May 25, 2021 | Wedding Traditions

May 25, 2021 | Wedding Traditions

Bucking Tradition: Wedding Cake
Danielle Toth
We’ve all seen the traditional tiered wedding cake during a reception, typically adorned with a tiny bride and groom. However, the cost of a cake can be quite expensive (the average was $500 in 2019, according to The Knot), and many couples are looking to place a more personal touch on their dessert options. Unique and creative options include donuts, pastries or even ice cream! But how did this tradition begin...

Follow us on:

Bucking Tradition: Wedding Cake
Danielle Toth

Follow us on:

We’ve all seen the traditional tiered wedding cake during a reception, typically adorned with a tiny bride and groom. However, the cost of a cake can be quite expensive (the average was $500 in 2019, according to The Knot), and many couples are looking to place a more personal touch on their dessert options. Unique and creative options include donuts, pastries or even ice cream! 

But how did this tradition begin? According to Southern Living magazine, the grooms of yesterday would take a bite of bread, then crumble the remainder over their bride’s head for good luck. Guests would attempt to pick up the falling crumbs to receive a bit of good luck, as well. 

Bread eventually became cake, and the whiter the cake, the better. In the Victorian Ages, a white cake symbolized money and importance as white sugar was expensive, according to The Knot

The bread-crumbling tradition eventually evolved, and brides began pushing pieces of cake through their rings. Guests would then take those pieces home and place them under their pillows to potentially dream of their future husbands. This was a bit easier a few centuries ago, when wedding favors were typically small replicas of the larger cake, often a less messy fruitcake, according to The Spruce Eats.

Luckily, modern couples typically cut their cake. The actual cutting of the cake symbolizes the first activity done as a couple and also the loss of the bride’s virginity, according to The Spruce Eats. 

The tradition of tiered cakes comes from the Middle Ages, when confectioners often stacked layers as high as they could, according to The Knot. The couple then attempted to kiss over the cake. If they could manage to lock lips, the marriage would be blessed with good luck.  

The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake, on the other hand, comes from the belief that a new couple would have a child within a year of marriage. The saved cake would be used to celebrate the pregnancy announcement, birth or christening. 

Whether you want to serve carbs for the sake of tradition or you just want to offer dessert to your guests, there are other options besides cake. Consider cupcakes, cake pops, macrons or petit fours. Some couples also use a small decorative cake for the ceremonial “cutting,” and then serve a sheet cake or other dessert to guests. 

Bottom line: You don’t need an expensive cake, but you might still want to offer guests a sweet treat. Choose what will satisfy your sweet tooth!

And to learn more about how brides are “bucking tradition,” read our blogs on the bouquet tossthe garter toss and whether white is always right.

2024: What’s in and what’s out?

2024: What’s in and what’s out?

As a seasoned wedding DJ with years of experience, I've witnessed the ebb and flow of trends shaping the wedding industry. Here's a rundown of what's fading out and what's taking center stage in 2024: Wedding Websites Take a Backseat: While wedding websites aren't...

read more

Address

4908 Van Epps Rd., Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131

Phone Number

(216) - 870 - 4513

Monday - Friday

10AM - 6PM

F.A.Q.

Do I get to meet my DJ?

Of Course! This is your big day, we want you to be comfortable and able to build a rapport with your DJ. We encourage open communication between us and our clients. We can set-up face to face meetings, video calls, and teleconferences.

How do I secure my date?

We ask that when you are ready to book, you give us a signed contract and a $800 deposit. The initial deposit comes off the final balance. After that, you are locked in to your date. Payment plans are available, but we do not require the final balance until a week before your wedding.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. All prices you see include tax, set-up & tear-down, and travel to most places. When paying with credit card there is a 3.8% convenience fee. No fees when paying by check or cash.

Do you work with other vendors?

Yes! While we have partnerships with vendors, we do not require you use them exclusively. You can always book us independently and we’ll ensure that all vendors are on the same page throughout the entire planning process and evening.

Address

4908 Van Epps Rd., Brooklyn Heights, Ohio 44131

Phone Number

(216) - 870 - 4513

Monday - Friday

10AM - 6PM

F.A.Q.

Do I get to meet my DJ?

Of Course! This is your big day, we want you to be comfortable and able to build a rapport with your DJ. We encourage open communication between us and our clients. We can set-up face to face meetings, video calls, and teleconferences.

How do I secure my date?

We ask that when you are ready to book, you give us a signed contract and a $800 deposit. The initial deposit comes off the final balance. After that, you are locked in to your date. Payment plans are available, but we do not require the final balance until a week before your wedding.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. All prices you see include tax, set-up & tear-down, and travel to most places. When paying with credit card there is a 3.8% convenience fee. No fees when paying by check or cash.

Do you work with other vendors?

Yes! While we have partnerships with vendors, we do not require you use them exclusively. You can always book us independently and we’ll ensure that all vendors are on the same page throughout the entire planning process and evening.

Pin It on Pinterest