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Wedding cakes are much more than a delicious wedding day dessert. In fact, most people are probably unaware of the many traditions surrounding wedding cakes. Today’s weddings often see alternative desserts such as cupcakes, ice cream bars, and donut walls, but in this blog, we’re going to discuss some of the most popular wedding cake traditions.
Most couples opt to save the top tier of their wedding cake in their freezer to eat on their first anniversary. However, most newlyweds don’t know why they do follow this tradition. This particular tradition dates back to the 19th century when married couples would eat the top layer of their cake on the day of their first child’s christening day. That tradition has since evolved to eating the wedding cake top, on the couple’s first anniversary instead.
This is a less common tradition, but still, one many couples take part in, especially if the bride or groom is from the South. Cake pulls date back to the Victorian era in which the wedding cake baker places charms attached to ribbons in the bottom layer of the cake prior to icing the cake. At the wedding reception, the newlyweds have single friends, family, and wedding party members take turns pulling charms from the cake. Some common charms include hearts for true love, rings for upcoming engagement, high chairs for children, clovers for good luck, rocking chairs for long life, anchor for adventure, flowers for new love, and wedding bells for marriage.
In most cultures, the concept of sharing your wedding cake with your guests has to do with symbolizing good luck and wishes for a sweet future for the happy couple.
The tradition of the bride and groom feeding each other a small bite of cake is meant to be sweet and romantic, symbolizing a commitment to provide for one another and a show of love and affection.
Cake cutting is often used as a symbol to alert guests that the day’s activities are winding down to an end. A cake cutting can function as a sweet send-off for guests.
Wedding cake toppers actually date back hundreds of years. The story behind this tradition states that a baker’s daughter wanted her cake to be extra special, so they made a miniature bride and groom for the top of her cake to look like the couple. Obviously, the idea stuck and the cake topper tradition was born.
White wedding cakes are another tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Back then, white sugar was extremely expensive, so having a white cake symbolized that couple came from wealth and elevated social standing. A white cake also symbolizes purity and the start of the marriage unions.
The groom’s cake tradition originated in 19th century England. These cakes originally represented how well the bride knew her groom’s preferences. Today, they serve as a fun and delicious way for couples to surprise one another with a fun cake or their favorite flavors.
