When you imagine a wedding, one of the first images is the cake. Unlike the rings or the attire, it is for everyone, not only the couple at the altar. Like many ceremonial dishes, the wedding cake has a long and exciting history that extends around the world. If you’re curious about them, below are a few aspects you should know. 

The History of Wedding Cakes

Classical Antiquity

One of the earlier mentions of a wedding cake is in the first-century B.C. poem “De Rerum Natura,” which translates to “On the Nature of Things.” Written by the Roman philosopher Lucretius, there is a reference to the ceremonial act of breaking a sweet wheat cake over a bride’s head that to call for favorable fortune. Guests could then take the crumbs for their luck, one of the first instances of wedding favors.

Early Modern Period

By the 17th century, the choice of dessert for a wedding in Europe was pie. They weren’t sweet either. According to “The Accomplisht Cook,” an English cookbook written by Robert May, the “Bride’s Pye” was savory. Not only did it include spiced meats, but the animal’s organs as well.

Another interesting addition to the Bride’s Pye was the act of hiding rings within it. It was a common belief that any female guest who discovered one would become the next bride in the community. Although savory pies didn’t continue as a wedding tradition, superstition about who will be the next bride connects to the act of throwing the bouquet today.

Modern

The modern wedding cake, with its grand height and intricate designs, has origins in Queen Victoria’s wedding in 1840. Multi-tiered, it was more than a foot tall with a nine-foot circumference and a weight of 300 pounds. It was also entirely covered in white icing, which is now known as “royal icing.” At the top was a handful of ornate, finely sculpted figures, including the bride and groom, one of their dogs, a pair of turtle doves, and a handful of cherubic cupids. Rich in detail and personality, a clear inspiration for modern designs.

Whether you want an elaborate multi-tier confection or something less traditional, trust Emerson’s Bakery in Florence, KY. With 50 years of experience and five locations throughout northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, they’ll make your dessert memorable and delicious. If you aren’t planning a wedding, they’re also available for other special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries. For everyday events, they have an assortment of unique donuts and cookies. To learn more about their menu, visit the website or call (859) 371­9228.