Finding your perfect invitation should have given you inspiration for the many options that you have to choose from to be creative in your wedding planning. Now that most of the tough stuff is done the next few tasks should be fun ones for you. This week we will explore the world of wedding cakes.
If you watch any of the food networks, you will soon realize that the wedding industry has bled over into the world of cupcakes and fabulous cakes. So expect to have many options to consider when choosing your wedding cake, but like your dress and your invitation, your cake should be a reflection of your wedding style.
- HOW IT ALL BEGAN. There are many myths and folklore concerning wedding cakes that have been passed down for so long that they have become a part of the history of wedding cakes. Some of the more popular theories are shared below.
- IN THE BEGINNING. Across the centuries the finest of foods have always been saved for celebrations including weddings. In ancient times honey and sweet cakes were more than likely served as part of the feast. During medieval times fine cakes and puddings with dried fruit were a delicacy and served at feasts - the traditional holiday treat, the infamous fruitcake, is a direct descendants of this dessert. During the Roman Empire thin loafs of barley or wheat were broken over the bride's head by the groom some say to symbolize the groom's dominance over his bride. In England people poured or threw grain or bread crumbs at the couple to symbolize fertility.
- OVER THE YEARS. Prior to the Victorian era the refined sugar used to make white wedding cakes was very hard to come by and very expensive, thus white wedding cakes became a status symbol of the very affluent - the only ones who could afford this commodity. The traditional wedding cake that we relate to started in the 17th century when French bakers stacked wheat buns and covered them with icing. They were called Bride Cakes, a name that symbolized that the bride was the main focus of the wedding celebration. English royalty were the first to use multi-layered cakes but the top layers were artificial as bakers had not yet developed a method to stack the top tiers.
- MODERN TIMES. Some traditions have stood the test of time like the the bride and groom saving the top layer of their wedding cake for their one year anniversary. Others have passed away or been updated: Single guests would put wedding cake under their pillow in hopes that they would dream of their future spouse; guests throwing cake crumbs, bread or rice has largely been replaced by newer traditions like blowing bubbles or bird food.
- CULTURE AND RELIGION. Religious customs and culture have also strongly influenced these traditions. Communion or the breaking of bread is used in many cultures and is symbolic of making a commitment. White has always been symbolic of purity in religion and symbolizes the bride's chastity in weddings. The tradition of the bride and groom joining hands to cut the cake symbolize that the couple must work together. After cutting the cake, the groom first feeds the bride first and then she feeds him as a sign that they will support each other.
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| Giant Cupcake Tower |
As our culture has evolved, our desire to be different has strongly influenced most aspects of how we live. Weddings and wedding cakes are no different. Today, the traditional cake is not always standard wedding fare. Over the last few years, wedding cupcakes have emerged as a favorite and they are running a close race with traditional wedding cakes in popularity. But as you see from the samples below, just about any tasty treat can be substituted for a wedding cake. Use your imagination and your taste buds and the sky is the limit.
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| Cheese Cake |
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Fruit Tart
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| Jello Shots |
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| Pie |
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| French Macaroons |
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