Weddings are steeped in traditions that can be unique to a particular culture, religion, or family. One such custom that has been around for centuries is the practice of saving a slice of wedding cake to be eaten on the couple’s first anniversary. It’s a beautiful way to relive the magic of the moment when they took their vows and promised to share their lives together. But have you ever wondered why people freeze part of their wedding cake? In this blog post, we will delve into origins of this tradition and the reasons behind it.
History of saving the wedding cake
The tradition of saving a piece of the wedding cake dates back to ancient Rome. In those days, guests would break a loaf of bread over the bride’s head to symbolize good fortune and fertility. The crumbs were then collected and eaten by the newlyweds. After some time, the bread was replaced with a sweet pastry. This is how we got the modern-day wedding cake.
Saving the cake wasn’t always the norm, though. In earlier times, it was customary to give your guests a small piece of cake wrapped in gauze to symbolize your appreciation. It wasn’t until the Victorian era that a baker started stacking tiers of cake on top of each other, adding the ornate decorations we see on them today.
Legend has it that the tradition of keeping a tier of the wedding cake started during the 19th century. According to a popular belief, newlyweds would save their top tier for their first child’s christening, which was usually a year later. While it may be true, there’s another story that gained popularity in the early 20th century.
Freezing the wedding cake: A 20th-century tradition
In the early 1900s, brides would sometimes have leftover cake after their wedding reception. They either gave it to family and friends or discarded it. However, things changed during the Great Depression in the 1930s; people had to manage with little or no money. Consequently, saving the leftover wedding cake became a wise solution to celebrate the newlyweds’ first-anniversary while still adhering to the budget.
At that time, freezing the leftover cake was the most practical solution. People used a simple cardboard box to store and freeze the cake. Freezing helped to preserve the flavor and texture of the cake, so they could enjoy it a year later.
But why did people think that eating the same cake a year later was a good idea?
Psychologically reliving the wedding day
The first reason why people freeze their wedding cake is to relive the joy and happiness on their wedding day. Eating a slice of their wedding cake on their first anniversary is like a time capsule, bringing back memories of the wedding day. The cake probably tasted amazing on their special day, so nothing beats that flavor when they bite into the cake a year later.
Furthermore, when couples cut the cake at their wedding reception, the moment is captured forever in photos and videos. The wedding cake freeze-frame captures a sense of nostalgia and romance. So, by eating the cake on their first anniversary, couples can relive the magic of that day, even if it’s just for a short moment.
The superstitious aspect of freezing the wedding cake
As with many traditions, there is a degree of superstition attached to the idea of eating the wedding cake on the first anniversary. Many people believe that freezing the wedding cake brings good luck and prosperity to the couple. In some cultures, the groom’s parents will freeze the top layer of the wedding cake as a way to ensure that their son and his bride will have many children.
Other superstitions say that if the couple eats the wedding cake on their first anniversary, they will experience sweetness and love in their marriage. If the cake is moldy or stale, it can be considered a bad omen for the marriage. Therefore, many couples take precautions to preserve its freshness.
Preserving the wedding cake
To ensure the longevity of the cake’s flavor, there are some ground rules to follow. Firstly, the cake should be stored correctly. Remove any frosting, decorations, or ornaments, then wrap the cake in wax paper or parchment paper tightly. Once the cake is tightly wrapped, double-wrap the cake in foil and place it in a resealable plastic bag to minimize air exposure. Finally, store the cake in the freezer at zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. To thaw the cake, put it in the refrigerator a day before their anniversary. This allows the cake to thaw slowly and evenly. When the time comes, you have a fresh and delicious cake to enjoy.
Conclusion
Freezing your wedding cake and eating it on your first wedding anniversary is a sweet and thoughtful tradition. It connects the present with the past, preserving a special moment in time, and adds to the overall joy of your first year of marriage. Whether it’s for nostalgia, superstition, or practicality, saving a slice of the wedding cake is a timeless custom that will never die. If you’re getting married, make sure to keep the top layer of your cake, and start your own tradition.
FAQ
Can I eat my frozen wedding cake?
The tradition of eating wedding cake on your first anniversary is a very sweet and romantic one that many couples still practice today. However, a common question that comes up is whether or not it is safe to eat the cake after being frozen for a year. Fortunately, the expert sources that shared their cake-preservation advice with Inverse agree that freezing cake for a year is relatively harmless, so long as the cake is preserved properly in the first place.
The most important factor in preserving your wedding cake is how it is stored. To ensure that the cake will maintain its freshness and flavor for a full year, you should follow a few simple guidelines. First, make sure that the cake is completely cooled before you start wrapping it up to freeze. Once it has cooled, cover the cake with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent any outside air from getting in. Then, wrap the cake in a layer of aluminum foil; this will help keep it from getting freezer burn.
After the cake is properly wrapped, put it in the freezer and try not to open the door too often. If you need to take the cake out for any reason, make sure to let it come up to room temperature before opening the wrapping. This will help prevent any moisture from getting in and causing the cake to go bad.
When it comes time to thaw your wedding cake, you should do so slowly and carefully. Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This will give it time to thaw out without getting too moist. Once the cake is thawed, you can remove it from the wrapping and enjoy a sweet, romantic treat with your spouse.
If you take the necessary precautions to properly preserve your wedding cake, freezing it for a year should not pose any significant health risks. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for wrapping and storing the cake, and take your time thawing it out when the time comes. Enjoy your sweet treat and happy anniversary!
Do you freeze your wedding cake and eat it a year later?
Freezing the wedding cake and eating it a year later on the couple’s first anniversary is a long-held tradition that has been followed by many couples. The origin of this tradition dates back to a time when weddings were celebrated with fruitcakes that were soaked in liqueur. This tradition was believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds, as well as symbolize the continuation of their marriage.
Freezing the cake is a fairly simple process; all the couple has to do is wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and then place it in the freezer. However, it is important to note that not all kinds of cake can be preserved in this manner. It is recommended to choose a cake that has a sturdy frosting, such as a buttercream or fondant frosting, as they can withstand freezing without melting or becoming soggy.
When it comes to thawing the cake, it is suggested to slowly bring it to room temperature by removing it from the freezer and allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Once the cake has thawed, it can then be removed from the wrapping and decorated with fresh frosting or decorations.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eating the wedding cake after a year will bring good luck, it is still a sweet and sentimental thing to do. It adds another layer of symbolism to the couple’s special day, reminding them of their love and dedication to each other even a year later.
What happens to leftover cake at wedding?
At the end of a wedding reception, there is often leftover cake from the dessert table sitting idly by. While it’s important to account for how much cake will be needed for each guest, there is always a chance that some will be left behind.
Couples and their caterers often have a few options when it comes to dealing with leftover wedding cake. One popular solution is to donate the extra cake to a local charity or food bank. Especially if there are still large quantities left, such as a full tier of the cake, a food donation could help feed people in need. This not only helps reduce waste but also brings a little bit of joy to those who may not have had the opportunity to partake in wedding festivities.
Another solution is to send guests home with any extra slices. Talk to your caterer and let them know that you want to box up extra cake; they should be able to recommend boxes or containers that’ll fit the bill. Guests can grab a slice for a late-night snack or a sweet breakfast treat the next morning. This is a popular option because couples often want to ensure that their guests are well-fed and happy before departing.
A third option is to work with wedding vendors to distribute the cake. Sometimes, wedding photographers, DJ’s, or other vendors will enjoy a sweet treat after a long day of work. In this case, the caterer can package up the extra cake and distribute it to those who helped make the wedding day possible. It’s a small gesture, but it often creates a sense of community and camaraderie among wedding vendors.
There are many ways to deal with leftover wedding cake, and it will often depend on how much cake is left over, the couple’s preferences, and catering plans. Regardless of what is done, it’s important to minimize waste and consider those who may benefit from an extra slice of cake.
