What the heck is a groom’s cake? And should you have one at your wedding?
Not sure what I’m talking about? Well, a groom’s cake is typically a second cake at a wedding. It may accompany a larger, more traditional wedding cake, or it may be served on the side of a dessert bar with lots of smaller options. This small cake is an homage to the groom. A tribute to him from his new spouse, if you will. The cake may be in a shape or theme of what the groom is into, which can be kind of fun.
The thing about groom’s cakes is that they are fun. They add to the wedding. And, they are totally optional. The designs, flavors, and methods to create and serve the groom’s cake are endless, too. For some couples, this is very appealing. For others, it’s just too much to think about and not worth the effort. The great news about groom’s cakes is that you really can’t “mess it up”. They are awesome no matter what.
A Groom’s Cake? Tell Me More!
This post is going to share with you what the heck a groom’s cake is. It will go briefly into the history of these cakes, why they are all about the groom, serving them, and deciding if making a groom’s cake is right for your wedding. As mentioned above, a groom’s cake is not a wedding necessity. They are fun, and they are sweet (literally and figuratively), but they are not a requirement for a great wedding. As always, do what feels right for your wedding.
Let’s get into it!
HISTORY OF GROOM’S CAKES
First things first, let’s talk about how groom’s cakes got started.
The first of these cakes were actually seen in the late 1800’s, in England. The popularity of wedding cakes skyrocketed in 1840 after Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert, and a few decades later a new idea for cakes emerged. To up the ante a little on their weddings, many brides opted to have large wedding cakes, with a smaller cake to gift their grooms in flavors that he preferred.
These days, groom’s cakes are most common in the southern United States compared to other parts of the US and Canada, but they can be seen just about anywhere. In fact, about a third of all couples getting married partake in having a groom’s cake. While the groom’s cake is usually a gift from a bride to a groom, it may or may not be a total surprise. Some grooms are very involved in it’s design, while others have no clue about it until it’s done.
At some weddings, the groom’s cake is used mainly for consumption later on, with single women taking home a slice to put under their pillows after the wedding. The thought is that they will dream about their future groom. Of course, putting wedding cake under pillows, in general, is a tradition, but perhaps using the groom’s cake makes the premonition stronger? It’s a fun tradition, either way.
A CAKE FOR THE GROOM
As previously mentioned, the groom’s cake is for the groom.
But what does that mean, exactly?
Well, for starters, the cake should be a flavor the groom actually likes. Not that the cake is just for him to eat, but ideally he would be into trying it. This opens up a world of possibility with flavor, too, because there are no rules with groom’s cakes. Engaged couples can have a lot of fun with the flavor, making it liquored flavored, or something unexpected or masculine. A groom’s cake does not have to be basic chocolate or vanilla.
Beyond flavor, the shape of a groom’s cake can be unique. For example, the cake can be made in a shape of a dog, if the groom is really into his dog. Or, it can be a golf ball, video game console, or car. These days, cakes can be creatively shaped into just about anything, the cake is only limited by the baker’s skills.
If the cake is going to be a basic shape, it can still be themed. For example, it can be topped with a beach scene, if the groom is into beaches. Or, if he likes planes, maybe an airport runway is designed on top of the cake. If the groom is musical, the top of the cake could be a sort of festival or concert theme. Again, there is no limit here on what it can be, as long as it makes sense for the groom.
SERVING THE GROOM’S CAKE
So when is a groom’s cake actually served and eaten? Well, there is some flexibility here.
Some people opt to present and serve this dessert during their rehearsal dinner. Groom’s cakes are usually smaller than wedding cakes, so if your rehearsal dinner has a smaller crowd, the time to serve the cake may be perfect.
If you want to have your groom’s cake at the actual wedding, it’s usually displayed right alongside the main wedding cake. Of course, it can be a surprise, if wanted, and shown to the groom when it’s time to cut the main cake. If a couple opts to serve the groom’s cake at their wedding, there is a typical cadence that goes with it. The main cake is cut first, and then the groom’s cake is second.
IS A GROOM’S CAKE RIGHT FOR YOUR WEDDING?
Alright, so, is a groom’s cake right for your wedding?
As with most things wedding-related, groom’s cakes fall into the category of “nice to have”. This means that they are non-essential to your wedding. If your wedding has one, awesome. If not, no one will miss it.
So, if you want one, have the budget for it, and have the time and will to make it happen, have a groom’s cake at your wedding. The groom does not have to be involved at all, because the cake can be a surprise. If you opt to have a groom’s cake, it will add to what you can serve as a dessert option, and no one will mind that at all. There’s really no downside to having one at your wedding, if it’s what appeals to you and your partner.
THOUGHTS ON GROOM’S CAKES
Friends, personally, I like groom’s cakes. I think they are fun and add to weddings. Of course, no wedding absolutely needs to have them, and they are not right for every wedding. However, there’s not a lot of downside to them if the couple wants and can afford them. At the end of the day, if you are into them, make one happen. Don’t overthink it, don’t worry about getting it perfect, have fun with it, and enjoy! Happy wedding planning!
More On Cakes & Desserts From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Wedding Cakes: Trends, Traditions, and Tips
36 Questions For Your Wedding Baker
Wedding Dessert Ideas For Common Dietary Restrictions
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