Did you know that the wedding cake has its history and significance? Unlike what you may believe, it is not just some wedding dessert to enjoy. Its history dates back to the time of the ancient Romans, and at that time, they used wedding bread.
During the wedding ceremony, the groom would break the bread over the bride’s head, and he would save the crumbs for good fortune. Eventually, bread became pie, which they stacked to become pie towers.
Source: Lola’s Cupcakes
Now, bread and pies have become wedding cakes; it is interesting. Wedding cakes may have evolved, but their significance remains the same. At every wedding, the cake is cut by the couple and shared amongst them.
It is common to see the couple feeding the cake to each other or smearing the cream on their faces. Next to the toast is the fun part of the event. It brings about laughter and happiness while reserving its sentimental significance.
The cutting of the wedding cake
Yes, there is a procedure for cutting the wedding cake. You cannot just whack at it with a knife; this particular cake is not just any after-dinner dessert cake; therefore, it must be done properly.
That way, the significance of the cake is reserved. No matter the type of cake it is, whether it is a three-tier cake or two-tier, what should happen first is;
- The bride and the groom cut the cake in front of the guests for the photo op. They should cut a slice from the bottom of the cake, which they will feed or smear each other with.
- The caterer then takes charge, cutting out the first layer, which means cutting out the cake horizontally. It is not for consumption, at least not for that day.
- Now, at the bottom or second tier, cut vertical slices into a cutting tray and split them into one-inch slices. You can do this until all the cake is finished.
The one-inch slices will be served to your guests, and the top tier is what the couple takes home. This is not the only way to cut a wedding cake, but it is the easiest and the most liked way. While using this method, you can be assured that the whole cake-cutting process will be smooth.
According to myth or tradition, the top tier of the cake represents the longevity of the marriage. Just like the bread crumbs of ancient times, they should be saved and eaten only by the couple at a future date.
Most couples eat it at the christening of their first child or on their first wedding anniversary.
In some weddings, the couple decides to celebrate with two cakes, one for the photo op, which will be displayed at the wedding reception and cut in front of the guests, and one the caterer brings out to serve the guests. Whatever your choice may be, both cakes must be cut right.
The wedding cake is more than a dessert. Historically, it conveys a world of sentimental significance. Therefore, every cutting process must be done properly.
