Traditionally, a wedding cake is made with tiers, wrapped in marzipan, and covered in a layer of white icing. In England, it would be a fruit cake, and slices offered not necessarily to eat, but as a souvenir to guests. A piece from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s union was auctioned for over £2,000 last year, 77 years after the event. Fruit has often been associated with fertility and abundance.
As history goes, the concept originates from the Romans. In Medieval England, weddings featured a "cake" of stacked spiced buns. A successful kiss over the tallest possible stack foretold prosperity for the couple.
But habits are evolving, and more couples are seeking alternatives, whether for aesthetic or personal reasons. Curiously, the elevated shape is consistent.
The croquembouche seems to be increasingly popular. Dated from the 17th century, this is a meticulously constructed tower of choux pastry puffs individually dipped in hard caramel and carefully assembled into a conical shape. It’s an impressive dessert centrepiece that has long held a place of honour at French wedding celebrations. Sure, the Gauls have a fixation with towers and spires. But the appeal of the croquembouche comes from both its visual spectacle and its practicality as a shared dessert. Couples traditionally unpick it as their first act together before inviting guests to enjoy it.
The macaron is another French pastry that has also become a universal wedding favourite. Their colourful shells and flavourful fillings, ranging from raspberry to salted caramel, make them a sophisticated and customisable option.
In Italy, the Millefoglie topped with fruit is still customary at weddings. But variants have started to emerge, and the tower continues to be a theme, like the cannoli tower. Originating from Sicilia, cannoli are pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream, sometimes enhanced with chocolate chips or pistachios. This has gained popularity in Italian weddings as a modern and culturally significant alternative. Or the striking visual presentation photographs better for social media.
Without doubt, pastries are gradually taking over the place at the top table once occupied by the wedding cake. They can make dramatic displays, and the pastel de nata is quickly catching on, as shown by multiple wedding planners and photographers. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate.
Quick bites
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https://in-bakery.com/bridor-offers-operators-a-new-vegan-collection/
