Do you keep the top tier of your wedding cake?
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! As you dive into the excitement of planning your big day, there are so many details to think about. One of the most fun decisions—besides choosing your dress or picking the music—is selecting your wedding cake. Whether you’re dreaming of a tall, multi-tiered masterpiece or a sweet, simple confection, your cake will be a centrepiece of your celebration.
If you’ve been wondering about the tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake, you’re not alone. It’s a question many couples ask while planning, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. There are sentimental reasons for saving it, but it’s also a practical choice that can add an extra layer of joy to your first anniversary. So let’s talk through this timeless tradition, why you might want to save a piece of each tier, and how I can help you design a cake that works perfectly for your celebration and beyond.
Why Do Couples Save the Top Tier of the Wedding Cake?
The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake dates back a few generations. Historically, the top tier was preserved for the christening of the couple's first child. Over time, this evolved, and many couples now save the top tier to enjoy on their first anniversary, symbolising the continuity of their love and commitment. The custom has become a sweet way to mark a year of marriage with a nostalgic taste of your wedding day.
But is it still relevant today? Absolutely! Couples continue to cherish this tradition for a few reasons:
A Sweet Reminder of Your Wedding Day: Your wedding cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of your big day—the joy, the love, and the celebration. Keeping a portion of the cake allows you to relive those happy moments a year later. It’s a lovely way to reconnect with the feeling of your wedding day, even if it’s been a busy year.
Sentimental Value: Many couples see the top tier as a keepsake, a tangible reminder of the promises you made to each other. Sharing that piece of cake on your first anniversary can be a sweet and intimate moment, reliving your vows and memories together.
A Tradition That’s Fun to Share: Imagine the fun of sharing your top tier a year later, with just the two of you, or perhaps even with close family or friends who shared your big day. It’s a sweet way to reminisce, laugh, and bond over the memories from your wedding.
But Wait… Should You Save the Top Tier Only or a Piece From Every Tier?
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to limit yourself to just saving the top tier. In fact, I recommend saving a piece from each tier of your wedding cake. Why? Here are a few reasons why this can be a great idea:
Different Tiers, Different Flavors: Many couples go all out with different flavours in each tier, so why limit yourself to just one? By saving a piece from each tier, you’ll get to enjoy all those delicious flavourshere a year later. Whether you’re savouring rich chocolate, zesty lemon and elderflower, or classic vanilla and wildberry, you can treat yourself to a little bit of everything when your anniversary rolls around. the rest of my flavours can be found here! Or you can taste them here.
More Memories, More Cake: Let’s be real—wedding cakes are a big part of the celebration. They symbolize the joy, love, and excitement of the day. So why not save more of it to enjoy it again? Saving a piece from each tier means you’re holding onto a bit more of that magical feeling. Imagine sitting down on your anniversary, opening the box, and sharing that first bite. It’ll be a mini celebration all over again.
Extra Special: Sometimes life gets busy after the wedding, and it’s hard to make time for “small” things like preserving a cake. If you save a piece from every tier, you’re guaranteeing that there’s a little extra cake to enjoy later, even if life gets in the way. Plus, there’s no better excuse for having a mini-anniversary party with cake, right?
The Science of Saving Wedding Cake: How to Store It Properly
One of the most common questions couples ask is whether wedding cake will actually taste good after being frozen for a year. The short answer is: yes! But the key to keeping it fresh is proper storage.
Here’s a quick guide to make sure your cake is ready for that one-year anniversary celebration:
Wrap It Tight: Immediately after your wedding, wrap your top tier (or the pieces from each tier you want to keep) tightly in plastic wrap. You want to ensure there’s no air getting in to dry it out. I recommend wrapping it in two or three layers to keep it as fresh as possible.
Use an Airtight Container: After wrapping, place the cake in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This will keep the cake from absorbing any freezer odours and help lock in moisture.
Freeze Right Away: The sooner you freeze the cake after your wedding, the better. Ideally, try to freeze it within a few hours of the ceremony. The quicker you seal it up, the less chance it is for the cake to dry out or lose flavour. I have a post here all about how to freeze your wedding cake.
Label the Date: Don’t forget to label your cake with the date it was frozen. This way, when your anniversary arrives, you’ll know exactly when to take it out and enjoy it.
The First Anniversary Cake: What to Expect
Now, the big question: will it still taste as good after a year in the freezer? In most cases, yes! Wedding cakes are often rich and moist, and they hold up well in the freezer. However, the type of cake matters, I’ll work with you to choose a cake that not only looks amazing but also freezes well if you want to keep the tradition going.
On your first anniversary, it’s essential to thaw the cake properly. Allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before cutting into it. This helps preserve the texture and flavour, so you can enjoy it just as much as you did on your wedding day.
Why You Should Book Your Wedding Cake with Me
If you’re still debating whether or not to save the top tier (or a slice from each tier), let me help make the process easier for you! Here’s why booking your wedding cake with me can make all the difference:
Expert Guidance: I’ve helped hundreds of couples create the perfect wedding cake, and I’ll make sure yours is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. From cake flavour to design, I’m here to help you choose what works best for you, and we’ll talk through the pros and cons of saving your top tier or a slice from each tier.
Personalised Design: Your cake should reflect your style, whether you’re into classic elegance, whimsical details, or something in between. I’ll work with you to create a design that fits your wedding theme, your personality, and your taste.
Freshness Guaranteed: I’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your cake stays fresh for your anniversary. From perfect storage techniques to the best cakes for freezing, you can rest assured your cake will taste amazing when the time comes.
Stress-Free Experience: Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. By working with me, I’ll take the cake stress off your plate (pun intended!) so you can focus on enjoying the other aspects of your wedding planning.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to save just the top tier, a piece from each tier, or opt for a small anniversary cake instead, the choice is yours. What matters most is that you create a wedding experience that’s uniquely yours—and that includes your cake!
I’m here to make sure your wedding cake not only looks amazing but is delicious and memorable. Let’s chat about how I can help make your wedding cake dreams come true and ensure you have a sweet memory to look forward to on your first anniversary!
Ready to start planning? Contact me today to book your consultation, and let’s create the perfect cake for your big day—and beyond!
