Cakes of Antiquity
by Josie Ryan
As with most traditions, the wedding cake started out small. It wasn’t even a sweet cake to begin with. In Ancient Rome, their tradition was to break a simple cake of wheat or barley over the bride’s head. It was symbolic of bringing good fortune. The new couple would eat a few crumbs together, and the other guests would get some as well; it was a token of good luck from the couple. It was rude or brought bad luck if an attendant didn't get their share of the wedding cake (Wilson).
In England, they had a tradition of stacking a high tower of buns. If the bride and groom—standing on opposite ends—could kiss one another over the pile, their prosperity was secured. The British also did Bride’s Pie (a mix of minced meats, oysters, or pine kernels), which eventually changed to a fruity Bride Cake. Sometimes the cake would be pre-cut almost all the way through; the groom would put a napkin over the bride’s head, and break the dry cake on her, just like the Romans (Wilson).
Modern Traditions
Currently, there is a common tradition of the bride and groom smashing cake in each other’s faces. Maybe someone was trying to continue the historical tradition of breaking it over the bride’s head...and they missed. Sometimes the cake is shared with guests, although other refreshments are usually provided to ensure every attendant gets their fill of food.
Wedding Cake Styles
Wedding cakes these days are used mainly for display. Wedding colors are typically tied in somehow through use of fondant, flowers or ribbons; although there have been several different innovations that have been done with cake toppers or fondant figures. Now it is popular to have some type of theme for a wedding, and the cake is a good way to display some aspect of that theme. If the couple is classy or conventional, they will typically do a traditional layered cake. But there have been many cakes that display the personalities or hobbies of the couple through its color, shape, and design.
Cake Costs
The cost of the cake will depend on your style and budget. But since this magazine recommends lower budgeting, here are a few tips:
-It is becoming popular to have cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or other desserts that will feed a larger crowd. The cake won’t have to be huge if you have these other desserts, and therefore, will be less expensive.
-Not everybody has to be a professional to do great work. Involve a friend or family member in your exciting day by asking them to do the cake for you.
-Keep things simple. There won’t be as much stress for the bride or the baker if the cake is an average to small size and the decorations aren’t extreme.
Works Cited
Wilson, Carol. "Wedding Cake: A Slice of History." Gastronomica. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 June 2013.
In England, they had a tradition of stacking a high tower of buns. If the bride and groom—standing on opposite ends—could kiss one another over the pile, their prosperity was secured. The British also did Bride’s Pie (a mix of minced meats, oysters, or pine kernels), which eventually changed to a fruity Bride Cake. Sometimes the cake would be pre-cut almost all the way through; the groom would put a napkin over the bride’s head, and break the dry cake on her, just like the Romans (Wilson).
Modern Traditions
Currently, there is a common tradition of the bride and groom smashing cake in each other’s faces. Maybe someone was trying to continue the historical tradition of breaking it over the bride’s head...and they missed. Sometimes the cake is shared with guests, although other refreshments are usually provided to ensure every attendant gets their fill of food.
Wedding Cake Styles
Wedding cakes these days are used mainly for display. Wedding colors are typically tied in somehow through use of fondant, flowers or ribbons; although there have been several different innovations that have been done with cake toppers or fondant figures. Now it is popular to have some type of theme for a wedding, and the cake is a good way to display some aspect of that theme. If the couple is classy or conventional, they will typically do a traditional layered cake. But there have been many cakes that display the personalities or hobbies of the couple through its color, shape, and design.
Cake Costs
The cost of the cake will depend on your style and budget. But since this magazine recommends lower budgeting, here are a few tips:
-It is becoming popular to have cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or other desserts that will feed a larger crowd. The cake won’t have to be huge if you have these other desserts, and therefore, will be less expensive.
-Not everybody has to be a professional to do great work. Involve a friend or family member in your exciting day by asking them to do the cake for you.
-Keep things simple. There won’t be as much stress for the bride or the baker if the cake is an average to small size and the decorations aren’t extreme.
Works Cited
Wilson, Carol. "Wedding Cake: A Slice of History." Gastronomica. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 June 2013.