The wedding cake is now a central feature of most American and Canadian wedding celebrations, as is the ceremonious 'cutting of the cake' by the bride and groom.
However, this has not always been the case - the lavish, multi-tiered cakes we are accustomed to today are more of a culmination of historical and contemporary traditions and functions.
The Romans were the first to use ceremonious cakes in their wedding celebrations. The cakes were made with wheat and resembled loaves of bread, which were then broken over the bride's head as a symbol of fortune and fertility. The guests then ate the crumbs so as to share in the good fortune of the newlyweds.
Medieval England saw the demise of the bread breaking custom, with the introduction of sweet bread-like cakes and buns being presented to the bride and groom. The new custom was to create a large stacked pile of these small cakes in front of the newlyweds, who would then have to attempt to kiss each other over the top of this tier. A successful kiss was considered to signify a charmed and prosperous marriage.
The mid 17th century saw the advent of the plum cake as a wedding cake - a fashionable French import usually gracing the tables of the rich. These plum cakes were quite literally sugar coated with white icing and as such proved to be indicative of affluence, as refined white sugar was difficult to acquire.
White also came to symbolise the purity of the virgin bride, a tradition that is still very much recognised today. However, for those less wealthy, the bride's pie was a more familiar dish. Often the bride's pie was filled with mincemeat or sweet breads, in which a ring was placed. It was said that the lady who found the ring would be the next to wed.
History and Traditions of The Wedding Cake continue reading article ........
Wedding Cake Decorating Tips ~ Wedding Cake Servers ~ Wedding Cake Stands ~ Wedding Cake Toppers
Cake Serving Sets are essential tools for sharing that first piece of cake. These timeless designs become keepsakes that you can use later on special birthdays and anniversaries.
