Wedding traditions – the wedding cake

Unveiling the sweet tradition of the English wedding cake 

Here at Posh Frocks and Wellies, we're all about celebrating love and food, so what better place to start than with the iconic English wedding cake? Let's delve into the delicious history and evolution of this time-honored tradition.  

Wedding cakes have been ‘a thing’ for centuries, and we can tell you without lying, that we are designing and eating the best ones yet! 

Before the cake was, well a cake, the Romans would bake savoury breads. Bread was sprinkled over the brides’ head and the happy couple would eat the cake crumbs to symbolise their unity. 

But oh my, the first known ‘wedding cake’ was believed to have originated in the 16th century - and it wasn’t really a cake, it was a pie!  

And not just any pie, mind you. What comes to your mind when you think of a pie? We can pretty much guess that it won’t be anywhere near what kind of pie was eaten back then.  

Now, to try and prepare you for what is coming next, back in the day nothing went to waste. And a lot of this ‘nothing’ ended up in wedding pies. Some of the fillings were, egg and dried fruit, sweet potatoes, lambs' testicles, cock sparrow brains, cockles, artichokes and oysters 🤢Yikes! 

Guests would each bring a pie and they would be stacked on top of each other – much like the ones we have today. 

Thankfully, things started looking up in the 17th century with the introduction of sweet breads laden with fruits, spices, and scented musks – a far cry from their pie predecessors. 

Over the years, plum cakes became fashionable, and these would be a little sweeter as they were glazed with sugar icing – yum! 

By the late 1800’s, cakes were bang on trend and bakers were experimenting with almond pastes and creating elaborate embellishments. It was the Royal family who took cake artistry to new heights with their giant and tiered creations  

However, as with many things in life, cakes became increasingly expensive, especially during the world wars when rationing forced couples to get creative with their confections. 

But fear not, lovebirds! Even during those lean times, couples found ways to make their cakes shine, whether it was with a small cake and a beautifully decorated cardboard covering or by using clever substitutes for pricey ingredients. 

Today, we've taken the grandeur of Royal cakes and run with it, creating masterpieces that are shared and celebrated on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

So, as you plan your big day, remember that your wedding cake isn't just a dessert; it's a delicious symbol of your love story and the journey you're embarking on together. From classic tiers to avant-garde designs, there's no limit to the creativity and joy that a well-crafted wedding cake can bring. 

Here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after – with a slice of cake in hand!