Do You Need A Traditional Wedding Cake?

Wedding cakes have long been a cherished tradition for newlyweds. The custom of wedding cakes actually dates back to ancient Rome where wheat cakes were broken over brides' heads for good fortune. We’re not sure how well that would go down these days.

In medieval England, small spiced buns were stacked, and couples attempted to kiss over them. That sounds a bit better.

By the 1800s, tiered white cakes emerged as status symbols. Queen Victoria's lavish wedding cake in 1840 popularised the tradition of grand white cakes. Soon, fruit cakes preserved with alcohol became standard in Britain. This enabled the top tier to be stored for the christening of the couple's first child, typically expected within a year.

So, with all this tradition and history, what does it mean for 21st century weddings?

Do you have to have a traditional wedding cake?

No, couples are not obliged to have a traditional wedding cake at their celebration. Whilst fruit cakes covered in marzipan and icing have long been the standard, modern weddings offer much more flexibility.

Our modern take on traditional

Don’t get us wrong, some couples still opt for a classic tiered cake with elegant decorations. There’s lots of symbolism and meaning behind a traditional wedding cake. For example, traditional couples like the fact that a cake’s whiteness represents purity and the circularity signifies eternity. But there are lots of ways to incorporate these features into the cake design and even throughout the wedding day.

For this reason, many modern couples are bucking this trend. A lot of couples now opt for alternative wedding cake designs and desserts that better reflect their tastes and personalities. This could be changing the design, the format of the cake, adding unique decorations or going for non-traditional flavours.

For those who enjoy tradition but want a twist, compromises are possible. A small ceremonial cake could be paired with other desserts for example.

Ultimately, the dessert choice is up to the couple. There's no requirement to stick with convention if it doesn't suit their vision for the day. The focus should be on creating a joyful celebration that represents the newlyweds.

Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes have evolved beyond the classic tiered white confection. Couples now embrace unique options that reflect their personalities and tastes.

• Single tier cakes

Single tier cakes offer simplicity and elegance. These smaller cakes pack a visual punch whilst being more budget-friendly. Bakers can create clever intricate designs, incorporating different textures, colours and decoration.

Being smaller, you might go for a bold, bright colour or equally you can keep things slightly more traditional but with pops of colour.

Single tier cakes work well for intimate weddings or as part of a larger dessert display. They can be elevated on ornate cake stands for added impact.

• Dessert tables

Hazelnut brownies!

Dessert tables offer variety and visual appeal. They feature an assortment of cakes, baked goods and sweet treats, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements. Common elements include:

• Mini cupcakes

• Brownies and blondies

• Macarons and cookies

• Fruit tarts

• Doughnut walls

• Sweet tables

Dessert tables allows guests to sample a couple of treats if they’re lucky. It's ideal for couples who can't decide on a single cake flavour, want to provide more choice or do something a little different because it’s their favourite dessert!

• Celebration style cake

Celebration cakes break free from traditional wedding cake moulds. These cakes resemble birthday or special occasion cakes, with playful designs and bold colours. Features may include drip effects, elaborate rosettes or ruffles, and even themed decorations.

Celebration-style cakes allow couples to showcase their shared interests or hobbies. They create a relaxed, festive atmosphere and can serve as conversation starters amongst guests. Check out our celebration cake gallery and this post on celebration cake ideas for more inspiration.

Bright, colourful celebration style wedding cake

• Modern, colourful wedding cakes

Modern wedding cakes embrace bold colours and unconventional designs. These cakes make a striking statement and often become focal points of the reception. Popular trends include:

• Geometric shapes and patterns

• Marbled fondant effects

• Ombré colour gradients

• Hand-painted details

Colourful cakes can complement or contrast with the wedding colour scheme. They provide excellent photo opportunities and add a vibrant touch to the celebration.

• Different flavours

Gone are the days of standard vanilla or fruit cake. Modern couples opt for exciting flavours that tantalise taste buds. Popular choices include:

• Salted caramel

• Lemon and elderflower

• Red velvet

• Chocolate orange

Many couples choose different flavours for each tier, providing guests with options. Some bakers offer tasting sessions to help couples select their perfect combination.

Considerations When Choosing Your Wedding Dessert

Selecting the perfect wedding dessert involves weighing various factors to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

If you’re a very considerate couple, you might want to take into account guest preferences and dietary requirements. Common allergies to consider include nuts, dairy and gluten. Consider having a separate small cake or dessert option for those with allergies. This thoughtful gesture ensures everyone feels included in the celebration. Clearly label all desserts with their ingredients to help guests make informed choices.

You might also have to consider lifestyle choices such as creating a vegan friendly dessert. Working a specialist baker or caterer to create delicious alternatives that meet these dietary needs without compromising on taste or presentation.

Dessert choices will have an impact your wedding budget. Traditional tiered cakes can be expensive, with prices varying based on size, design complexity and ingredients. Factor in delivery fees and any rental costs for cake stands or serving equipment. Check out this post on wedding cake prices for more information.

Alternative desserts may offer cost savings. Cupcakes or a dessert tables can be more economical whilst still providing variety.

Steps to Selecting Your Wedding Dessert

Choosing the perfect wedding dessert involves consideration and planning. The process requires research, tasting and ultimately making an informed decision to make sure your wedding cake choice aligns with your celebration.

Begin by exploring various dessert options. Browse wedding magazines, websites and social media platforms for ideas. Consider your wedding theme, colour scheme and venue when envisioning your dessert. Traditional multi-tiered cakes remain popular, but alternative options like cupcake towers and dessert tables are popular too.

Reflect on your personal preferences and those of your partner. Do you fancy a classic fruit cake or a modern wedding cake flavour combination? Would you prefer a grand centrepiece, a more understated display or maybe a vintage wedding cake trend? Make a list of your favourite ideas and discuss them together.

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's time for the enjoyable part - tasting! Schedule appointments with local bakers or dessert specialists. Like us, many offer wedding cake taster boxes to help you make a decisions.

Don't forget practical aspects like delivery, set-up and serving. Confirm these details with your venue and baker to ensure a smooth experience on the day.

Traditional vs modern wedding cakes

Whilst traditional wedding cakes have long been a staple when tieing the knot, modern couples often want to explore alternative options.

Couples can opt for vibrant, modern designs, unique flavour combinations or even completely non-traditional sweet treats. These alternatives can be just as meaningful and memorable as a classic tiered cake.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding dessert should reflect the couple's tastes and the overall vision for their special day. Whether you decide on a traditional cake or a more unconventional option, what matters most is that it brings joy to you and your guests. Remember, there's no need to stick to tradition if it doesn't feel right for you - your wedding day is about celebrating your love story in a way that feels authentic to you.

Take a look at our wedding cake page to see how The Palms Bakery work and the brilliant cakes we can design for you.