Cake Topper Preservation
Article by | Jennifer Satterfield
Photos by | Shelby Tsika Photography
Floral by | Tricia Barksdale Designs
A Time-honored One-year Anniversary Tradition
Preserving the top of your wedding cake and defrosting it on your one-year wedding anniversary has been a time-honored wedding tradition, meaning good luck and prosperity for newlyweds. The preserving and defrosting of the cake dates back to the early 19th century when couples would save the top of their cakes for the christening of their first child. Over time as couples decide to have children later in life or maybe not at all, the tradition remains but has changed to honoring and celebrating one year of marital bliss.
Every detail in the photos tells a story from our big day, for example:
*The champagne I popped in the bridal suite that almost resulted in setting off the sprinkler system in the hotel.
*The beautiful cake knife and server was gifted to us by my husband’s grandmother.
*The champagne glasses featured in the photos are from my aunt.
*The mint green car that appeared in many of our wedding detail photos reappears a year later at the top of our cake to symbolize the road trips my husband and I love to take together.
How to Preserve the Top of Your Wedding Cake
Depending on the size of your freezer, you will need to dedicate a shelf or large space to accommodate the top of your wedding cake.
Step 1 Start by wrapping the cake in plastic wrap, using the entire roll of plastic wrap. Make sure each layer is airtight. Once you get the layers started it will start to get easier as you wrap the cake.
Step 2 Finish wrapping the cake with at least two layers of heavy-duty foil.
Step 3 This step is optional, but it does create an additional layer of frost protection for your cake. Purchase a plastic cake box to set the cake inside and store in your freezer.
Wedding Pro Tip: Add freezing the top of your cake to your “wedding day-of to do list.” Assign a bridesmaid or a member of your wedding party who is detail-oriented to the task of helping you preserve the top of your wedding cake.
How to Defrost the Top of Your Wedding Cake
Defrosting the top of your wedding cake is almost as important as freezing. After all, you have dedicated most likely an entire shelf in your freezer to the top of your wedding cake for a year! Take the cake out of the freezer and let it defrost in the fridge two to three days before you are going to slice into the cake and enjoy it on your anniversary.
*DO NOT, I repeat, do not leave the cake out on the counter to defrost. This can make the cake soggy and mushy; you want to leave it in the fridge to slowly defrost.*
In addition to saving the top of the cake, consider recreating your wedding day and set up a commemorative photoshoot at The Light Room, a local photography studio in Downtown Bryan. I worked with my wedding photographer and wedding florist to recreate our special day and I even included a few elements from our wedding. The photos used in this story are photos of the top of our actual wedding cake.
Jennifer Satterfield is the founder and editor of JenniferSatterfield.com, a Southern lifestyle digital magazine, featuring hospitality, entertaining, and travel advice. Find inspiration for your next gathering or special occasion through Mrs. Satterfield’s colorful stories as she shares her passion for entertaining and connecting people. www.JenniferSatterfield.com and @growinguptexas on Facebook and Instagram