Lets first talk about what is a grooms cake. A groom’s cake is a wedding cake that is entirely influenced by the groom’s tastes, hobbies and personality. It is separate from the wedding cake and is often purchased by the bride as a gift to the groom.
Groom’s cake originated as we know from the 19th century England, and became popular in the southern part of the United States. With the traditional wedding cake being considered feminine, the introduction of a groom’s cake brought in a masculine vibe. Originally, the groom’s cake consisted as a fruit cake infused with liquor, which later transformed into a modern take bringing in the groom’s personality.
The groom’s cake typically is a richer or bolder flavor than the wedding cake, such as chocolate, and commonly infused with alcohol.
There was an old tradition that was found that a single woman at the wedding took home a slice of the groom’s cake and placed it under her pillow (preferably boxed), to have a dream about their own future groom. Interesting, huh?!
In modern times, the groom’s cake has evolved into more fun and over-the-top creations, anywhere from golf bags made out of cake, to sports arenas, to Star Wars ships. The possibilities are endless!
Groom’s cakes are entirely optional. You do what feels right for your wedding. There is no pressure for a tradition to bring forth the groom’s cake. Remember, it is an added cost that may or may not fit in your wedding budget. However, it is a fun addition to the wedding reception.
How big should a groom’s cake be? While the possibilities are endless and if the cake is sculpted in design, it will be difficult to get an exact number of servings. Typically, the groom’s cake is approximately half the servings of the wedding cake. For example, if your wedding cake will serve 100 guests, you may want to aim for a cake to serve approximately 50.
When and how should a groom’s cake be served? While the wedding cake serves as the center of attention, the groom’s cake has a place to be spotlighted also. There are several ways to display the groom’s cake. It can be displayed next to the wedding cake, or at a separate table close by the wedding cake; say if the wedding cake is on a table to the left of the bridal table, the groom’s cake can be placed on a table to the right of the bridal table. You can place the groom’s cake on the counter at the bar, or keeping it fun, it can be presented as a surprise to the groom during a toast from the bride to the groom. If you are having a smaller wedding, the groom’s cake is often served at the rehearsal dinner as to not have an overabundance of desserts at the wedding. If serving at the wedding reception, it is traditionally sliced after the wedding cake, offering guests an addition choices of cake flavors.
Every couple is unique in how they order a groom’s cake. The bride could keep it as a secret to surprise the groom at the wedding, or the groom is included in the design of the cake. It is entirely up to you.
Do you have to order your groom’s cake from the baker that makes your wedding cake? Of course not! Do what you feel is most comfortable. If you trust that your wedding cake baker can pull off the design that you are looking for, by all means, check with the baker to see if this is something they can make along with your wedding cake. Some wedding cake makers may stress out with an additional cake to make, especially if sculpted. Others would be happy to serve the groom as well as the wedding event with a special cake.
At Design My Cake By Patty, I have experience in creating sculpted, over-the-top cakes. I offer groom’s cakes as well as wedding cakes and would love to create your groom a cake unique to his personality! Contact me here to learn more of what I can do for your special wedding day.
I hope this blog has enlightened you and opened you up to the world of groom’s cakes.
Bye for now,
Patty
*All cakes shown here are the work of Patty DiFondi @ Design My Cake By Patty
References:
Bride.com - www.brides.com/story/things-to-know-about-grooms-cake
Rachael Teufel - www.intricateicings.com/blog
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