Wedding cake considerations
Cakes for all occasions have changed over the years but none more so, in my opinion, than the wedding cake. From the design and the flavour, to the grandeur of the cutting.
There isn’t really a right or wrong answer for how you deal with your cake - you may choose to not have one - but if you do, my advice is to opt for something that as a couple you’ll enjoy, whether this follows tradition or not. Be mindful of the size as well. I often find that guests are so busy on the dance floor that the opportunity to eat it on the night passes by. So perhaps cater for two-thirds of your guest numbers or ask your caterers to cut it and put slices into little boxes for guests to take as they leave.
The other question often asked is when to cut it…should you want to (can you see the recurring theme?). If you’re choosing to make it a moment of the day, it naturally works very well just ahead of the first dance. Your guests will be gathered anyway so it’s a perfect opportunity to cut the cake, get a few photos and smoothly move into your first dance. Some couples choose to serve their wedding cake as pudding (often due to the wastage mentioned above), in which case, I suggest cutting it just ahead of the call to dinner. It’s yet another opportunity when all your guests are asked to move, so it can be easily interjected by the cutting, before they take their seats.
Now, to the design and flavour! Tradition calls for a glorious fruit cake, with the top tier being saved for the christening of your first child. With time however, and an array of fabulously talented cake suppliers, there are so many more options to consider. From exotic fruits to triple chocolate, royal icing to butter cream, round to square, one to ten tiers, vegan to gluten free. The choice really is endless and as with all elements of your day, make it personal, something that as a couple you’ll love and fondly remember.
Image: Allister Freeman
Cake: The Essential Party Ingredient.
Cake bar: GC Couture
Image: London Cinema Studio
Cake: C London.