One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the wedding planning process involves picking out your cake. As you go through this stage, you might be wondering how the tradition came to be and how it’s evolved over time. Here’s a closer look at the most interesting historical facts of the wedding cake and its rise to importance.

The Beginning of the Tradition

The first recorded accounts of wedding cakes come from ancient Rome, in which tradition called for the groom to break a barley cake over the bride’s head. Barley, which was a primary component of Rome’s agriculture, symbolized fertility, and the tradition was meant to give the new couple good fortune in starting a family. Afterward, wedding guests would pick up all the scattered crumbs and bring them home in the hopes of retaining a bit of luck.

Later, after the Romans conquered England, wedding traditions began to change. Creating cakes was still a part of the wedding planning process, but in medieval times, they evolved from barley cakes to stacked spiced buns.

Rather than smashing the cake over the bride’s head, the couple would now attempt to seal the marriage with a kiss over the stack, all while trying not to knock it over.

Modern Wedding Cake Traditions

In 1685, the first modern wedding dessert came about. At the time, sugar was a rarity, leading to wedding pies rather than cakes.

Later on, when the ingredient was a bit more common, cakes were incorporated into the tradition, although they were often reserved for those wealthy enough to afford the luxury. These creations were complex in decor, albeit traditional in flavor with simple vanilla profiles.

Eventually, as sugar became accessible to everyone, wedding cakes became the norm. Over time, bakers began to get more creative with their creations, offering unique flavor combinations and tiered designs that made for lasting memories.

If you’re newly engaged and excited to embark on the wedding planning process, look no further than Makoy Center in Hilliard, OH. For over 30 years, this premier wedding venue has helped residents throughout Franklin County with every step involved in putting together a beautiful day, from choosing a wedding cake to selecting decor. Visit them online to learn more about their facility and call (614) 777-1211 to get started with wedding planning today.