Tastries Wedding Packet

Rituals and traditions are woven into every culture; many are so ancient they have been forgotten. The wedding ceremony itself is one of our culture’s oldest and most sacred traditions we share. The sacrament of marriage, ordained by God, reflects His love for each of us and the covenant He designed between husband and wife. 

Taking vows, making public declarations, and serving both your guests and one another are meaningful elements of our culture’s wedding ceremony and reception.  Understanding the purpose behind these traditions adds depth to your celebration and makes your wedding day even that much more meaningful and memorable. 

​

 “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:5

The Wedding Cake

Many engaged couples spend countless hours searching for the perfect wedding cake, yet few realize the rich and meaningful history behind this tradition. Wedding cakes, including their tiers, color, cake cutting and even their presence at the celebration, trace back to Roman and Medieval times.

For centuries the wedding cake has held a place of honor at the reception, often serving as the centerpiece of the celebration – a symbol of joy, unity and abundance.

Stacking of the Cake

In some cultures, the tradition of stacking the cake symbolized fertility and blessing. Couples would stack as many layers as possible, believing the number of tiers represented the number of children they would have together. Today many couples continue the tradition by choosing a stacked cake, often complemented by dessert bars, cupcakes, or additional treats for their guests.

“So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28
 

​

The Creative Custom Design

It is our desire to create a cake that beautifully reflects your theme, personality, colors and taste, thoughtfully blended in a way that expresses the two of you as a couple. When you envision your wedding day, you see a picture formed by love, anticipation and commitment.

For some, it is simply the moment you see your future spouse for the first time on your wedding day.  For others it is the wedding colors, décor, and atmosphere that set the tone for the celebration.  This day is your sacred beginning as husband and wife – surrounded by family and friends, honoring God, celebrating the life you are building together.

​

“Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.' So, the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man, he made into a woman and brought her to the man.” Genesis 2:18–25 
 

Making the Magical Cut
Cutting your wedding cake together as husband and wife, hands joined on the knife, represents the first domestic act you will perform together.   It is one of the most photographed moments of the day and carries deep symbolism.

Whether you have ordered a grand cake or a smaller cake paired with a dessert bar, the act of cutting and serving the cake represents your first act of hospitality as a married couple. Just as you will welcome friends and family in your home, cutting and serving your cake as husband and wife is the first act of hospitality you will perform together. It is a ceremonial representation of the hospitality you will extend together as a new family unit. 
 

"For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So, they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate." Mark 10:6-9

The second part of the cake cutting tradition involves the bride and groom feeding one another a piece of the cake they’ve just cut together.  This too, is a deeply meaningful ceremonial act. When the husband takes a piece of cake and feeds his wife the first bite, he is symbolically expressing his promise to care of her and provide for their family. Likewise, when the wife feeds her husband, she is ceremonially showing her commitment to care for her husband and support their life together.

Centuries ago, Roman weddings used bread loaves in place of today’s wedding cake. The groom would break the bread loaf over his bride’s head, hoping for many crumbs – a symbol of the many blessings they would share in their life together.

This ritual has nothing to do with who earns the income or prepares the meals. Feeding one another the first bite of wedding cake is a visual representation of the vows spoken only moments before the cake was cut. It is your first opportunity, as husband and wife, to provide for each other.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10
 

Helpful Hint: Even if you feel confident cutting a cake —perhaps you’ve mastered birthday cakes— your wedding cake deserves special care. Placing the knife in the wrong spot could cause your delicate tower to shift or topple over. Traditionally, the bottom tier is used for the Magical Cut.  

Tastries will place a special design on your cake to indicate exactly where to make the first cut - a little reminder we are praying for you, your wedding day, and enduring love blessed by God.  

For the cleanest cut, use the knife (not the server) on the bottom tier. The groom places his hand over the bride’s hand to help guide the first slice.  Slide the piece onto the server and place it on a plate. Use the knife to cut the slice into two small portions. Each of you will take your own piece from the same plate for the ceremonial feeding of the cake.  

When you purchase a custom cake or dessert bar from Tastries ($350+), you will receive a 6-inch top-tier replica for your One-Year Anniversary at a cost of $25, allowing you to enjoy your celebration without the need to preserve the original top tier.

Smile & Say “ Tastries ”

Along with the Marriage Kiss, Grand Entrance, First Dance and Bouquet Toss, the Cake Cutting tradition is one of the most beloved moments captured in wedding photography. It symbolizes your first joint task as newlyweds and provides a beautiful opportunity for lasting memories.

Photographers often take pictures of the cake being set up, guests gathered around the cake, and the iconic moment you make your magical cut and feed each other for the first time as husband and wife. Thoughtful attention to the background, lighting and visibility of your wedding cake will ensure these images become treasured keepsakes for years to come.            
             

Helpful Hint: Consider where your cake will be displayed. Whatever is directly behind the cake will appear in your pictures.  Is there enough space for guests to gather around? Will lighting allow everyone to clearly see this meaningful moment?

Many couples choose to place their cake in the center of the room or beside the head table.  Exploring all options ahead of time ensures your cake cutting tradition can be enjoyed by all.

​

Please let us know if you would like a cake stand. A cake stand is an affordable way to add height and elegance – an easy way to “add a layer” to your wedding cake presentation. 
 

The Groom's Cake

Early American weddings often included a groom's cake alongside the wedding cake. Today, this tradition continues as a way to highlight the groom's interests, hobbies, personality, and even their favorite sports teams. Groom’s cakes typically feature a contrasting color and flavor to the actual wedding cake.  

Recently trends include:
- The Half and Half Wedding cake: One half of the cake is decorated as a classic white wedding cake, and the other half as a delectable chocolate or groom-themed design.
- The Rehearsal Dinner Groom’s Cake: A cake secretly designed by the bride as a gift to her future husband, presented as a surprise the evening before the wedding.

The Gift of Hospitality
A wedding reception is an expression of hospitality. Wedding guests are more than attendees – they are witnesses to and participants in one of life’s most sacred covenants. By standing with you and supporting your union, they honor your marriage, and it is a privilege to honor them in return.

Traditionally, guests were sent home with a slice of wedding cake. Over time, this evolved into small keepsakes such as flower seeds, mints, or chocolates. Today, couples often choose treat boxes, personalized cookies, or dessert favors to thank their guests.  

Popular options include cookies personalized with the couple’s initials or wedding date, macarons tied with a ribbon, and thank-you note, or take-home boxes from a dessert bar. Each option is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for those who have come to celebrate your union.

Remember, the wedding reception is the celebration of your marriage vows and a thank you to your guests for sharing in your joy and witnessing the beginning of your life together.
 

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24