Can I save the top tier of my wedding cake?

Are you thinking about keeping the top tier of your wedding cake? Many couples wonder why this tradition exists, whether it’s still relevant, and how a cake could possibly last an entire year!!

Here’s what you need to know — and whether it’s worth doing for you.

Wedding at Growwild Wildflower Farm

Where the Tradition Comes From

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake dates back to the 19th century. Originally, the top tier was kept to celebrate the birth of the couple’s first child, as it was expected that babies would follow soon after the wedding. Thankfully, times have changed, and today the tradition has evolved into saving the cake for your first wedding anniversary.

How Did Wedding Cakes Ever Last a Year?

Historically, wedding cakes were almost always fruit cake. Packed with dried fruit, sugar and alcohol, fruit cake is naturally preserved and can last for years when stored correctly. This made it ideal for elaborate decorating that often took days or weeks.

Modern wedding cakes, however, are very different. Most couples now choose butter cakes or similar styles because they’re lighter, more versatile, and available in a wide range of flavours. While butter cakes freeze well, they don’t have the same shelf life as fruit cake and will naturally deteriorate over time.

Can You Freeze the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake?

Yes and no. If your wedding cake is made with butter cake, it can absolutely be frozen but it is best enjoyed within three to four months. Longer than that, the cake will taste slightly dry or stale. Not unpleasant, just not quite the same as it was on your wedding day.

The most important step is to let your cake maker know in advance that you’d like to keep your top tier. They can recommend suitable cake flavours, fillings and finishes that will freeze better and be less likely to stale.

Cakes and Fillings That Freeze Best

Some cake types hold up better in the freezer than others. Rich, moist cakes such as carrot cake or mud cake tend to freeze better for longer periods than standard butter cake.

Fillings to avoid include fresh berries or fruit, which become mushy once defrosted, and custard, whipped cream or gelatin-based fillings, which can split or change texture.

How to Wrap and Freeze Your Wedding Cake

Proper storage makes all the difference to extending the shelf life of your cake.

1. Refrigerate the cake for around 30 minutes until the buttercream or filling is firm. This makes wrapping much easier. If you plan to freeze individual slices, cut them once the cake is chilled.

2. Wrap the cake or slices tightly in one to two layers of cling film, ensuring there are no exposed areas.

3. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and odours.

4. Label the container so you know exactly what it is — and how long it’s been frozen.

So, should you freeze the top tier of your wedding cake?

I personally don't recommend freezing your cake for a year. While the sentiment is wonderful, realistically the eating experience won't be great, putting a damper on what should be a wonderful celebration. I recommend instead, to order an anniversary cake from your wedding cake maker. Many cake makers will offer a small anniversary cake at a reduced cost for their existing clients. This way you can enjoy the same cake flavour you had for your wedding, and enjoy it just like you did on your actual Wedding Day.