The history of the

wedding

cake began with bread (usually wheat) and was subsequently broken over the

head of the bride for a plentiful life and years of happiness. Guests scrambled

for the crumbs and partook of them eagerly as they were assumed to be tokens of

good luck.

More recently, brides and grooms kissed over bunches of little cakes and

later, the cakes were made into one with icing over them and thus the tiered

wedding cake custom began.

For many years, the top layer of the cake was frozen and then consumed on the

first anniversary. However, with the invent of preservatives, and who knows what

else, many now suggest this top layer be eaten on the one month anniversary or

soon after.

The groom's cake

is traditionally a "fruit cake" - no pun intended, that is said to bring

fertility to the newlyweds. The

grooms cake is

now appearing at many rehearsal dinners...