity and refreshing taste. This option can be customised with various berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, creating a colourful and vibrant dessert. Vanilla cake is another classic option, often chosen for its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. It can be paired with different fillings, such as lemon curd, to add a tangy twist.

Chocolate cake is a rich and indulgent option, perfect for couples who want a more decadent dessert. It can be paired with various toppings and fillings, such as ganache or cream, to create a luxurious experience. Lemon curd filling adds a tangy and refreshing touch to any cake flavour. It can be used as a "fun pop of flavour" in the middle of the cake, creating a surprising and delightful experience for guests.

When choosing a wedding cake flavour, it is important to consider the overall taste, texture, and appearance of the cake. A moist cake with delicious frosting is essential, as well as ensuring it complements the overall mood and theme of the wedding.

Wedding cake alternatives: doughnuts, cupcakes, pies, tarts, ice cream

Wedding cakes are iconic, but they're not for everyone. If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional tiered cake, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas for wedding cake alternatives:

Doughnuts

A fun and creative option is to have a doughnut wall or a build-your-own doughnut bar. Your guests can pick their favourite flavours and toppings, making it a unique and interactive experience. Alternatively, you can stack frosted doughnuts to create a classic tiered cake look with a sweet, fall-inspired twist.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular replacement for wedding cakes as they are still cake with icing but offer more variety in flavours and are often a more affordable option. They also provide a cute factor with their tiny size and allow guests to access the sweets faster, getting them back on the dance floor in no time!

Pies

Pies are a perfect option for couples who want a rustic-inspired dessert or who can't decide on just one flavour. Mini pies are a great choice for a sweet treat that's not too overwhelming, and you can even serve them in mason jars! If you're looking for something a little more unique, consider mini key lime pies or apple strudel for a taste of Germany.

Tarts

For a delicate and elegant option, consider tarts for your wedding dessert. Fruit tarts, in particular, are a wonderful choice for a summer wedding, offering a light and refreshing treat for your guests.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a fantastic idea, especially for outdoor weddings. You can set up an ice cream bar or bring in an ice cream truck, offering your guests a variety of flavours to choose from. For a unique twist, try ice cream sandwiches or serve up some s'mores-inspired treats.

Whether you choose to go with a traditional wedding cake or one of these delicious alternatives, your guests are sure to enjoy the sweet treats you offer. So, feel free to get creative and choose something that reflects your personality and tastes!

Wedding cake storage: in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place

Wedding cake storage is an important consideration, especially given the cost and sentimental value of the cake. To extend the freshness and quality of your wedding cake, it is recommended that you store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your wedding cake remains in good condition:

Firstly, remove any decorative items such as fresh flowers and cake toppers. This will help to prevent the cake from absorbing any moisture from these items, which could impact its texture and taste over time.

Next, wrap the cake tightly with several layers of plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Alternatively, you can place the cake in an airtight container. Ensure that there are no gaps or exposed areas of cake to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odours from other items in the refrigerator.

It is also important to keep the cake away from direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. A consistent temperature is key to preserving the cake's integrity. Avoid storing the cake in a freezer for an extended period, as this can alter its texture and taste.

Additionally, consider the ingredients of your cake. Fruitcakes, for example, are denser and can be stored for several weeks or even months if properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry location. More common types of wedding cakes, such as sponge, buttercream, or fondant cakes with perishable fillings and frosting, typically need to be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

Lastly, remember that not all cakes are suitable for long-term storage. Rich and dense cakes with sturdy fillings and frostings tend to have a longer shelf life. By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your wedding cake for weeks or even months after your special day.

Wedding cake traditions: freezing a piece to eat on your first anniversary

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition, with many rituals and superstitions associated with them. One such tradition is freezing a piece of the wedding cake to eat on the couple's first anniversary. This custom dates back to the nineteenth century when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on the day of their first child's christening, which was expected to occur within the first year of marriage. Some believed that doing so would bring good luck, while others held that cutting the top tier before the one-year mark would bring bad luck.

Today, this tradition has evolved, and many newlyweds choose to freeze a piece of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. According to a 2019 study, nearly 46% of couples who married in 2019 saved or planned to save the top tier of their wedding cake for this purpose. However, after a year in the freezer, the cake's texture and taste will likely change, and it may not be very appetizing. Some couples may even find that their preserved cake is inedible.

Despite this, the tradition of freezing a wedding cake is symbolic and can bring back fond memories of the couple's special day. It is a way to commemorate their first year of marriage and create a lasting memory. If you want to preserve your wedding cake, it is recommended to use a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag to protect it from freezer burn. Squeeze out any excess air, label the container with the date, and store it away from other food items to prevent it from absorbing odours or flavours.

On your first anniversary, take the cake out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before unwrapping it. While the taste and texture may have changed, the cake will still hold sentimental value, and partaking in this tradition can be a special way to celebrate your first anniversary.

If you are hesitant to freeze your wedding cake due to concerns about taste and quality, there are alternative options. You can order a fresh replica of your wedding cake from your baker to enjoy on your first anniversary. This way, you can relive the cake-cutting moment with a freshly baked dessert that tastes just like it did on your wedding day. Another option is to skip the cake altogether and opt for other treats such as cupcakes, pies, donuts, or strudels.

Wedding cake portions: a small cake for the couple and a large sheet cake for guests

Wedding cakes are designed to be taller, allowing for larger portions to be served as a delightful dessert at the end of the meal. It is a long-standing tradition for couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake to enjoy on their first anniversary.

If you're looking to save costs, one option is to order a small cake for the couple and wedding party and then have a large sheet cake to serve the remaining guests. This option also makes it easy to have different flavour options at your wedding. If you're committed to the look of a large, tiered cake, you can also have a fake tier or two.

If you're serving other desserts alongside the wedding cake, you can adjust the cake size and consider a smaller cake that serves a portion of your guests. This way, you can have a variety of desserts for everyone to enjoy.

If you're only serving cake, make sure you have enough for all your guests. As a guide:

• 1 x two-tier cake serves 60 guests
• 1 x three-tier cake serves 100 guests
• 1 x four-tier cake serves 150 guests

For larger weddings, consider adding more tiers or opting for a sheet cake to supplement the main display.

Frequently asked questions