August 2005
UK wedding waves tierful goodbye to the traditional fruit cake
The ultimate symbol of the traditional British wedding may be disappearing forever.
A recent survey by SuperCook, the leading manufacturer of cake and dessert decorations and ingredients, revealed that 83%* of engaged couples are opting for alternatives such as individual fairy cakes, rich chocolate sponge cake, chocolate fondues and even cheeses topped with nuts to cut in place of the traditional three-tier fruit cake.
Thought of by many as a timeless classic, the 3 tier white wedding cake has been an integral part of the marriage celebrations and is an icon that represents the beginning of a new family unit, since the 18th century when Mr Rich an 18th century pastry cook of Fleet Street modelled his famous wedding cakes on the spire of St Bride’s Church in London – known as the Fleet Street Cathedral.
But the white wedding cake is becoming history itself according to new research out today that reveals just how many couples are ditching tradition in favour of innovative new selections.
Traditionally a fruitcake was used as it is made from ingredients that allow it to be kept for some time and therefore the top tier was left uncut and stored until the couple’s first wedding anniversary or the christening of their first child. However with the number of re-marriages doubling since 1970, there isn’t the same significance of keeping the top tier for the firstborn christening as families often consist of children from first and second marriages, or contain children born out of wedlock.
This reduced need for long term storage of the top tier has fuelled changing tastes in wedding cakes and explains why 83%* of couples are opting for a sponge alternative. You can let your pallet decide, whether it’s a chocoholics dream or an indulgent praline torte. Some even opt for the best of all worlds with a different flavour for each layer.
Gill Davies, marketing manager at SuperCook commented: “The trend in more adventurous wedding cakes reflects the fact that people today see their wedding as a chance to express their individuality. By opting for an unusual cake design or filling, the couple getting married are not only choosing a delicious treat for guests, but also making a statement about the type of people they are. Bright coloured icings are now setting the trend. Chocolate sponge cakes, fairy cakes, profiterole mountains and cakes made in the shape of the bride and groom’s hobbies are all high on the list of favourites!