Smear Campaign

Traditionally, the bride and groom feeding each other a piece of wedding cake symbolizes how the couple will nourish their relationship. The custom of brides and grooms smashing cake into each other's faces is a relatively new idea, according to Carol Flynn of Creative Cakes by Carol. 

"It was not thought of in the '70s," she says. Cake smashing has fans and detractors, so it's probably a good idea to discuss your feelings about it with your spouse-to- be before the wedding day to avoid any ugly scenes. We asked cake professionals and brides their feelings regarding this practice:

"I hate that with all my heart,"
- Nancy Johnson, Like No Other Bakery

"I think it's rude, obnoxious and almost puts a jinx on the marriage."
- Carol Flynn, Creative Cakes by Carol

"We really had a great time with it. We made a big thing with it. I always wanted to do it. My parents did it and I wanted to do it."
- Sue Sanicky, bride and cake decorator at Little London Cake Shoppe

"I even had a bride and groom get so into it, they knocked the cake over."
- Carol Flynn, Creative Cakes by Carol

"It's nicer when the give each other little bites."
- Shirley Fisher, employee at Little London Cake Shoppe

"I think it's not a good idea. A little smudge here and there is OK."
- Maggie Moran, Celebrations by Maggie

"This is a big no-no in my book. This is the only day that I will spend so much money on my hair, make-up and dress, and I do not want it to be ruined by getting cake smashed in my face. I think it is out of respect, too, that the couple do not smash it into each other's face."
- Dené Manago, bride

"I think if they spend $1,000 on a cake, they can do what they want with it."
- Sue Sanicky, bride and cake decorator at Little London Cake Shoppe

"The first taste is the symbol of love. I'd rather it be ingested and not displayed."
- Nancy Johnson, Like No Other Bakery