Wedding cake

Wedding Cake

A wedding cake is a traditional cake served at wedding receptions following dinner. The cake is usually on display and served to guests at the reception. Traditionally, wedding cakes were made to bring good luck to all guests and the couple. Modernly however, they are more of a centerpiece to the wedding and are not always even served to the guests. Some cakes are built with only a single edible tier for the bride and groom to share, but this is rare since the cost difference between fake and real tiers is minimal.

History

The contemporary wedding cake has grown out of several different ethnic traditions. One of the first traditions began in Ancient Rome where bread was broken over the bride’s head to bring good fortune to the couple. In Medieval England cakes were stacked as high as possible for the bride and groom to kiss over. A successful kiss meant they were guaranteed a prosperous life together.

Design

Wedding cakes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the number of guests the cake will serve. Modern pastry chefs and cake designers use various ingredients and tools to create a cake that usually reflects the personalities of the couple. Marzipan, fondant, gum paste, buttercream, and chocolate are among the popular ingredients used. Cakes range in price along with size and components.

Traditions

Cutting the cake is often a ceremonial task. Both the bride and groom jointly hold a cake cutter and the groom places his hand over hers to cut the cake. This is often the first task that bride and groom perform jointly as husband and wife. This is sometimes known as "cutting the wedding cake".

See also

• Wedding customs by country
• Wedding reception
• Wedding anniversary