Weddings may never be the same again, now that social distancing has become the new norm for many. Why not use this opportunity of change to 'throw out' some of those classic wedding traditions and instead opt for some modern twists? Read on to find out how these traditions have evolved over the years, and how you can make them your own!
Modern Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Cakes
Did you know the original tradition of 'wedding cakes' dates all the way to Ancient Rome? It was custom for the groom to break a savoury wheat or barley loaf over the bride's head, as a symbol of fertility and good luck for the marriage. In medieval times, this translated into the stacking of slightly sweeter foods such as cookies, scones and buns. In the 16th Century, elaborate wedding pies filled with all kinds of expensive meats were very popular. A century later saw fruit cakes for the grooms and white-iced pound cakes for the bride; the white icing symbolising purity and wealth. When refined sugar became much more affordable, the wedding cakes we know and love today started to become commonplace.Â
So, what modern twists now replace a wedding cake? If you have a sweet tooth, why not consider a tower of doughnuts, cupcakes or macarons instead? Your wedding guests will love something different and it saves having to cut up a whole cake. If you'd prefer something more savoury, why not have your wedding cake made of cheese? Godminster creates the most delicious cheese wedding cakes that you can decorate however you like. Perhaps with figs, grapes, or even strawberries. It's a brilliant alternative to the traditional fruit cake, and will make your guests go WOW! And what's more, you can also get cheese gift sets which would make the perfect thank you presents to your bridal party.Â
Modern Wedding Transport Alternatives
Traditional wedding transport varies dramatically across different cultures. In China, beautiful, ornate sedans often carried the bride to the ceremony. In India, it is common that the groom's arrival is anticipated, not the bride's, and he would travel in a traditional procession called the Baraat. The very wealthy might even get to travel on the back of an elephant! Here in the UK, our traditional wedding transport was a horse-drawn carriage, which then moved onto the classic wedding cars still in use today.
Instead of a traditional wedding car, go for something fun like this incredible campervan available to hire from The Cotswold Campervan Company. It's easy to decorate with flowers and bunting, and the spacious interior means more people can fit inside than a traditional wedding car. The campervan makes for fantastic photo opportunities and will surely bring a smile to you and your guests' faces! You could also consider a wedding bus or even a helicopter if your venue allows!