The tradition of having cake at the wedding is centuries old, but it may surprise you to know, the tradition has greatly evolved over the years. Originally the cake was more of a sweet bread that was thrown at the couple or broken over the bride’s head to determine how many children the couple would have. The cake’s symbolism of fertility has endured many generations. Some believe the top tier of the cake represents the newly married couple, the bottom layer represents their families and foundation, and the layers in between signify how many children the couple with have. Makes you wonder what could happen with cupcakes!
Today, the wedding cake is the centerpiece for the reception. Decorated in styles varying from whimsical to elegant, the cake is often second only to the bride in receiving the attention of happy wedding guests. The cake is cut by the bride and groom who then ceremoniously feed each other. This divinely sweet confection now represents the couple’s nurturing each other with the official first food they share as husband and wife. Often the groom and/or the bride offer a toast during this cake cutting ceremony as they share the cake with all the guests. Since the cake is now served to the guests rather than thrown at the bride, the newer tradition is that each guest must have a slice of cake to wish the couple luck.
American Traditions
Groom’s Cake
- Since the wedding cake is traditionally the "Bride's Cake", a new tradition of a cake for the groom has emerged. Originally more popular as a southern tradition, the Groom's Cake has made its way to weddings all across America. The purpose of the Groom's Caake ranges from adding an alternate flavor choice to please the groom or the guests to honoring the groom with a cake that is all about him. Traditionally, the bride chooses the cake for the groom, but as today's grooms become more involved with the wedding planning, the couple may decide flavors and decorations together. Many grooms are still thrilled to be surprised by their new bride with a cake to represent them. Themes that reflect the groom's career, favorite sports or hobbies, or college or university are popular and fun. With today's techology, cakes with photos imprinted in the frosting create endless opportunities for groom's cakes limited only by the imagination.
Ribbon pull
- A fun tradition for the bridesmaids... silver charms are hidden in a layer of the cake with a ribbon leading to the edge of the cake. Each bridesmaid pulls a ribbon to see what her fate will be based on the charm she pulls. A clover means she will have good luck, a heart means love, a wedding ring means she will be the next to marry, a coin will bring her wealth, and in the spirit of fun - a thimble will mean she will be an old maid. Some brides only include the positive wish charms for these attendents who have done so much for them. The ribbon pull can be included as part of the main wedding cake if requested in advance and discussed with the baker. Since the process can be messy, you may wish to have a separate layer of cake created especially for the ribbon pull. The ribbon pull is often done just after the cake cutting ceremony while the guests wait to be served their cake.
