The groom's cake is a southern tradition that is quickly moving into the mainstream of today's wedding's. While the wedding cake, originally called the 'bride's cake' was served to guests at the wedding reception the groom's cake was sliced and given as a favor to the unmarried ladies who would then put it under their pillow and dream of their future husband.
Even though the groom's cake isn't used in the same way in the south today, the tradition of two cakes is still alive and well. The bride's cake is multitiered, commonly light in color, with a color palette that corresponds with the wedding colors and no secret to the groom. The groom's cake is usually purchased by the bride as a surprise for the groom and while it used to be a fruit cake these cakes today vary in size (although usually a sheet cake), shape, flavor and design.
There is no standard design for this special cake since it is usually based on the interests and personality of the groom.
Sports - baseball, soccer, football, basketball, golf, jersey, favorite professional team
Colleges - College the groom attended or a college that he pulls for in sports
Hobby's - Hunting, fishing, boating,surfing,auto restoration, billiards, gambling
Interests - Racing, favorite tv show, Beer
The possible designs for the inspired cake design are really limitless. The flavors of the cake are also geared towards the likings of the groom. While most cakes today are chocolate it is up to the bride to decide on the perfect cake flavor and filling keeping her groom in mind.
Although the groom's cake can still be served at the wedding reception as another desert option for the guests, many couples are choosing to serve this cake at the rehearsal dinner. The use of the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner allows for attention to be placed on this cake while not being overshadowed by the larger, and more ornate wedding (bride's) cake.
Brides from across the country are becoming familiar with the tradition of the groom's cake, with the help of the internet and word of mouth, and are adding it to their own wedding. Since most brides purchase this second cake from the baker making their wedding cake a discount may be available to budget concious brides who would like to include this tradition.
The groom's cake offers another option for today's brides and grooms when it comes to planning their perfect day. While still mainly a custom of the south, the tradition is becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the country. Whether the reason behind its growing popularity is the tradition of the second cake or a fun way to include or surprise the groom, the groom's cake is yet another unique detail that can help make the wedding day memorable.
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