Originating in the south, he grooms cake is a fun way to celebrate the groom during the wedding reception. It was intended to be a
surprise present from the bride to the groom. Generally, it's something that the groom absolutely loves! A sport, TV show, hobby, etc. It was traditionally dark, and had 'masculine'
themes such as sports, hunting, etc. Over time, as weddings became less
extravagant, the cake began to be seen as an unnecessary expense and was phased
out from wedding ceremonies.
As usual with these types of thing, this old tradition is coming back with a vengence. Brides are getting more and more creative with their surprise grooms cakes. Couples with disposable incomes are
splurging big time on a day that will come once in their lifetime, and are
experimenting with their ceremonies. The groom's cake, thus, becomes a good
idea to invest in, adding a layer of 'awesome' to the ceremony.
The purpose of the groom's cake can be endless. Some brides serve it as
a dessert at the rehearsal dinner, or can be an alternative choice to the main
bridal cake at the wedding. Custom dictates that the cake be placed next to the
bride's cake at the ceremony. It is then cut into wedges and placed in boxes to
be given out to guests. Such slices can even serve as a wedding favor (thus
eliminating one expense!). You can have the cake placed in stylized boxes and
add a further layer of 'chutzpah' to the ceremony.
Legend has it that single women who sleep with a slice of
the groom's cake under their pillows dream of their future husband that night.
While you of course don't have to compel the single women to take this course,
it can make for a wonderful excuse to have this cake at your wedding!