I’m posting this largely because the rental of consumable objects baffles me. Any event that warrants a cake presumably warrants the consumption of cake (the only exception that comes to mind is a photo shoot).
But apparently, cake rental has become…a thing.
Don’t even think about eating it. It’s fake. Well, the outside is made of edible fondant, further sweetening the temptation that would be thwarted by a mouthful of industrial foam should one attempt a bite.
I believe some come with a compartment that holds a small bit of actual cake, which kind of makes me want to purchase one as a piece of home decor/utilitarian serving device.
The most absurd aspect of this burgeoning business is the wedding market. According to the site:
Wedding cakes are the center of any wedding party. The newly wed couples dream about their cake, however the cost of wedding cakes can skyrocket, also the possibility of falling over during transportation, heat and humidity for the outdoor weddings can be a major concern. We provide a service, where you can rent the beautifully designed centerpiece wedding cake.
An example:
The cynic in me wonders, have we become so image obsessed as a society that we even prize form over function with our FOOD? The Japanese have some stellar plastic food models, fit for a buffet…
I’d love to hear about a couple who rented ALL their wedding food. Even the appetizers.
SheWalksSoftly 
4 responses to “Cake Rental”
Those Japanese plastic food on plate are actually miniatures called “Re-Ment” (do a search on Flickr, you would not believe all the things they make).
But the cake renting idea sounds just silly. Who cares what the cake looks like as long as it doesn’t appear to be scraped up from the floor and it tastes good. I must admit, though, that I am biased: where I come from, the wedding cake is always the dessert and the accompaniment to coffee at weddings, and therefore this would never ever fly. I know some people (in the US at least) have a “cutting cake” and another that is served to the guests and is less elaborate, but I cannot see even that happening here… Or the use of fondant for anything.
If you don’t mind me asking, where are you from? I agree that dessert is for EATING!
I’m from Finland. We cover our cakes with whipped cream and/or marzipan 🙂
(By the way, I love your blog!)
Tinny, I have relatives in Finland. I went there once and would love to visit again one day. I’m so glad you found this blog…come back often!