With vertiginous tiers and sculpted roses, wedding cakes are engineered to look good for long stretches of time. But can they deliver on flavor?
If you’re getting married, consider letting your personality inform the 주문제작케이크 design of your dessert. This couple opted for a floral-forward cake to match their Monet-inspired reception decor, which was whipped up by Fancy Cakes.
What is a wedding cake?
A wedding cake is a decorative and ceremonial tiered cake. It can be frosted and decorated in any way you like. Most modern wedding cakes are made of several tiers of white or chocolate sponge cake, with fillings and frosting.
A groom’s cake is a smaller version of the bride’s wedding cake that is usually eaten at the rehearsal dinner or served alongside the main wedding cake at the reception. Groom’s cakes can be any flavor, but are typically more masculine in nature.
Historically, couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake and freeze it. This was done in case they were unable to start a family within the first year of marriage, so the tier could be used for their child’s Christening.
History
Throughout history wedding preparations have come a long way and one of the most well-known traditions is the cake. It has roots that go as far back as ancient Rome where bread was broken over the bride’s head to ensure prosperity in her new marriage.
By the 17th century, wedding cakes began to look more like the iced confections of today. They were stacked high and often covered with white icing to symbolize purity. It was also an indicator of the family’s wealth as sugar was very expensive at this time.
At that time it was also tradition to send a piece of cake home with each guest. Single guests would place their piece under their pillow that night to inspire dreams of future spouses.
Symbolism
There are many traditions surrounding wedding cakes. For example, in ancient Rome a cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride’s head for luck and fertility. Nowadays a few pieces of cake are saved for the couple’s one-year anniversary.
The bride’s cake originally had white icing because it symbolized purity and virginity. This was before refined sugar became more common and affordable. White icing also reflects wealth and social status.
The tradition of the bride and groom feeding each other a bite of cake is sweet and romantic and represents their commitment to care for each other. The idea of squishing cake in each other’s faces, however, can be messy and inappropriate.
Flavors
Many couples opt to go beyond traditional wedding cake flavors with unique frostings, savory add-ons and on-trend flourishes. These can add a personal touch, reflect your favorite food or even represent the season of your wedding.
The possibilities are endless, with many of these desserts incorporating a variety of ingredients, such as granola clusters, spiced apples, cookie crumbles or a caramel mousse. One of the most popular cake flavors is cappuccino, which is ideal for evening receptions and can be paired with espresso or coffee-infused buttercream.
Bakers also take their cues from the seasons and location, with seasonal options such as carrot and spice cakes being popular for fall and winter weddings. For instance, Metcalf and Toce both say they often get requests for a maple-spice cake — a nod to their home state of Vermont.
Decorations
Flowers and greenery are popular cake toppings that add a romantic flair, especially for botanical-inspired weddings. You can also channel a rustic feel by adding sugar-dried buds or branches to your confection.
Faux bois, a piping technique that mimics wood grain, is a popular choice for cakes with a casual vibe. The same technique can be used to create patterns and latticework.
Groom’s cakes were once considered an homage to the groom’s hobbies and passions, but today the happy couple often decide on a cake that honors both of them as a pair. Sculpted sugar toppers and figurines of the couple are another way to personalize a cake. Other embellishments such as lace, pearls and gold leaf can also add a touch of luxury.