Saving the Top Tier
Saving the Top Tier
With multi-tier cakes, most couples decide that they would like to save the top tier for a later time. The process involves freezing the cake for consumption as much as a year after the ceremony.
This tradition has its roots in the late 19th century when grand cakes were baked for the occasion of the christening of a child. It was expected that the christening would occur soon after the wedding ceremony, so the two ceremonies were often linked, as were the cakes.
With the increasing complexity of the wedding cake, however, the christening cake soon became a paltry partner for the wedding cake. When three tier cakes became popular, the top tier was often left over after the reception.
A christening provided a good reason for disposing them. People could then rationalize the need for three tiers, the bottom tier for the reception, the middle tier for distributing and the top for the christening.
As time wore on, the wedding became less and less associated with procreation. So the reason for saving the top tier has expanded.
Whatever the reason, when the top tier is finally consumed, it serves as a reminder of the happy occasion for the couple.
