Where are Wedding Cakes From?
Have you ever wondered where the tradition of cutting the cake originally came from?
Traditions Then:
There is no doubt that a wedding cake is a statement piece at the reception, but there was a lot more to it than that in the past. According to Abigail Tucker’s article in the Smithsonian Magazine, the tradition of cutting the cake stems from the ancient Greek and Romans, when the groom broke bread over the bride’s head to represent the end of her purity and the beginning of good luck and fertility. In the Middle Ages, the couple would kiss over atiered cake and if it didn’t fall over, it was a sign that they would have many children…and even more children if the cake was thrown at the bride. Once the cake was cut, only the bride would serve the cake to the guests. Why? You guessed it…to ensure fertility.
Although those traditions have mostly died out, one of the traditions that is still celebrated to this day is the bride and groom cutting the cake together. In fact, we often see them preserve the top tier for their one year anniversary. Despite the other traditions’ symbolism, cutting the cake does not represent a bride’s fertility. When the groom places his hand over hers to cut the first slice it symbolizes his support and promise to care for her in the future.
Traditions Now:
So what about wedding cakes in 2022? Nowadays, couples are leaning more towards dessert bars, donuts, pies, and anything else that is new and creative for their guests and away from the plain white, 3-tiered cakes. Many couples prefer to not announce the cake cutting, not have a cake to cut at all or even cut into a faux cake just for the photos. Whatever you decide, the options are endless!
Some of our favorite DFW Bakers:
