WEDDING CAKE TRADITIONS
By Luno & Stella Event Planner, Becka Headley

The cutting of the cake is a key part of every modern day wedding, however this is an idea which has evolved over a number of years. Below are six fun facts surrounding the traditions of a wedding cake.

1. Cutting of the cake

In ancient times, the priest would break loaves of bread over the couple’s heads during the ceremony to symbolise wealth, happiness and fertility. Nowadays, the Bride and Groom cut the cake together with the Groom’s Hands over the Bride’s, as a symbol of unity. 

2. Colour

A Wedding Cake is traditionally white, as it is a symbol of purity, with a cake topper of the Bride and Groom standing together, symbolising unity. In modern times, wedding cakes and toppers are now all different colours and styles. 

3. The first bite

The couple sharing the first bite of the wedding cake is based on a Roman tradition that eating cake together creates a special bond. The wheat in the cake is a symbol of fertility, whereas the sugar is believed to bring a sweet life to the couple.  

4. Guests

Guests traditionally eat the wedding cake for good luck. Folklore says that if a single woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, she will dream of her future husband! 

5. Anniversary

Since the late 19th Century, newly married couples often save the top tier of the wedding cake, which is traditionally fruit, to share and enjoy on their 1st wedding anniversary. 

6. ‘The Groom’s Cake’

This is a traditional gift from a Bride to a Groom, being the Groom’s favourite flavour of cake, decorated according to his hobbies or interests. This would have been served alongside the wedding cake, or boxed up and sent home with guests as favours.

7. A ‘Charm Cake’

This is served by the bridesmaids at a lunch before the wedding. Each guest pulls a ribbon from the cake, and at the end of each ribbon inside the cake there is a charm. The different charms have different meanings, such as a heart for true love, or a coin for prosperity. 

We have a host of amazing suppliers who we work with, so please do get in touch for recommendations of bakers who can create a wonderful cake for your Wedding Day.