When planning a wedding, every choice tells a story. From flowers to favours, couples today are leaning into what feels personal, meaningful — and lasting. That’s why more brides and grooms are turning back to a classic: the wedding fruit cake.
At Grandpa’s Cakes, we’ve seen a growing trend — couples asking for traditional wedding fruit cakes with two or three tiers, iced simply and elegantly, designed to last well beyond the wedding day. But what’s behind this return to tradition?
A Rich History of Meaning
The fruit cake has long been the star of British weddings, dating back to the Middle Ages. Filled with preserved fruits and warming spices, it was a symbol of prosperity and fertility. In the Victorian era, wedding fruit cakes became more ornate — often towering and covered in white icing to symbolise purity.
Even Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip had a towering, richly decorated multi-tiered fruit cake at their wedding. Royal or not, the cake held a deep significance: not just for the day itself, but for what came after.
A Cake Built to Last
Unlike sponge or buttercream-filled cakes, fruit cakes have a long shelf life. That means you can order in advance, have peace of mind about storage, and even save a tier for a special future moment — like a one-year anniversary or a family christening.
Because the dried fruit is soaked (often in brandy) and the cake is slow-baked, it retains its moisture and flavour for months. In fact, many couples tell us their fruit cake tasted even better after being stored — a perfect metaphor for a maturing marriage!
Sustainability and Craftsmanship
Our cakes at Grandpa’s Cakes are lovingly baked in Suffolk using a traditional boiled fruit method. We infuse the fruit with brandy, gently simmer it to bring out its full flavour, and bake each tier with the attention it deserves. The result? A cake that feels like it has a story to tell.
Decorating With Your Own Style
Another reason couples love a traditional wedding fruit cake is its versatility. We offer cakes plain-iced, which means you can dress them up however you wish. Fresh flowers, seasonal foliage, silk ribbons, or heirloom toppers — you make it your own.
This DIY approach not only saves money, but allows for personal touches that make your cake truly yours.
A Cake That Grows With You
Perhaps most moving of all is this: a traditional fruit cake isn’t just for your wedding day. It’s for your story that follows. Saving a slice or a tier is like preserving a moment — one you can return to months, or even years, later.
So if you’re choosing a cake for your wedding and want something with flavour, history, and heart, consider a wedding fruit cake. It’s a timeless tradition worth reviving.
