Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Wedding Cake: How Sweet It Is

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue ... Wedding celebrations are full of traditions.

According to tradition, something old represents the past, while something new suggests hope for the future. Something borrowed stands for friendships, and something blue represents the bride's faithfulness. Of course we all know the white gown has traditionally symbolized purity, and the single woman who catches the bridal bouquet is said to be the next to marry. Then there is the garter ritual, the throwing of the rice, and so on. These are some of the more familiar wedding traditions.

Although not as well-known, the wedding cake itself also has a background full of tradition. Ancient Romans would break small cakes made of barley or wheat over the bride's head as a symbol of her fertility. Guests would then eagerly pick up the crumbs, which they considered to be good luck charms. During the Middle Ages it became traditional for the couple to kiss over a small cluster of cakes, which were then stacked in a haphazard fashion. This developed into the custom of assembling the little cakes into the one multi-tiered creation we know today.

The wedding cake is one of the highlights of the reception. It is often the first thing people see as they enter the reception hall. The tradition of sharing the first piece of cake demonstrates the bride and groom's willingness to share a household and all the responsibilities and joys that go with it.

The meal is not complete without a taste of the wedding cake and no well-mannered guest will leave before the cake is served. Gone are the days of stiff royal icing and rolled fondant. The cake is meant to be eaten, not just displayed. Therefore, in addition to being beautiful to look at, it must also taste terrific!! Though traditional vanilla cake and "white on white" frosting are still good choices, different flavors such as marble, amaretto, Grand Marnier or even cheesecake offer some delicious options. Fillings can be simple frosting or fruit preserves, or just about anything the bride and groom desire.

The cake can truly reflect the couple's individuality. While hors d'oeuvres and dinner are somewhat standard in their presentation, the wedding cake can be uniquely YOU! It can be elegant in its simplicity, or a fanciful, architectural masterpiece with stairs, fountains, and gazebos. Most of all the cake should reflect you -- the bride and groom.

It is important to find a baker who will work with you and let your own personalities shine through. Some couples choose to have the cake decorated with the colors of the wedding party. Flowers are often used to adorn the cake and can be fresh, silk, or made of frosting. Though a figurine of a bride and groom usually adorns the top of the cake, choosing other ornaments which represent your lifestyle or interests is a great way to express yourselves.

Whatever you choose, if you are working with someone who will accommodate your requests, you should be very happy with the final result. And your guests should be happy too, whether they eat a piece at the reception or (as another tradition suggests), take it home to sleep on so that they will dream of the person they will marry!

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