Vera Wang on Weddings

The most memorable cakes are as imaginative as they are delicious. I personally love a bit of contrast or some element of surprise, such as morsels of fresh fruit inside layers of frosting or a chocolate cake under a sea of white butter cream. Texture is also important.

Since many wedding venues have bakers on staff, they may require that the cake be made in-house, so the food contract should be checked. Study magazines and cookery books for inspiration. If local bakers are uninspiring, it is feasible to have a cake delivered from another location. Most competent professionals have extensive photo-books to inspect.

Cutting the cake represents the start of the newlyweds' life together. The groom places his right hand over the bride's to guide it for the first cut. Superstition requires that the bride cut the first piece. The groom feeds the bride, then she in turn feeds him. This shared piece of cake symbolizes their first meal together.

As formal toasts usually follow the cutting of the cake, it is best to have the cake fairly early on. This is also an ideal opportunity for guests who wish to depart early to do so.

Copyright 2001 by V.E.W. LTD. Reprinted with permission by Harper Collins Publishers Inc, New York, NY