Wedding cake is the centerpiece of your reception and a chance to show guests your sense of style. It’s also an opportunity to incorporate traditions you and your partner find meaningful.
Baking a tiered cake can be an ambitious project, but it can be broken down into manageable tasks over several days. You can even 레터링케이크 freeze your cakes, unstacked, to reduce anxiety-inducing bumpy car rides.
History
The Wedding cake has always been a central part of the celebration and is at the center of a variety of customs and traditions. One of the earliest traditions may date back to Roman times when a loaf of bread was broken over the bride’s head. The couple would then eat some of the crumbs as a sign of good fortune and fertility.
Later in the medieval era spiced buns and pastry were stacked to make a tower for the bride and groom to kiss over. If they could successfully smooch without knocking it over it was a good omen for their marriage and a lifetime of wealth. These early traditions eventually gave way to the more elaborate cakes of today.
When the modern multitiered cake first appeared it was at the wedding of Prince Leopold in 1882. He had the cake created in separate layers with very dense icing which allowed it to be stacked; the pillars that separate the tiers didn’t appear until 20 years later.
During the Victorian era, white was seen as a symbol of purity and the practice of icing the wedding cake with pure white icing began. It was also at this time that the tradition of feeding each other from the first slice of cake became a ritual that reinforces the couple’s commitment to care for and support each other throughout their life together.
Design
The design of your wedding cake is a chance to make it truly your own. From feminine ruffles to fluid watercolors and monochromatic magic, there are so many ways to express yourself with your cake design. You can also choose to go for an edible floral arrangement, which adds another beautiful layer of texture and color to your design.
For an earthy, natural feel you can’t do better than this gorgeous frosted olive branch design. The soft, textured buttercream cascade of roses and peonies makes for a dreamy display that perfectly matches your Mediterranean inspired wedding theme.
While it is important that your wedding cake looks stunning, it’s equally as important that it tastes incredible! The fun tradition of the bride and groom feeding each other bites of their cake symbolizes not only your first feat together, but also your commitment to create a sweet life together.
If you’re not into the traditional white icing you can opt for more neutral colors like black or gold to match your wedding decor. Or, if you prefer something bolder you can use a contrasting color combination to your advantage like this crackled marble cake by Cake Buds. The contrasting shades of blue and green really stand out, making this unique cake a showstopper. You could even add some edible flowers like red and yellow roses or eucalyptus leaves to match your wedding colors.
Flavors
There are countless decisions to make when it comes to planning your wedding. But the one that gets the most buzz is the cake flavor. While some couples have a clear idea of what they want, others are unsure where to start. The best place to begin is with a tasting.
A common choice is vanilla, which is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. It also pairs well with a variety of frosting and filling options.
Another popular option is cookies and creme, which offers a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. If you’re craving something a bit more decadent, try a chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache or a raspberry filling.
For a lighter choice, consider lemon cakes. They’re perfect for warm-weather weddings and complement a variety of filling and frosting options. And if you want to add a touch of nostalgia, there’s always funfetti, which offers a colorful twist on the traditional wedding cake.
For a more seasonal option, try a caramel apple cake or a roasted almond cake. Caramel can be paired with many different frostings, including buttercream and whipped cream, while roasted almonds add an aromatic element to any cake. And for a sophisticated take on the comforting classic carrot cake, try this recipe from The Wedding Spot that includes cardamom and brown butter components.
Decorations
A cake’s decorations are a chance to reflect the couple’s personal style. You can stick with the classic figurine toppers or get creative with a laser-cut quote, initials, or a floral moodboard (see this adorable Nothing Bundt Cakes dessert for inspiration). Or, push the boat out and commission a cake artist to paint a meaningful scene onto your plain white icing. It could be a picture of the place where you both got engaged, your first date spot or even your honeymoon destination!
During the 17th century and into the 18th, cakes gradually evolved from being uniced to the elaborately decorated creations we know today. The reason for this shift is simple: white icing was very expensive back then, and it signified the bride’s virginity and her family’s wealth. Adding more colors and intricate designs only further emphasized the couple’s status and affluence.
During the cake cutting ceremony, the bride and groom traditionally feed each other a bite of the confection, a sign of their love and commitment to one another. The act is also a fun way to congratulate the couple and let them know that they’re now off to start their life together as a unified team!