Customizing Your Wedding Cake: Toppers And Decorations

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition and cultural significance, with some dating back to Roman times. One such tradition is to preserve the top tier of the wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary. This custom dates back to 19th-century England when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening. Today, the tradition has shifted to celebrating a couple's first anniversary, offering a sweet way to remember their wedding day and rekindle newlywed feelings.

Cake toppers

Wedding cake toppers date back hundreds of years. According to one story, a baker's daughter wanted her cake to be extra special, so they crafted a bride and groom for the top of her cake to resemble the couple. This idea stuck, and the wedding cake topper was born.

Today, cake toppers come in all sorts of designs to suit different styles and preferences. They can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, wood, or even fresh or sugar flowers. Some couples may opt for a simple, elegant design, while others might prefer something more playful or quirky. Cake toppers can be purchased from specialty wedding shops or even customised to match the couple's theme or personalities.

When choosing a cake topper, it's important to consider the overall style and theme of the wedding. For instance, a rustic-themed wedding might feature a cake topper made from natural materials like wood or fresh flowers. In contrast, a modern or minimalist wedding could showcase a sleek, metallic cake topper with clean lines.

Additionally, cake toppers can be personalised to represent the couple's interests, hobbies, or even their cultural heritage. For example, a couple who loves music might choose a cake topper that incorporates musical notes or instruments. Alternatively, a couple proud of their cultural heritage might select a cake topper that symbolises their traditions, such as a Chinese double happiness symbol or an African unity symbol.

In conclusion, wedding cake toppers are a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to the big day. Whether it's a traditional bride and groom figurine or a unique, customised design, cake toppers can elevate the wedding cake's appearance and symbolise the couple's love and commitment.

Freezing the top tier

If you want to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake, it's important to act quickly. After cutting the cake at the reception, get the top tier into the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. If you're not able to do this yourself, you can ask your wedding planner or a designated family member or friend to take care of it.

Before freezing the cake, remove any flowers or other non-edible decorations. It's also a good idea to remove any large adornments, like sugar flowers, to prevent them from getting in the way of the freezing process and tearing the plastic wrap. If your cake is on cardboard, wrap the cardboard in foil or transfer the cake to a foil-covered cardboard or plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake.

Next, "pre-freeze" the cake. Place the cake in the freezer until the icing hardens, which can take up to 12 hours. This will help the icing not stick to the plastic wrap. Then, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap, aiming for three to four layers. Make sure to cover the entire tier of the cake, with no air bubbles, to prevent freezer burn.

Finally, seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container, like a cake box or Tupperware. You can request a cake box from the bakery that made your cake. Wrap the box in several layers of foil and place the entire wrapped tier into the freezer. You may want to label it so that it's not accidentally thrown out.

When your first anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Let the cake thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, then let it come to room temperature for about two hours before serving. Keep in mind that the cake won't taste exactly the same as it did on your wedding day, but it's still a fun tradition to take part in!

Cake pulls

For the cake pull, small charms attached to ribbons are placed between the layers of a traditional wedding cake, with the threads lying gently on the outside. The bride gathers her single or eligible female friends around the cake, and on the count of three, each woman pulls a ribbon, exposing a charm. The charms are meant to signify the puller's future, with common examples including a ring (indicating the next person to be married), a horseshoe or four-leaf clover (signifying good luck), and a heart (indicating impending love).

The cake pull is usually performed during the wedding reception before the cake is cut, although it can also take place at the bridal shower or brunch. It is seen as an honour to be chosen to participate, demonstrating a closeness with the bride or groom. The tradition is a way to include additional friends and relatives in the wedding celebrations and wish good luck to those closest to the couple.

White wedding cakes

Flowers and Nature

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for decorating white wedding cakes. For a whimsical touch, consider sugar flowers, which are edible and will not wilt. You can also opt for dried grasses and preserved blooms, especially if you're going for a bohemian or rustic theme. For a minimalistic approach, a few simple vines or sprigs of greenery can be just as elegant.

Ruffles and Texture

Playing with texture is a great way to bring visual appeal to a white wedding cake. Ruffles, whether made from fondant, wafer paper, or piped buttercream, add a whimsical and artistic touch. Deckled edges, which refer to intentionally uneven edges, are also a subtle way to add texture and interest.

Gold and Metallics

For a glamorous touch, incorporate gilded details, such as gold leaf, gold piping, or edible gold paint. This can be paired with white roses or greenery for a luxurious and romantic look.

Monochromatic

A white-on-white colour scheme can be very chic. Consider using fondant strips to create a chevron pattern, or adding deckled edges with a hint of colour for a subtle pop.

Cake Toppers

Spice up a basic white cake with a custom cake topper. This could be miniature figurines of the couple, a personalised quote, or even a representation of their pet.

Ombré and Colour

While white is a classic choice, adding a hint of colour can make your cake stand out. Consider an ombré effect with blush pink roses, or a stone cake with a concrete-like design. For a beach or tropical theme, ocean-inspired details like seashells and edible pearls will transform your cake into a mermaid-worthy confection.

Alternatives to saving the top tier

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. However, there are several reasons why you may not want to save the top tier of your wedding cake. For example, if you are having a destination wedding, you may not be able to bring it home with you. Or, if your wedding venue is outdoors, you may have concerns about the cake spoiling.

Enjoy a Fresh Cake on Your First Anniversary

Ask your bakery to create a fresh, miniature replica of your original wedding cake on your first anniversary. If you don't live near the baker who made your wedding cake, you can ask a local bakery to make a cake in the same flavour. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious cake without worrying about spoilage or transportation.

Share the Top Tier Soon After the Wedding

If you don't want to wait a year to enjoy your wedding cake again, consider sharing the top tier soon after your wedding, perhaps when you return from your honeymoon. This way, you can savour the cake while the memory of your wedding day is still fresh.

Spice Up a Basic Anniversary Cake

Instead of saving the top tier, you can order a simple anniversary cake and decorate it with your original wedding cake topper. This option allows you to enjoy a fresh cake while still incorporating a piece of your wedding day.

Opt for Other Desserts

If you're not particularly fond of the idea of saving the top tier of your wedding cake, you can explore alternative desserts such as cupcakes, cake pops, or donut walls. These modern options can be a fun and unique way to celebrate your special day.

Frequently asked questions