One of the final decisions that couples have to make before their big day is if they should save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary. This wedding tradition has been around for a long time, but is it one you wish to include in your ceremony? I personally kept the top tier from our wedding cake, and my husband and I both enjoyed having it to remind us of where we were a year earlier. But I think reminiscing about our wedding day was the best part of eating our old, defrosted cake.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the celebration and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world. However, I realize that it’s not for everyone, and the traditions around saving the top tier have changed. Couples use to save it to celebrate their first baby, which usually occurred much sooner than it does today. Over time the tradition changed to be part of the first anniversary celebration. Today, fewer people are opting to save the top tier and choose to enjoy it at the reception or the following day.
If you do decide to freeze your top tier for your anniversary here’s some hints help prevent freezer burn:
- Remove any decorations from the top tier that could puncture the plastic wrap.
- Place it in the box provided and put it in the freezer for about two hours. This will allow it to firm up enough for you to properly wrap it.
- Using plastic wrap, firmly wrap the tier until the entire surface has two layers of wrap covering it.
- Wrap again with aluminum foil.
- Place inside the box and return it to the freezer.
To properly defrost the cake, take it out of the freezer the day before your anniversary and place it in the refrigerator. About two hours before you want to eat it, remove the foil and plastic wrap. Cover lightly and place on the counter to finish defrosting at room temperature.