Let Them Eat Cake

I love wedding cake. I don’t just like it; I LOVE it! The soft, moist cake and smooth, creamy frosting are what I consider a perfect treat. Every wedding I attend, whether as a guest or for work, I have to have a piece. It doesn’t matter how good the food is, how much I eat, or if other desserts are offered. I have certainly had my fair share of wedding cake over the years, some of it better than others. But one thing is for sure: No wedding would be complete without one.

Early wedding cake traditions date all the way back to the Romans. The groom would eat part of a loaf of barley cake and break the rest over the head of the bride as a symbol of fruitfulness and good fortune. As time passed, icing was used to keep the cake moist, and the custom gradually fell out of practice. Over time this tradition evolved into the wedding cake we use today.

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and overwhelming task. It is no wonder that the wedding cake is often left as one of the final details the bride and groom decide on. It can, however, be one of the most enjoyable tasks. Even the most planning-reluctant groom can usually be persuaded to attend a cake tasting. After all, what’s not to love about an afternoon of free cake samples from the best bakery in town?

There seems to a trend of wedding cakes becoming more thought out and incorporated closely into the theme of a wedding. Bakeries are able to make complex creations that were impossible not too long ago, and couples are taking advantage of this. They are asking for intricate designs, asymmetrical shapes, and unique touches to make their cake stand out.

And no longer is it expected that the cake will be all one flavor. Many couples are using a different flavor for each tier. Mocha cake with coffee mousse, almond cake with cherry filling, lemon cake with blueberry filling, white cake with white chocolate and caramel mousse, the options are endless! The only thing that can hold you back is your imagination. (And maybe your wallet.)

If you are planning a wedding, start giving some thought to your cake. Go to the library or book store and get a book of wedding cake designs. Go online and search through the hundreds of pages of sample cakes. Once you have a basic idea in mind, call your favorite bakery and make an appointment for a tasting. Have them prepare several different flavors for you to try. While you are there, not only taste the cake but make sure they can accommodate the design you want. If you still aren’t quite sure what you want they may even be able to help you decide.

Most importantly make sure to enjoy a piece of cake at your wedding. I know you are busy dancing and socializing with all your guests. But it would be a shame to miss out on something you put so much time into planning. And hey, if you remember, save a piece for me.