Everything to Know About the Groom's Cake
The groom’s cake is a lovely wedding tradition that dates back to the Victorian era and is still going strong today.
This cake allows couples to showcase the groom’s personality and interests and add a personal touch to the celebration.
Below we go into everything you need to know about the groom’s cake, from its history to modern-day trends.
The Origins of the Groom's Cake Tradition
The groom’s cake tradition started in Victorian England where weddings often had three cakes: the bride’s cake, the groom’s cake and the main wedding cake.
Unlike the main wedding cake which was elaborate and perfect, the groom’s cake was traditionally more decadent, made with dense fruitcake or dark chocolate.
It was a symbol of masculinity and reflected the groom’s personality and interests.
In the late 19th century this tradition became popular in the southern United States.
The idea was the groom’s cake would be served to the male guests or at the rehearsal dinner and the main wedding cake would be served to the larger crowd at the wedding reception.
Single women or unmarried women were often given slices of the groom’s cake to take home, as it was believed that if they slept with the cake under their pillow they would dream of their future husband.
A Modern Take on the Groom's Cake
In modern weddings, the groom’s cake has become a creative way to showcase the groom’s personality. It can represent the groom’s hobbies, favourite foods or even pop culture icons.
For example, cakes shaped like video game consoles, sports equipment or musical instruments are now common.
The design and flavour are usually determined by the groom’s preferences and are meant to stand out at the wedding reception.
While many couples stick to the traditional chocolate or red velvet base, some go for exotic flavours or playful designs.
One of the most popular choices is the armadillo cake which was made famous by the movie Steel Magnolias and is often a red velvet groom’s cake with grey icing.
The Bride’s Cake vs. the Groom’s Cake
The main difference between the bride’s cake and the groom’s cake is their purpose and presentation.
The bride’s cake is the main wedding cake and is formal and elegant in design and matches the wedding theme.
The groom’s cake is a more playful and personal dessert and is often served on a separate table or at the rehearsal dinner.
Where the bride’s cake often has light and airy flavours like vanilla or citrus, the groom’s cake has indulgent flavours like chocolate or red velvet.
This way guests get to have two different desserts to suit all tastes.
Why You Should Consider a Groom’s Cake
Having a groom’s cake is a great way to honour the groom and make the wedding more personal.
Here are a few reasons couples choose to do this:
- Showcasing the Groom’s Personality: The groom’s cake can be designed to reflect the groom’s hobbies or quirky traits, such as a cake shaped like his favourite car, beloved pet or even video game consoles.
- More Options: With a groom’s cake guests get more flavour options beyond the main wedding cake so everyone can find something they like.
- Groom’s Special Moment: While most of the wedding is about the bride, the groom’s cake tradition is a chance to shine the spotlight on the groom and his preferences.
- Guest Favourite: Sharing slices of the groom’s cake – whether during the wedding day, at the rehearsal dinner or as take-home treats – can be a keepsake for the guests.
Groom’s Cake Flavours and Designs
The flavour and design of a groom’s cake are as unique as the groom himself. Here are some popular ones:
Flavours
- Red Velvet Groom’s Cake: The bright colour and rich flavour of red velvet makes it a top choice. A red velvet groom’s cake is not only yummy but also looks amazing.
- Chocolate: Deep, dark chocolate is a classic flavour for the groom’s cake and provides a nice contrast to the lighter wedding cake.
- Cheesecake or Specialty Flavours: Some couples go for unique options like cheesecake, peanut butter or even bourbon-infused cakes to match the groom’s taste.
Designs
- Sports Themes: Cakes shaped like footballs, basketballs or stadiums are popular for sports fans.
- Pop Culture: From superheroes to video game consoles, pop culture-inspired designs are a hit with modern grooms.
- Armadillo Cake: This fun option, often paired with red velvet, is a nod to Southern traditions and a showstopper at any wedding.
- Hobbies and Interests: Whether it’s fishing, golfing or photography, cakes that represent the groom’s hobbies are always a winner.
Planning the Perfect Groom's Cake
When planning a groom's cake, it is essential to consider the following:
1. Get the Groom’s Input
The design, flavour and concept should match the groom’s interests. Involve the groom in the decision-making process so the cake reflects his personality.
2. Talk to the Baker
Find a baker who does creative designs. If you have a specific idea like a red velvet groom’s cake or a design inspired by video game consoles, be clear with your vision.
3. Timing and Location
Will the cake be displayed on the wedding day or served at the rehearsal dinner?
Some couples place the groom’s cake on a separate table to make it stand out.
4. Budget
While a groom’s cake is a nice addition, it has to be balanced with the overall wedding budget.
Talk to your baker and see what options fit your budget.
How to Include the Groom’s Cake in the Celebration
The groom’s cake can be featured in several ways during a wedding:
At the Rehearsal Dinner
Serving the cake at the rehearsal dinner is an intimate moment to honour the groom with his close friends and family. It also sets the tone for the celebrations to come.
At the Wedding Reception
Display the groom’s cake on a separate table alongside the main wedding cake so it gets the spotlight.
Guests can choose between the bride’s cake and the groom’s cake for dessert.
As a Take-Home Favour
Slices of the groom’s cake can be packaged as favours for guests, continuing the tradition of giving it to single women to dream of their future husbands.
The Role of the Groom’s Parents
In some weddings, the groom’s parents are involved in planning or funding the groom’s cake.
This adds a nice touch, so the groom’s parents can contribute to the celebration in some way.
Whether they surprise the groom with a cake that reflects his hobbies or work with the couple on the design, the groom’s parents' involvement makes it all the more special.
The Victorian Influence on Modern Groom’s Cakes
The Victorians left their mark on weddings and the groom’s cake is a big part of that.
In Victorian England, the idea of multiple cakes – one for the bride, one for the groom and one for the guests – was a way to honour different aspects of the couple’s union.
This has evolved into the weddings we have today where the groom’s cake is a symbol of individuality and creativity.
Groom’s Cake Ideas for Unique Personalization
Here are some creative ideas to make a groom’s cake stand out:
- Interactive Designs: Cakes that light up or have moving parts, especially for video game consoles, will be a showstopper.
- Flavour Mashups: Combine unexpected flavours like chocolate and chilli or bourbon and pecan for a cake that surprises and delights.
