Traditions Associated With Wedding Cakes

Since centuries, there have been many traditions that have been associated with wedding cakes, which have their origins in different parts of the world. Over the years, some of these traditions have passed the test of time, and are still being honored today, whereas some (thankfully!) are not practiced anymore. Here's a look at some wedding cake traditions and their significance.

The wedding cake, as we know it today, was originally made of many little wheat cakes. These were broken over the head of the new bride. This tradition was meant to bestow fertility and good luck to the new bride for her married life. This is one wedding cake tradition, which is fortunately for the bride, not practiced any more.

The cutting of the wedding cake is not done just to signify the end of the wedding formalities. At one time, the wedding cake was cut only by the bride, and was symbolic of her upcoming loss of virginity. But today, this tradition includes the groom as well, and cutting the cake and sharing the first bite with each other, symbolizes that the wedded couple promises to share a whole new life together.

According to another wedding cake tradition, if an unmarried person sleeps with a piece of a wedding cake under their pillow, they will dream of their future spouse that night. This is one custom that is sure to excite the single guests at your wedding!

The top tier of the wedding cake was traditionally kept and used at the christening of the couple's first child. But today, this tradition has been modified slightly, and the top tier is saved to be used at the couple's first anniversary.

Another tradition was to place charms in the wedding cake, which were attached to ribbons. A bridesmaid would pull at a ribbon, and depending on the charm that she uncovered, her fortune would be indicated. The charms that were traditionally used, and their respective meanings are:
- A Heart: Will bring love.
- A Clover: Meant good luck
- An Engagement Ring: You're the next to wed
- An Anchor: Adventure will come
- A Flower: Love is going to bloom
- A Horseshoe: You are lucky in life