For centuries, the wedding cake has been a staple, a way for the couple to express themselves with an edible, show-stopping centerpiece. Ancient Greeks and Romans would break bread over the brides head to symbolize the end of her purity, submission to her husband, and to represent good luck and fertility. During the Middle Ages, cakes were high-stacked, the couples would kiss over it, and if they were successful in kissing without knocking the cake over, it was believed they would be blessed with many children. The English then decided that child-bearing could be increased by throwing the cake at the bride! Originally wedding cakes were often plain and similar to today’s fruitcakes. By the 17th century sugar started to be more affordable, and white icing began being used as -not surprisingly- a symbol of the bride’s virginity, as well as an indicator of the wealth of the bride’s family. Colored icing, as well as having tiered cakes and elaborate designs indicated great affluence and social status. The symbolism of the couple serving each other is to show everyone that they promise to look out for each other, forever. The cake was originally intended to be passed out to wedding guests by only the bride in order to ensure fertility. However, as weddings began to be larger events this became a task for both the bride and groom. In time, the cake cutting ceremony began. The symbolism is that the hand of the groom is placed over that of the bride’s, to show his support and as a promise to take care of her and their future. The couple is encouraged to cut from the bottom tier, as a reminder of the relationship’s longevity. As for the attendees, having cake after it has been cut by the couple is believed to bring good luck. In the 19th century Groom’s cakes became a way to provide a masculine alternative and would usually include darker ingredients like chocolate, alcohol, and exotic spices. They would often be served as a take home favor for the guests with some single women sleeping with it under their pillow to dream of their future husbands! Learning all this we realized our bakers were under more pressure than we could imagine in creating their confectionary masterpieces. No matter what wedding traditions or lore you choose to embrace these Nashville bakeries are sure to make your wedding or event super sweet!
Baked In Nashville – Specializing in Cakes, Cookies, and French Macarons, Baked in Nashville is a top pick for our clients. Their tasting is incredible giving you multiple (up to 15!) cake and icing options. They have a highly skilled team that can make cake dreams for your event, business, birthday, graduation, or wedding come true.
Ivey Cake – An extraordinary bakery known by locals and stars for their fun themes and delivery, carved cakes, cupcakes towers, gender reveals, music…You can’t go wrong with a delicious masterpiece from this incredible gem!
Baked on 8th – Cakes, Cookies, and Pies, OH MY! Their design team is divine and talented, they can bring any idea to life with vibrance and texture that makes us happy, Daily sweet options, pop tarts, bars, krispies, scones… Baked on 8th is our go to for last minute cakes that still taste and look great. Wedding cakes are stunning and average $5 per person, they are not open for formal tastings but sell cake by the slice daily.
You’ve got plenty of great options here in Nashville, our biggest tip is to order your cake as soon as you can, have inspiration photos, and if it’s more than a double later, get delivery, trust us!!
