All weddings need a wedding cake?
The wedding cake was invented relatively late. There are only records of wedding cakes dating back to the 18th century. Decorated cakes were something that was traditionally served in aristocratic circles. The first three-tiered wedding cake was created in 1859 for the wedding of one of Queen Victoria’s daughters. In England, it is also important to use white icing as the exterior decoration, known as royal icing.
What is the significance of the wedding cake today?
The wedding cake is still an important part of the wedding dinner. Many couples want photographs of themselves cutting the cake together. This symbolizes their first act of teamwork as a married couple.
It is particularly important to watch whose hand is on top when cutting the cake. Apparently, that person will also be the one who has the final say in the marriage! 😉
How many tiers should the cake have?
This is a very individual decision for the couple and depends on their budget.
In Italy, it is customary to serve a flat wedding cake decorated with red fruit.
- Three-tiered cakes symbolize the three phases of marriage: love, marriage, and married life.
- Five-tiered cakes represent the five religious stages of a person’s life: birth, confirmation, wedding, children, and death. Sounds rather gloomy….
- The white colour, usually from icing, represents innocence and purity—just like the white wedding dress traditionally worn in Europe.
Does a wedding cake still have to be part of a wedding nowadays?
Yes, if you want to create another photo opportunity for the photographer.
No, if nobody actually wants to eat a proper slice of cake anymore.
There are plenty of alternatives:
- You can make cupcakes fun and creative and arrange them beautifully.
- Or offer a delicious dessert with red fruit, perhaps presented in a heart shape.
- If you are undecided, you can decorate individual portions on a tiered serving stand and place a mini wedding cake at the very top. This way, you can still have the traditional moment of cutting the cake together.
- I have even had to organize wedding cakes made entirely of cheese!
- Or can you imagine a sushi wedding cake?
Here in Cape Town, South Africa, I have the wonderful and sensational cake artist Alana. She can work out absolutely anything and has already created some of the most amazing wedding cakes. Very professionally handled and presented.
https://www.cakesbyalana.co.za
When it comes to cupcakes, I recommend the passionate Vivienne. Every theme is transformed into beautifully detailed decorations, created with lots of love.
https://byviviennecupcakes.co.za
Please feel free to ask all your relevant wedding questions. Warm regards,
Britta
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