What Is a Groom's Cake?

 
(Photo courtesy of Brad Howe Photography)

 

A groom’s cake is a tradition of the American south that’s popularity has spread over the last decade or so to weddings above and beyond the Mason-Dixon line. The groom’s cake is traditionally served alongside the wedding cake at the reception, however it may be served at the rehearsal dinner instead.

While the wedding cake is often a very formal, layered creation of round or square tiers, the groom’s cake is whimsically free of restrictions. Classically, the cake is dark including layers of rich chocolate, and sometimes soaked in a liqueur. The bride will often surprise her fiancé with a cake that is molded in the form of something that is a particular pastime or passion of his. Common shapes include team jerseys and sports mascots, but there are no limits outside of decency – brides are free to use their imagination to create any kind of surprise!

If the cake is displayed at the wedding, it can be cut and boxed for guests to take home in lieu of a wedding favor.

The groom’s cake in this photo in the shape of a garbage truck reflected both the bride’s family business and the place where this beautiful couple met. In fact, Kerri and Chico even departed from their wedding on a brand new, sparkling clean truck from their reception!

You don’t have to be southern to have a groom’s cake – if it’s a tradition you enjoy, introduce it to your family and friends at your own celebration!