Wedding Cakes

The wedding cake has long been a centrepiece of celebration, a symbol of love, unity, and sweet beginnings. But its story begins far from the delicate sugar flowers and smooth fondant we see today.

In ancient Rome, guests would break a loaf of barley bread over the bride’s head as a gesture of good luck and fertility. Thankfully, this somewhat messy custom didn’t stand the test of time. Over the centuries, the tradition evolved into sweetened buns and stacked pastries, each layer symbolising prosperity and abundance for the newlyweds.

By the 18th century, sugar icing had become a mark of wealth and sophistication. The more refined (and whiter) the icing, the higher the social status, which is how the pristine white wedding cake became the ultimate sign of elegance. Queen Victoria’s grand white cake in 1840 set the trend in motion, and multi-tiered confections soon became a wedding essential.

Today, the wedding cake is as individual as the couple cutting it. From minimalist buttercream tiers to hand-painted floral designs, drip cakes, or even croquembouche towers, there are no rules — only creativity. Modern couples are choosing flavours, colours, and designs that reflect their story, their style, and yes, their sweet tooth.

One thing’s for sure: we’ve come a long way from barley loaves, and most brides prefer to keep the cake on the plate, not in their hair.