The
popularity of a pioneer bride was said to be judged by the size
of her wedding cake. Guests would bring layers of cake, which
were then filled with applesauce and stacked. The more popular
the bride, the taller and more numerous her stacks.
The
bride's cake, symbolic of fertility and abundance, is traditionally
a three-tiered white sponge cake, frosted in white royal or buttercream
icing. Tradition, however, has crumbled. Brides are now choosing
cakes of German chocolate, Italian rum, strawberry, carrot, yellow
and white... in other words you may accommodate your own Sweet
tooth.
Choose
your baker by sampling his or her cakes, if possible, and by looking
over his or her album of cake designs and styles. You will find
cakes designed around fountains and bridges as well as multitiered
and sheet cakes. Your fantasy becomes reality with a creative
baker. Select your baker at least three to six months in advance..
. be prepared to describe your wedding. the number of guests,
location and time. Some multitiered cakes are generally assembled
at the reception site. Be sure you allow enough time for delivery
and setup. A deposit of 25 to 50% is customarily given at the
time you place your order.
Request
a receipt describing the type of cake you've ordered, its filling,
icing, style and color of decorations. The decoration on the top
of your cake can be as unique as the cake it self. Fresh flowers
and delicate glass blown tops are charming decorations.
Your
baker will give you cutting instructions. Remember, when you make
the first cut, hold the knife in your right hand. Your groom's
hand closes over yours and together you cut a slice. This is the
result of an ancient Greek custom where a couple shared a sesame
seed cake to ensure theirs would be a fruitful marriage.
The
top layer of your wedding cake is generally wrapped and frozen
to await the special celebration of your first anniversary.