What does cake symbolise in a wedding?

Wedding cakes have long been used as a symbol of fertility, wealth, and good fortune to wish the happy couple a long-lasting union and numerous children. Three tiers were typical for wedding cakes, with the bottom tier being served during the ceremony, the middle tier being served subsequently, and the third layer being saved and served at the couple's first child's christening. Because fruit cake is simple to preserve, it was frequently utilised, and white icing was used to garnish the cake. Only the wealthiest brides got a cake with white frosting since the refined sugar required to prepare it, also known as royal icing, was thought to be costly.

As times progress and traditions change, there are multiple options now available to couples when it comes to choosing their wedding cake, from a multitude of cake flavours to fillings and tiers. Although some couples still adhere to the tradition of freezing a section of their wedding cake and eating it on their first anniversary, most wedding cakes today are chosen for their show-stopping decorations alone and are another chance for the couple to express their personalities, choosing bespoke designs and unusual flavours.

What type of cake is best for a wedding?

When it comes to wedding cake ideas, the best type of cake is the one that best represents the couple and their preferences. If you’re planning for every guest to have a slice, the size of the wedding cake is something that will need to be considered, with three tiers being a popular choice for smaller weddings and five tiers plus for those with over two hundred guests. The best statement wedding cakes are those which add to the wedding’s decor, whether that’s using the same colour scheme as the wedding in the cake’s decoration or taking inspiration from the building and surroundings and incorporating that in the design. For example, Bohemian brides may choose a naked cake adorned with flowers and leaves, whereas a more classic bride may opt for a traditional white cake adorned with hand-painted flowers instead.

Although fruitcake was the traditional cake of choice for a wedding cake, nowadays anything goes! Here are some of the most popular wedding cake choices available today:

1. Vanilla cake

Considered a crowd-pleaser, vanilla cake is a great choice as it’s a simple flavour that works well with a multitude of different frostings. Vanilla with vanilla buttercream may seem like a simple idea, but it’s a truly delicious combination!

2. Funfetti cake

Popular because of its fun look, funfetti cake is made by mixing multicoloured sprinkles into the cake batter before baking to create a colourful finish. A fun choice for a naked cake, the colourful look creates an aesthetically pleasing and appetising finish.

3. Lemon cake

A great option for berry toppings and fillings, lemon cake is loved for its zesty and tangy taste. Pairing well with lemon frosting, and vanilla buttercream, add a touch of raspberry filling and fresh berries to yours for a delicious finish. A perfect choice for a semi-naked cake finished with fresh fruit.

4. Rich flavoured cake

The perfect choice for autumn and winter weddings, or for chocolate-loving brides and grooms, rich flavours such as hazelnut with salted caramel and dark chocolate are becoming more and more popular with couples that want to ditch tradition. If chocolate seems a bit too decadent, then why not opt for red velvet with cream cheese instead?

So you’ve decided on which base you want for your wedding cake and now it’s time for the fun part, the decoration. Here we’ve rounded up some of our top easy wedding cake decorating ideas so that you can create a hassle-free show-stopper of a cake that’s worthy of any wedding reception.

Sugarpaste and royal icing

For more traditional wedding cakes, sugarpaste and royal icing are the perfect combination for making a chic and sophisticated design. Roll out your sugarpaste and cover each tier in turn, for a smooth, clean finish. Then, once stacked, use royal icing to add beading, flowers or latticework to your cake for a stunning finish. Piped on soft, royal icing dries hard for a structured yet delicate and intricate look. If the wedding cake is made from fruit cake, why not add a layer of marzipan before your sugar paste layer, for a more traditional finish and an extra layer of taste?