Germany here. Have been to several weddings including my own, the cake was always real. Typically 1-3 tiers depending on the crowd, the first slice is tradition

Germany here. Have been to several weddings including my own, the cake was always real. Typically 1-3 tiers depending on the crowd, the first slice is traditionally shared by the groom and bride (feeding each other) after cutting, then the rest is cut and served by staff. That said, the fondant and icing is pretty disgusting and the cake itself is usually just "okay", but cake is cake.