Dating | Weddings

Wedding Cakes

Most women regard themselves as experts when it comes to cake, but there is a bit more to this one than meets the eye. It is as important to foodies as the dress, and usually takes centre stage at the reception.

The ritual of cutting the cake is also a key part of the marriage: the couple's joint first slice into it symbolises their shared future. Announced by the toastmaster, this usually happens after the speeches.

Wedding cakes have had all kinds of formats and recipes over the years, but the modern shape, with three tiers of iced cake, was believed to have been inspired by Saint Bride's Church in London. Tradition has it that bridesmaids who sleep with a piece under their pillow will dream of their future husbands (and wake up with cake in their hair, and possibly having their faces licked by the family pet). The top tier of the cake is often kept by couples for the christening of their first child.

Traditionally, it is a fruitcake with royal icing decoration, but many couples don't adhere to this nowadays - it is perfectly common to have a sponge cake, or a tower of profiteroles, and even a cheesecake. (Honestly!) It really is a matter of preference, but if you want to carry on with some of the classic cake traditions, such as the saving of the top layer for new arrivals and sending some to absent guests, it needs to keep and travel; bear this in mind when you order the cake. You need to add this factor to the calculations of the appropriate size of cake for the number of guests.

CHOOSING THE STYLE AND DECORATION

Symbols that often graced wedding cakes traditionally include horseshoes and tiny models of brides and grooms. These days though, your only limitation is your imagination. Consider incorporating fresh flowers, exotic colours or graphic shapes. Why not have your names spelled out in letters or a stack of fairy cakes replicating a traditional wedding cake silhouette? Stock up on heaps of wedding magazines and gorge yourself on the styles and variety available. Make sure you rip them out and keep them in a file, but try not to include every single one that you see. If you choose your own a pastry chef, they will have a portfolio that will show their previous commissions and styles. These should only be guidelines, though, which they should be happy to tailor in terms of size and style to fit your wishes, number of guests and budget.

FINDING A PASTRY CHEF

Wedding fairs are a great place to find a suitable pastry chef, and they also give you the chance to munch cake legitimately while you wander around looking at wedding portfolios. (It's all in the name of research, you understand.) If you are having the catering provided by a professional outside company or hotel, they may also be able to supply the wedding cake or have a contact who can.

When you have found a pastry chef that you like, you should be able to enjoy a tasting with them. Once again, this is the interest of the greater good. Tell them what your concerns are, your requirements and budget. The wedding cake should be ordered at least three months in advance. The cake is usually delivered to the venue on the morning of the reception, where they should add any final touches in situ. When it comes to the cutting of the cake, make sure that you have organised with your caterers if you want them to cut the cake for guests. You need to let them know how many pieces you need (including the absent guests) and if you want to keep the top layer uncut. Your pastry chef should also be able to tell you about the proper way to store this cake for future use.

MAKING YOUR OWN

In spite of it being considered as bringing bad luck, it is not a completely crazy notion that you could make your own cake. However, if you are well known as a disaster area in the kitchen, it probably would be crazy. If you do decide to bake the cake yourself, then you need to plan to make it at least a month before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to tick it off your list before the day draws near. You can hire any necessary equipment, like outsize cake tins, from events companies and specialist cookery shops.

Disclaimer & Copyright © Infinite Ideas 2008