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Wedding cake

Wedding cake is the traditional dessert served at a wedding reception. A common tradition is for the couple to "cut the cake" at the beginning or in the middle of the reception.

Contents

[edit] History

The history of the wedding cake dates back to the middle ages when layers of cake that were brought by guests were to be stacked upon each other to see if the couple could kiss over it.

Aside from the layered wedding cake, there was also fruitcake at weddings and in Ancient Rome, there were also confectioneries being given to the guests.

[edit] Trends

  • Some couples choose to serve individual cakes at each table or at each place setting instead of one tiered cake.
  • Traditionally, a wedding cake was just white cake with white frosting. Now, all kinds of flavors are available, and some couples choose to serve multiple flavors (each tier being a different flavor).
  • In homage to the groom's background and/or interests, serving a groom's cake in addition to the wedding cake is becoming very popular.
  • Colors are making their way onto the wedding cake: think blue, green, red, and even black!
  • Cakes aren't just round anymore: there are square cakes, hexagonal cakes, cakes shaped into objects like purses and castles, etc. A cake may even be the combination of round and square (or other shape) layers.
  • Sugar-making is becoming an art-form. Fondant makes nearly anything possible. Many cake designers are able to make realistic flowers out of sugarpaste. The possibilities are endless.
  • Some brides are incorporating details from their dress onto the cake, e.g. the pattern of lace or a certain texture.

[edit] Alternatives

  • Cupcakes are increasingly becoming a popular choice, as opposed to a more traditional, tiered cake.
  • Those couples that do not like cake are opting to serve cheesecake, pie, or brownies. Or they may choose to have an ice cream sundae bar or candy buffet. Some caterers offer alternative dessert choices as well.

[edit] Tips

Hiring Baker

  • Attend several cake tastings. A tasting is just a time to sample different flavors and flip through albums of a baker's previous work. Some bakers allow you to bring a couple of friends.

Budget

  • Place a smaller cake on display, but serve from a large sheet cake in the back.
  • Cake designers can work magic with Styrofoam layers and a little bit of frosting, for the illusion of a larger cake.
  • Buttercream is more affordable than fondant.
  • Not all guests are going to eat cake; keep that in mind when configuring your final head count.


[edit] See Also

[edit] Weddingbee Posts

[edit] Weddingbee Boards

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