Grooms Cake
A striking image that, in many people’s minds, represents the concept of a groom’s cake is the armadillo creation of Jackson’s aunt in the film Steel Magnolias. However, groom’s cakes are a tradition that have been around for a very long time, with roots in the south. Now this southern tradition is undergoing a hip revolution. Having a groom’s cake is the hot new thing.
First of all, what is a groom’s cake? A groom’s cake is a cake that is meant to reflect the groom’s passions and interests. The traditions surrounding groom’s cakes are much more fluid than those surrounding the wedding cake itself, because it’s a much newer tradition outside of the south.
The groom’s cake can be saved until the wedding reception and served as an alternate dessert, but in many cases, it is displayed and served at the rehearsal dinner. This is a great option, because many times, the groom’s cake is cartoonish and whimsical, so it wouldn’t fit well with a more traditionally-themed wedding. However, at the more casual rehearsal dinner, it’s perfect.
Another option with a groom’s cake is to have the pieces individually boxed and given to the guests to take with them as favors. If this is the plan, you will want to have this done by the bakery and display the cake in this way. Cutting and boxing cake pieces is far more time consuming than you would imagine, and you don’t need that extra pressure on your wedding day, wondering if it will get done in a timely and proper way.
The groom’s cake is generally ordered either as a complete surprise to the groom by the bride herself, or, if the couple has discussed and decided on getting a groom’s cake, then the groom would choose the theme and order it. It’s rare for the planning of the groom’s cake to be done by the couple together. The main thing, though, is that – since it is a cake meant to reflect the groom – it should be a theme, colors, and flavors that are favorites of his.
When it comes to the design of the groom’s cake, the groom should brainstorm all of the things in his life that are important to him. Cakes can be made to resemble pretty much anything nowadays, so don’t be limited in ideas! Common themes include sports teams, animals, hobbies, professions, and musical interests. If the groom is a reader, you could have a cake in the shape of a book, for instance. If he is a video game enthusiast, a cake in the shape of an x-box. Or if he loves to surf the net, a cake in the shape of a computer or a laptop.
Although many might see the groom’s cake as an unnecessary expense, it can add a fun and lighthearted touch to the wedding. Also, on a day that is so focused on the bride in other respects, it can serve to highlight the groom and give him some much-deserved attention, as well.
