Traditional Or White Wedding Cake: Which Flavor To Choose?

The wedding cake is often the centrepiece of a wedding reception, with the cutting of the cake being one of the most important traditions. But what type of cake should you choose? A traditional tiered cake or a white wedding cake?

White wedding cakes are a popular choice, with their light and fluffy texture and simple flavour. They are also versatile, providing a good base for other flavours. Traditionally, white cakes were a symbol of wealth as only the rich could afford white flour and sugar.

On the other hand, a traditional tiered cake can be more elaborate and decorative, with multiple tiers and flavours.

So, whether you choose a traditional tiered cake or a white wedding cake, both options have their own unique advantages and will surely be a delicious treat for you and your guests.

Traditional wedding cake history

The wedding cake is as much a symbol of a marriage ceremony as the bridal dress. However, the wedding cake tradition started with a less sugary—but equally sweet—origin. Wedding cakes have their roots in Ancient Rome, where marriages were sealed when the groom broke a wheat or barley cake over the bride's head for luck and fertility. The new couple would then eat a few crumbs together, followed by the wedding guests who would scoop up the leftover crumbs for good luck.

The Romans brought this bread-breaking tradition with them when they conquered Britain in 43 CE. The Brits took it a step further by throwing the bread at the bride to symbolise her fertility. By the medieval period, the English began stacking spiced buns, scones, and cookies as high as possible, which was a precursor to the tiered cakes of today. The bride and groom would try to kiss over the stack of treats, and legend said that if they succeeded without knocking it over, they'd have good fortune.

In the 17th century, wedding cakes started to replace bridal pies. Most homes didn't have ovens, so bakers would bake two pastry crusts on the hearth and fill them with currants and a sprinkling of sugar. The bride would then toss the cake over her head, like a bouquet, so that she and her new husband would get everything they wanted out of life.

When refined sugar became more common and cheaper in England, a bright white icing became the topping of choice at weddings. The pure white colour symbolised the bride's virginity and was also a display of wealth. Later, in the late 18th century, tiered cakes became popular. Supposedly, they were first created by an apprentice baker who fell in love with his boss's daughter and wanted to impress her with an elaborate cake. He drew inspiration from the tiered spire of St. Bride's Church in London.

The modern wedding cake as we know it today originated at the wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in 1882. His wedding cake was the first to be completely edible, with separate layers of cake and dense icing. This method had never been used before and was a groundbreaking innovation.

White wedding cake history

The white wedding cake has been a symbol of weddings for centuries. In the 1800s, this type of cake was called the 1-2-3-4 cake, an easy-to-remember recipe of 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, and 4 eggs. The white colour of the cake symbolises virginity and purity, with roots in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria chose to wear a white wedding dress at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840.

The tradition of a white cake at weddings was popularised by Queen Victoria, who chose a white, very elaborate wedding cake to match her white wedding dress. The cake weighed 300 lbs, was 9 feet in circumference, and 7 feet high. As there was no refrigeration at the time, the cake was brushed with alcohol to preserve it. This practice also flavoured the cake, which was made of fruit.

The white wedding cake was originally known as the bride's cake, and it was usually a simple pound cake with white icing. In the early 19th century, refined and whiter sugars were very expensive, so only wealthy families could afford very pure white frosting, which demonstrated their status. When Queen Victoria used white icing on her cake, it became known as royal icing.

The modern wedding cake as we know it today originated at the wedding of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in 1882. This was the first wedding cake that was completely edible, and the tiers represented prosperity and were a status symbol.

Pros and cons of each

The choice between a traditional and a white wedding cake depends on several factors, including personal preference, cultural significance, and the desired aesthetic. Here are some pros and cons of each option:

Traditional Wedding Cake:

Pros:

• Symbolism and Meaning: Traditional wedding cakes, especially those with white icing, hold cultural and historical significance. White represents purity and virginity, while the act of eating cake crumbs together symbolises unity between the couple.
• Luck and Fertility: The tradition of having a wedding cake originates from Roman times, where grains of wheat were thrown at the newly married couple to signify fertility and bring good luck.
• Variety of Flavours: Traditional cakes can come in various flavours, such as chocolate, strawberry, lemon, and vanilla. This option caters to diverse taste preferences.

Cons:

• Limited Creativity: Traditional cakes may be perceived as less innovative or modern, especially for couples seeking a unique or contemporary wedding.
• Colour Constraints: White icing is customary on traditional cakes, which may not align with all colour schemes or themes.

White Wedding Cake:

Pros:

• Simplicity and Elegance: White wedding cakes offer a classic, elegant, and simple aesthetic that many couples prefer.
• Versatility: White cakes can be easily customised with different flavours and fillings, such as salted caramel, raspberry, or lemon.
• Ease of Preparation: Some white cake recipes are suitable for beginners and can be made using box mixes, making them a convenient option.

Cons:

• Limited Visual Impact: White cakes may appear less striking or vibrant compared to more colourful alternatives.
• Perceived as Conventional: While white cakes are classic, some couples may view them as overly traditional or conventional, especially if they are seeking a unique or unconventional wedding.

Ultimately, the decision between a traditional and a white wedding cake depends on the couple's personal preferences, cultural significance, and desired aesthetic for their special day.

Cost comparison

The cost of a wedding cake depends on several factors, including the type of cake, the number of tiers, the complexity of the design, the ingredients used, and the baker's expertise. Here is a cost comparison between traditional and white wedding cakes:

Traditional Wedding Cake Costs:

Traditional wedding cakes can vary widely in price depending on the style and ingredients chosen. If you opt for a classic fruit cake, the cost will depend on the type of fruit and nuts used, with prices ranging from $3 to $10 per pound for dried fruit and nuts. A traditional cake with fondant icing and intricate decorations will also be more expensive than a simpler design.

White Wedding Cake Costs:

White wedding cakes are often associated with a more modern aesthetic and can range in price depending on the ingredients and complexity. A basic white cake with buttercream frosting, such as the recipe provided by Pear Tree Kitchen, will likely be more affordable than a traditional cake due to the simpler ingredients. However, if you choose to add flavours like almond or vanilla extract, as suggested by several bakers, the cost of ingredients may increase.

The cost of a wedding cake also depends on the size of the cake, which is usually determined by the number of guests. A larger cake with more tiers will naturally be more expensive. According to one source, a simple white wedding cake made from a box mix can be a more affordable option, with suggestions to use cheaper cake mixes for a better result.

Additionally, the level of customization and detail can impact the price. A cake with intricate sugar work, multiple flavours, or unique fillings will likely be more expensive than a cake with a basic flavour and simple decorations.

In conclusion, the cost of a wedding cake can vary significantly, and it is essential to consider your budget when making a decision. Traditional cakes may be more expensive due to the use of dried fruit and nuts, while white cakes can range in price depending on the complexity of the design and the ingredients used. It is advisable to consult with multiple bakers to find one who can work within your budget and create a cake that meets your vision.

Popularity comparison

The popularity of wedding cakes has evolved over the years, with different styles and flavours gaining traction among couples. Here is a comparison of the popularity of traditional and white wedding cakes:

Traditional Wedding Cakes:

Traditional wedding cakes, especially those with white icing, have long been associated with purity and virginity, dating back to the Victorian era. This symbolism made white wedding cakes a popular choice for brides. In Roman times, wedding cakes were made of grains of wheat, symbolising fertility, and were eaten by the newlyweds to signify unity.

Over time, stacking cakes became a way to showcase prosperity and affluence, leading to the creation of the tiered wedding cake. While the white cake remained a classic, traditional cakes could be found in a variety of flavours, including chocolate, strawberry, lemon, and butterscotch.

White Wedding Cakes:

White wedding cakes have a long history, with a traditional recipe dating back to the 1800s called the 1-2-3-4 cake: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. This classic recipe has been a favourite for many, with some couples opting for variations like adding orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist.

White wedding cakes are often associated with elegance and simplicity. They are typically made with a white cake mix, flour, sugar, and a touch of almond or vanilla extract. The white cake's versatility also allows for customisations like adding food colouring to match a wedding's theme.

While both traditional and white wedding cakes have their own allure, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and the couple's vision for their special day. Some couples may opt for a traditional cake to honour cultural or regional customs, while others may prefer the timeless elegance of an all-white confection.

Additionally, modern trends have seen a rise in alternative wedding desserts, such as mini caramel apples, chocolate tarts, and macarons, offering couples even more options to customise their celebration.

Frequently asked questions