The Evolution Of Classic Wedding Cakes: A Sweet History

Wedding cakes are a delicious tradition that has been around for centuries, and the classic wedding cake is a timeless choice for couples wanting to keep their celebration elegant and traditional. The classic wedding cake is typically a stacked, tiered cake with each layer smaller in circumference than the last, and it is often adorned with tasteful details like sugar flowers, jewellery-like icing, and the occasional bride-and-groom figurine.

The traditional wedding cake is usually white, symbolising the bride's purity and the family's social status, and it is often served as the centrepiece of the wedding, bringing together the colours and motifs of the nuptials. Cutting the cake together is a symbolic act for the newlyweds, representing their unity, and it is also said to bring good luck.

While the classic wedding cake is a long-standing tradition, couples today have more freedom to personalise their cake to reflect their unique style and preferences, from the flavour to the decorations.

Tiers and their significance

The number of tiers on a wedding cake is significant. In the past, the bigger the cake, the higher the social standing of the couple. The more tiers, the more prosperous the couple. The tiers also represented prosperity and were a status symbol because only wealthy families could afford to include them in the cake.

The number of tiers on a wedding cake can vary, but in the US, three tiers have been the most common choice since at least the 1960s.

The traditional tiered cake is a stacked style in which each layer is smaller in circumference than the last. While most are composed of three levels, some lavish cakes can see towering stacks of up to ten tiers!

The tiers of a wedding cake are usually much taller than a regular layer cake, often 4" to 4.5" tall. This height ensures that the cake is not only impressive to look at but also provides plenty of servings for the guests.

When it comes to cutting the cake, it is important to note that the slices should be smaller than a regular slice of cake. A wedding cake slice is typically 1" by 2", which is considered a generous serving.

The number of tiers on a wedding cake can also be chosen based on the number of guests that need to be served. A single-tier cake is perfect for smaller, intimate weddings, while a cake with multiple tiers is more suitable for a larger celebration.

The tiers of a wedding cake can also be used to showcase different flavors and fillings. This allows the couple to offer their guests a variety of options and ensures that everyone will find something to their taste.

In some cultures, the tiers of a wedding cake have a symbolic meaning. In China, for example, the couple begins cutting a multi-tier cake from the lowest level and gives the first pieces to their parents and other ancestors as a way of honoring their place as the foundation of the family.

The tiers of a wedding cake can also be used to incorporate different colors and motifs that tie in with the theme of the wedding. Whether it is a rustic wedding with a semi-naked cake adorned with florets or a modern wedding with a minimalist all-white cake, the tiers can be decorated to match the style of the celebration.

Overall, the tiers of a wedding cake are not just about the number of layers but also about the height, the number of servings, the symbolism, and the opportunity to showcase different flavors and designs.

Cake cutting and feeding

The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant ritual in weddings. The newlyweds jointly cut the first slice of the cake, symbolising unity and togetherness. The couple then exchange bites of the cake, creating an adorable photo opportunity.

The cake-cutting ceremony is a task full of symbolism. In China, the couple starts by cutting a slice from the lowest level of a multi-tier cake and offers it to their parents and ancestors as a way of honouring their place as the foundation of the family.

In a traditional American wedding, maidens are invited to pull ribbons attached to the bottom layer of the cake. Out of all the ribbons, only one contains a charm or a ring, and whoever gets the charm will be the next person to marry.

In other countries, the wedding cake is broken over the bride's head to ensure fertility and bring good fortune to the couple. Some believe that eating the crumbs of the wedding cake will bring good luck as the cake symbolises happiness and a good life for the newlyweds.

• Ensure the cake is displayed on a table that is easily accessible to the couple and visible to the guests.
• Have a cake knife and server ready for the couple to use. The knife should be long enough to cut through the cake comfortably, and the server should be large enough to accommodate a slice of cake.
• Before the ceremony, confirm with the caterer or baker that the cake is sturdy enough to be cut and will not crumble or fall apart.
• If the cake has multiple tiers, the couple can cut the first slice from the bottom tier, which is usually easier to cut and serves as a good photo opportunity.
• The couple should cut the cake together, with one hand each on the knife handle. They can either face each other or stand side by side, depending on their preference.
• After cutting the first slice, the couple can feed each other a bite of cake, creating a romantic moment.
• If there are no maids or grooms present, the couple can offer the first slice of cake to their parents or other honoured guests as a sign of respect and gratitude.
• Once the cake-cutting ceremony is complete, the caterers or servers can cut and serve the remaining cake to the guests.

Groom's cake

A groom's cake is a delightful tradition that originated in 19th-century England and later gained popularity in the American South. It is designed to honour the groom, showcasing flavours and designs that reflect his preferences and personality.

The groom's cake is typically richer and bolder in flavour than the traditional wedding cake, often featuring chocolate or liqueur. It is usually served at the rehearsal dinner or alongside the main wedding cake at the reception. The cake is often designed around the groom's hobbies and interests, adding a playful and personalised element to the wedding.

For instance, a groom who is a sports enthusiast might have a football helmet cake, while a gamer might have a stack of video game consoles. The cake can also be shaped like the groom's favourite car or guitar or designed around their profession.

The groom's cake offers a unique way to incorporate the groom's individuality and interests into the wedding celebration, ensuring that his personality shines through during the special day.

Cake topper

The wedding cake topper is a model or artwork that sits atop the cake. In the US, the most common type of cake topper is a representation of the bride and groom in wedding attire. This custom was dominant in the 1950s, symbolising togetherness.

• A meaningful quote.
• A fairytale theme, such as Cinderella's glass slipper.
• Classic porcelain figurines.
• A banner with your names.
• Your favourite animals.
• A crystal-embellished topper.
• An adorable figurine that represents your romance.
• Clothes pins crafted into a sweet bride and groom topper.
• A replica of your wedding attire.
• A nautical theme, such as an anchor between your initials.
• A silhouette of a bride and groom made from wooden pegs.
• Kissing birds.
• A miniature version of your pet.
• An emblem representative of the wedding season.
• A sea-themed cake with a pair of beach chairs.
• A rustic topper made from sticks and twine.
• A pair of birds to complement a tree-inspired rustic wedding cake.
• An oversized monogram.
• A homemade banner.
• A silhouette topper personalised with your names.
• A vintage-style topper.

The wedding cake topper is a wonderful memento from your wedding long after the last slice of cake is gone.

Cake colour

The colour of a wedding cake is often white, symbolising the bride's purity and virginity.

However, wedding cakes come in a variety of colours, depending on the couple's preferences. In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, most wedding cakes in the US were either white or yellow. In the 2000s and 2010s, there was more diversity in flavours, but most cakes were still white or chocolate.

In the past, the groom's cake was usually a darker coloured, rich fruit cake.

Today, wedding cakes can be any colour, with popular choices including blue, pink, purple, orange, red, green, yellow, and teal.

Wedding cakes can also be decorated with flowers, either fresh or sugar flowers, which can be any colour.

Frequently asked questions