cake by Amanda Baird, The Utterley Sexy Cafe
The wedding cake is highly symbolic and the ritualistic cutting of the cake by the Bride and Groom is an important wedding tradition. The ritual represents their first shared meal together as man and wife effectively marking the moment when the couple’s life together begins.
To cut the cake, the Groom places his right hand over the Bride’s and together they cut the first piece, from which he feeds her and she in turn feeds him. The couple then toast each other and then their guests.
The traditional wedding cake, a tiered rich fruit cake covered in almond paste and iced, is still a firm favourite but wedding cakes can come in all shapes and styles and be made of anything from flavoured sponge to mouthwatering chocolate.
If you intend preserving a layer for the christening of your first child or your first anniversary, then at least one layer will have to be a fruit cake as this is the only type which will keep for any length of time.
A great cake should taste just as good as it looks and a stunning cake skillfully displayed is a wonderful centrepiece and focul point for sensational photo opportunities. Make sure that the table is sturdy and won’t collapse at the crucial moment.
A large dramatic wedding cake will look fabulous but may be too large for your needs, but not all the tiers of the cake have to real.
Traditionally, small boxed pieces of fruit cake were sent by the Bride’s Mother to guests who were unable to attend. Alternatively, individual cup cakes or slices of chocolate cake beautifully presented and boxed are certain to delight anyone unable to join you on your big day.
Depending on the ingedients, the cake may be served as the pudding, perhaps with berries, ice cream or a coulis making a cost effective saving on the wedding breakfast budget. Serve instead of individual chocolates with coffee at the end of the meal or save until later in the evening.
Wedding cakes are highly specialised and costs can vary enormously, so ask your cake maker if they charge per portion or design and whether there are any set-up costs.
cake styles
Traditional tier
the most formal style with each layer supported by a pillar
American stack
a more contempory choice where the layers sit directly on top of each other
Cupcakes
individual fairy cakes
Croquembouche
cream filled choux pastry are piled high to form a tower and covered in rich chocolate
colour and decoration
Bear in mind the overall colour theme of your venue so that the cake complements the decor. Apart from icing, fresh flowers, ribbons, cake toppers and other embellishments, can make a great wedding cake sensational.