There are various traditions and beliefs involving the wedding cake. It isn't just a piece of dessert, it is actually a focal point of the event. Basic things to keep in mind about the wedding cake is that it must be of a flavor that you, the bride and groom love. Remember this is your day! It should look the way you want and taste the way you want.

Over the years, heaven knows why, the wedding cake doesn't always get eaten. In some countries, after the couple have their slice, the cake sits untouched except to let the single women pull fortune slips (sort of like fortune cookies) out from under the cake layers tagged with ribbons. This is really sad! Think of the delicious uneaten cake and the kids looking longingly at the beautiful sweet treat within reach that can't be touched.

One reason this may have come about is the belief that the cake (at least the top of it) should be preserved to celebrate the christening of their first child. Still, food is meant to be eaten. Enter the fake layers!

At a friend's wedding, only the portion to be sliced by the bride and groom was real. The rest of the cake was already sliced and individually packed. These they gave away as their souvenirs. What a delicious and practical gift.

One superstitious reason you may want to give out the cake, sharing the cake is said to be sharing the blessing and happiness and it comes back tenfold. Another reason is that singles who put a piece of the wedding cake under their pillow will dream of the person they will marry. Help your friends find their match, share the pastry.