What flavor is traditional wedding cake?

Fruitcake has a long history in British weddings. It is rich, moist and keeps for a long time, which is why it was popular in the past. Couples would keep the top tier to celebrate the christening of their first child, or to enjoy on their first anniversary. The dense texture and strong flavour meant it did not spoil easily.

Today, fruitcake is still a traditional choice, especially for formal or winter weddings. It is often covered with a layer of marzipan and then white royal icing, which gives a clean, elegant look. Some couples choose a light fruitcake, which is less heavy and has more sponge and fewer fruits. Others go for a dark fruitcake with more alcohol, like brandy or rum.

But tradition does not mean you have to have fruitcake. Many modern couples prefer a lighter sponge, like vanilla or lemon, and save the fruitcake for a small top tier or a groom's cake. If you want to honour tradition but not the taste, you can have a fruitcake top tier for cutting and a sponge for serving. Or you can skip it altogether. The choice is yours, and your cake should reflect what you love.