Wedding cake

A decorated cake, often in several tiers, served at a wedding reception and cut by the couple as part of the celebration.

Wedding cake: A three-tier white wedding cake with smooth buttercream and simple fresh flowers
  • Cakes, cookies, pastries and baked goods

In the United States, the classic wedding cake is a white or vanilla layer cake with buttercream or fondant, stacked in tiers. Each tier sits on a cake board supported by dowels or straws, so the lower layers are not crushed. In Britain and Ireland, rich fruitcake covered in marzipan and royal icing is traditional.

Cutting the first slice together is a common custom. Some couples save the top tier to eat on their first anniversary. Today, wedding cakes range from simple naked cakes to elaborate sugar sculptures.

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Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Let Them Eat Cake, Utah State University