The Sweet Debate: To Cake Or Not To Cake?

Wedding cakes have been a staple of wedding celebrations for centuries, but are they a necessity or a nice-to-have? There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to include a wedding cake in your special day. Firstly, tradition. Wedding cakes date back to ancient Rome, where the groom would break a loaf of barley bread over the bride's head to symbolise fertility. Today, the cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic gesture performed by the newlywed couple, creating a memorable moment for guests and a photo opportunity.

Another factor to consider is guest expectations. While some guests may expect a traditional wedding cake, others may be just as happy with alternative desserts. Ultimately, it's important to remember that you can't please everyone, so decide what is most important to you and your partner. If you're serving dessert with your wedding meal, you may opt for a small cake or none at all. A unique alternative could be to have a 'first dip' in a chocolate fountain instead of a cake-cutting ceremony.

Finally, cost may be a consideration. Wedding cakes can be expensive, and if you're on a tight budget, you may prefer to allocate your funds elsewhere. There are, however, cheaper alternatives to a traditional tiered cake, such as brownie or donut towers.

So, should you have a wedding cake? The decision boils down to personal preference and what's important to you and your partner. Whether you choose to include a wedding cake or not, your special day will be memorable!

Wedding cake as a dessert

Wedding cakes have been a staple at weddings for centuries, but that doesn't mean you have to have one. Many couples now opt for alternative desserts, such as a dessert table or a chocolate fountain, instead of a traditional wedding cake.

However, if you like the idea of a wedding cake but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are ways to include one without breaking the bank. You could have a small cake for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and serve your guests another dessert, such as cupcakes, cookies, or a grocery store cake. This way, you get the best of both worlds!

If you do decide to serve wedding cake as a dessert, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you order a slightly larger cake than usual to account for dessert portions. Secondly, consider serving the cake with custard, cream, or fruit for an extra special touch. Finally, think about saving the top tier of the cake to eat on your first wedding anniversary – a sweet way to celebrate your first year of marriage!

Whether you choose to have a wedding cake or not, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happy with the decision. So, if you're still unsure, go with your gut and choose the option that feels right for you.

Cake-cutting as a symbolic gesture

The wedding cake has been a tradition since ancient Rome, when the groom would break a loaf of barley bread over the bride's head to symbolise fertility. Nowadays, the newlywed couple cuts the first slice of the wedding cake together, which is a symbolic gesture and a memorable photo opportunity.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a sweet moment that your guests will enjoy watching. It is also a signal to older guests and those with young children that they are free to leave if they don't plan to stay for the party.

If you're not keen on having a large cake, you could opt for a small cake or cupcakes for the cake-cutting ceremony, while serving alternative desserts to your guests. This way, you can still take part in a classic ritual without spending a lot.

If cake isn't your thing, you could have a 'cake-cutting' ceremony with another sweet treat, such as pie or donuts. This is a fun, cute, and personal way to feature your favourite dessert.

Cake-cutting song and set

A wedding cake is a fun tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. In modern times, the cake-cutting ceremony is one of the highlights of your wedding day. The cake-cutting is usually done during the last hour of the wedding reception, signalling to guests that it's time for dessert and coffee as the party begins to wind down.

"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by Marvin Gaye or James Taylor

The original by Marvin Gaye is a sweet, upbeat choice, but James Taylor's popular remake features his then-wife Carly Simon on vocals.

"Sugar" by Maroon 5

The music video for this pop hit was inspired by the movie *Wedding Crashers* and features the band crashing weddings.

"Sweetest Thing" by Allman Brown

An ultra-romantic ballad that's a perfect choice if you're planning to go right into a couple's spotlight slow dance after the cake-cutting ceremony.

"Cake" by Flo Rida and 99 Percent

An upbeat, high-energy song that's great for getting guests back on the dance floor.

"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" by Four Tops

A 1965 Motown favourite with sweet, appropriate lyrics and a catchy, toe-tapping tempo.

"Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE

A sexy, upbeat song that's perfect if you're getting married by the beach.

"Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies

A nostalgic bubblegum-pop tune from 1969 that's sure to bring some sweetness to your special moment.

"Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap

A dreamy, indie rock song that will provide a lovely, melodic soundtrack as you slice into your wedding cake.

"Lips Like Sugar" by Echo & The Bunnymen

Give your cake-cutting ceremony some ''80s new-wave cool with the original version, or go for a mellow, reggae vibe with Seal's 2004 cover.

"You're My Best Friend" by Queen

A powerful ballad with lyrics about love and friendship, making it a perfect choice for kicking off married life.

Cake delivery and assembly

The delivery of a wedding cake is a delicate process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure the cake arrives safely and securely. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for cake delivery and assembly:

Equipment and Preparation:

• It is recommended to use a van, SUV, or hatchback for cake delivery. Alternatively, a compact car with foldable back seats that expose the trunk can also work. Ensure the air conditioning system is functional to maintain a cool temperature for the cake.
• Clean and vacuum the delivery vehicle, especially the trunk, at least one day before the event. Remove any debris or loose objects that could potentially slide into the cake during transport.
• Invest in essential equipment such as sheet pans, non-slip rubber shelf liners, offset spatulas of different sizes, a collapsible tray stand, and a GPS device for navigation.
• Prepare an emergency cake kit with tools and materials to fix any last-minute issues. This may include additional frosting, spatulas, fondant, a mini rolling pin, a knife, icing sugar, and spare decorations.
• If you are transporting a multi-tiered cake, consider using a central dowel system for stability. Dowel each individual tier (except the top one) and assemble them around a central dowel to create a sturdy structure.
• Contact the venue in advance to confirm the address, delivery times, parking arrangements, and any other relevant details. Brief the event organiser on your anticipated delivery time so they can have the cake table ready.
• Create a DIY wedding cake delivery box by purchasing a tall cardboard box and customising it with a serrated knife or saw. Ensure the box is clean and new, and line the inner base with non-slip material. You can also line the inside walls with heat-resistant material, such as foam sheets, for additional insulation.

Transporting the Cake:

• Allow ample time for transportation and aim to deliver the cake at least two hours before the event starts. This provides a buffer for any unexpected delays or issues.
• Drive at a moderate speed and brake early at junctions and traffic lights to minimise the risk of sudden movements that could disturb the cake.
• Place the cake in the most level part of your vehicle, such as the trunk, to avoid transporting it on a tilted surface. Do not carry the cake on your lap or expose it to direct sunlight.
• If possible, have a helper accompany you during transport. This will allow one person to focus on driving while the other monitors the cake and handles any issues that may arise.

Setting Up the Cake:

• Upon arrival, conduct a brief preliminary scout of the venue before unloading the cake. Locate the event manager or coordinating staff and confirm the desired location for the cake setup.
• Use a collapsible tray stand or borrow a table from the venue to place the cake. Ensure the table is stable and secure, with locked legs and properly centred linens that reach the floor.
• Before leaving the venue, take photos of the completed cake setup as evidence of a safe delivery and set up. Additionally, provide the event manager with relevant information, such as portion sizes, tier flavours, dietary specifications, and any decorative elements that need to be removed.

Additional Tips:

• If you are transporting a large or complex cake, consider disassembling it and transporting the tiers separately. This reduces the weight and makes it easier to handle, especially if you are delivering the cake alone.
• Always transport cakes in a refrigerated vehicle to maintain a cool temperature and prevent melting or spoilage.
• Be cautious when driving on windy roads or in hot weather conditions, as these can increase the risk of damage to the cake.
• If you are using fresh flowers as decorations, add them to the cake just before the event to ensure they remain fresh and vibrant.
• If you are saving the top tier of the cake for your first wedding anniversary, wrap it thoroughly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and store it in a plastic bag to maintain freshness.

Cake alternatives

There are many alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. Here are some ideas for cake alternatives that will still impress your guests:

Individual Treats

If you want to avoid the hassle of cutting a cake, you could opt for individual treats such as cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, brownies, or even ice cream sandwiches. This option also allows your guests to choose their favourite flavour or try multiple treats.

Savoury Options

If you and your partner are not fans of sweets, you could offer savoury options such as a charcuterie board or a cake made from stacked wheels of cheese.

Cultural Alternatives

Pay homage to your heritage by offering a dessert that is traditional in your culture. For example, Italian couples may opt for cannolis or millefoglie, while French couples may choose a croquembouche.

Alternative Desserts

If you want to stick to the tradition of a large cake but want to switch things up, you could try a cake made from pancakes, rice crispy treats, or even Oreo cookies.

Displays

If you want your dessert to be a focal point of your wedding, you could create a unique display with your chosen treats. For example, you could hang pieces of cheesecake and cookies from the air or create a wall of treats such as doughnuts, pies, and milk and cookies.

Seasonal Treats

If you are having a fall wedding, you could offer seasonal treats such as apple cider doughnuts or mini pies. Similarly, if you are having a summer wedding, you could offer ice cream or s'mores.

Breakfast Alternatives

For a brunch wedding, you could offer breakfast pastries such as cinnamon buns, waffles, or pancakes.

Pies

If you like the idea of cake but want something a little less traditional, you could opt for a pie or a few pies in different flavours.

Candy

If you want to offer your guests a variety of treats, you could create a candy bar with jars of candy in your wedding colours.

Fruit

For a healthier option, you could offer fresh fruit or fruit-based desserts such as fruit tarts or tiny fruit pastries.

Other Alternatives

Other alternatives include churros, cream puffs, macarons, and doughnuts.

Frequently asked questions