History of the Bridal Wedding Cake
Traditionally the Bride and Groom cut their wedding cake with a ceremonial knife or sword and they would have the first bite to symbolize the forming of a new family unit and the replacement of the old parent-child union.
The tradition of the Bridal Wedding Cake dates back to the Roman era. The Bridal Cake was usually loaves of wheat bread. The loaf of bread was broken over the head of the bride and groom to bring them good luck and prosperity
During the Middle Ages the Bridal Wedding Cake was a simple biscuits or scones and later the custom of the guests bringing a muffin sized cake to the wedding became popular. These were piled on top of each other and the bride and groom had to kiss across the top of the pile of wedding cakes, this was thought to have brought the newly weds good luck.
Seventeenth century French bakers baked sweet buns and coated them with icing for the Wedding cake. These buns were then stacked and this was the beginning of the new history of Wedding Cakes. It is believed, that this is where our modern day designs began.
1859 recorded the marriage of one of Queen Victoria’s daughters. The Wedding Cake had successively smaller layers with fancy frosting and festoons.
It is believed, the1882 wedding of Prince Leopold was the first time Wedding guests could enjoy the entire Wedding Cake.
Another 20 years would past before columns separated the tiers.
These were usually disguised pieces of a broom handle.
Today we use 3 or 4 decorated pillars, usually plastic and fitted over wooden dowels, these extend the full height of the lower cake and the pillars. This supports the second tier cake and stops it from sinking into the lower cake.
The history and designs of the modern wedding cake have evolved over the past 150 years.
Today’s cakes are one of celebration, the inspiration for their design may come from the theme of the occasion, exhibiting a combination of shapes, sizes and culinary experiences.
Decorations can be traditional, fun, heritage or modern.
Only the imagination limits the visual effect.
As you build your new home together may you find that the
love you share will put beauty in everyday things;
The softness in a word, The comfort in a touch
The welcoming warmth in your home
The “We” in a dream and A life filled with happy memories.
Leonora Gregory
Principal Designer
The Icing on the Cake