Wedding cake seems almost ho-hum, a go-to dessert that takes some stress off of menu planning, but these cakes are actually rooted in traditions that go back centuries.

In ancient Rome, a wheat or barley cake would be broken over the bride's head to symbolize good luck. Later, in medieval times, these cakes would be changed into bread buns.

Wedding guests would pile up sweet breads and buns for the married couple, who would then try to kiss each other over the top of the tower. The buns then evolved into wedding pie.

At 17th century weddings, the English ate "Bride's Pye" filled with things like lamb testicles and pine nuts, as well as a ring. If a single woman got it in her slice, she'd be the next to marry.

Within the same century, Bride's Pyes turned into sweet, celebratory cakes made with fruits and sugar, a tradition that has evolved, but still carries on into the present day.