Choosing the Wedding Cake

One important wedding tradition is cutting the cake. But before you can do that, you need to choose a wedding cake. How to choose your cake and what traditions go along with it are explained below.

The Layers of the Wedding Cake

A traditional wedding cake has at least three layers and is white. On top is a miniature version of the bride and groom. Each layer serves a purpose: one for the wedding reception, one for distribution, and the top layer is meant to be frozen. The white color symbolizes virginity and purity. The bottom layers are for serving to guests, while the top layer is kept by the couple and traditionally frozen. It’s eaten on the first anniversary or another meaningful occasion. During the wedding, the couple cuts the bottom layer together and feeds each other the first bite, symbolizing their care for one another. This tradition dates back to the 18th century and is still practiced today.

Of course, you don’t have to go for a traditional white wedding cake. Nowadays, cakes come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Don’t want a wedding cake at all? There are plenty of alternatives. Think cake pops, petit fours, macarons, or a table full of sweet treats.

Tasting Session

It’s not only important that the cake looks great – it should also taste amazing. It would be a shame if the cake didn’t taste good. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan a tasting session with the patissier. You can try different flavors of cake and filling to help make your decision. Tastings usually cost around €25 to €30. If you end up ordering the cake, the tasting is often free of charge.

Size of the Wedding Cake

The size of the cake depends on how many guests you’re expecting. Even if you’ve invited a few hundred people, there’s no need for a massive cake. In addition to the show cake, you can order a cutting cake – a simpler version kept out of sight, sliced and served later. This cake doesn’t need full decoration.

Pricing

You can generally expect your wedding cake to cost between €100 and €500. On average, think about €400 in total. If you want a per-person estimate, it’s roughly €7 per guest. If that seems expensive, you can also opt for cupcakes or a dessert table with various treats.