Tradition Behind the Wedding Cake!

     Today in the office we were discussing what the true tradition is behind the wedding cake.  Does it symbolize anything?  Where did the tradition even come from?  Is is still as significant today as it was when the tradition first began?  I started to research it a bit more and thought that it was too interesting not to share!

     In Ancient Rome, they didn't have a wedding cake.  Instead, the groom broke a piece of bread over the bride's head in order to bring the couple good luck and fertility.  This gave way to traditions in Medieval England where cakes or pastries were stacked as high as possible and if the couple was able to kiss over the top of them without knocking them down, it guaranteed them a prosperous and happy life together.  During the 17th Century up until the 19th century, two cakes were traditionally made: a bride's cake and a groom's cake with the bride's cake being lighter and more pure in color.  The groom's cake eventually died out (as you don't often see it at weddings nowadays, although they still show up on occasion) and the bride's cake became the main event.  Queen Victoria was one of the first to use white icing (later known as royal icing) on her cake which was symbol of wealth and status in the family.  Prince Leopold's cake in 1882 was the first to be completely edible and most resembles the modern cakes that we see now.

     The color white in Western weddings has always traditionally represented virginity and purity which is why the traditional wedding dress is white.  The cake was also supposed to be white for that same reason.  Originally, the cake was supposed to only be cut and distributed by the bride because it would ensure fertility to any who ate the cake.  Guest lists soon grew, though, meaning the cakes became bigger and the task of cutting the cake was more difficult.  The frosting became stiffer in order to support the larger cakes and the bride could not cut it alone.  In this case, the groom had to help the bride cut the cake and distribute it.  After that tradition began, they would also share in eating the first piece to symbolize their union together and their commitment in always providing for each other.

     Now, the bride and groom have many more choices for the wedding cake from various flavors in the layers to colors in fondant or frosting for the outside.  Although many couples still choose to have a white wedding cake, they usually add some more color with frosting details or flowers.  Many couples also opt to not have a wedding cake, instead choosing pies, cheesecake, cupcakes, or other various desserts so that their guests have more variety.  This is another great option!  The wedding cake tradition has evolved extensively since Ancient Rome and will continue to evolve as traditions change.