Who Gets The Groom’S Cake?

The groom’s cake, originating from Britain, is a traditional wedding dessert that originated in Victorian England. It was initially offered as a second flavor option to guests and was typically richer than the bride’s cake, often including alcohol or chocolate. The tradition began when Prince William requested a groom’s cake for his wife Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011.

The groom’s cake is not a new phenomenon, with some sources suggesting its first appearance may have been as early as 1897. It is customary for the groom’s parents to cover this wedding expense, while some grooms pay it themselves. Sometimes, the bride decides to surprise her husband-to-be with a groom’s cake.

The groom’s cake is a delicious celebration of the groom’s sporting spirit and a reminder that love requires patience, practice, and finesse. It can cost anywhere from $50-$1,000, depending on the level of complexity, size, and the bakery in which it is purchased from. The groom’s cake is typically richer than the wedding cake and incorporated chocolate, fruit, or liquor, which contrasted with the lighter wedding cake.

The groom’s cake is usually presented as a gift or surprise for the groom, and it is expected for the bride to pay for his expenses, such as attire, groom’s cake, and ring. The groom also pays for the license fee, officiants fee, and other costs.

Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding cake and bouquet at the reception. However, on rare occasions, the grooms family is responsible for the rehearsal dinner and serves the groom’s cake.

Why do grooms get their own cake?

Originating in England in the late 19th century (followed by increased popularity in the American South during that same time), the grooms cake was created as a way to provide a more masculine vibe, since the traditional wedding cake was considered too feminine.

A grooms cake is simply a wedding cake entirely influenced by the grooms tastes, hobbies, and personality. Its one detail that is entirely all about him, and like many popular wedding customs, this practice is rooted in tradition and has a special meaning.

Originating in Englandin the late 19th century (followed by increased popularity in the American South during that same time), the grooms cake was created as a way to provide a more masculine vibe, since the traditional wedding cake was considered too feminine. Enter: The liquor-infused fruit cake, which served as the original grooms cake before it was later transformed to reflect more modern aesthetics. Interesting, right?

For those whod like to learn more, we tapped cake expert Rachel Teufel for further insight into the grooms cake tradition, plus details on how theyre now incorporated within modern weddings.

What does the groom’s family pay for?

The brides parents also traditionally hosted the engagement party, while some maids of honor cover the cost of the bridal shower. (Or any person, really, besides the couple themselves.) The grooms family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the brides engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the grooms family to pay for the alcohol at the reception. Yet its important to remember this adage from Emily Posts Wedding Etiquette guide: “Traditions make weddings special, and a spending plan should be something that facilitates these traditions, not a burden to be held against an old and outdated standard.”

• The grooms wedding ring
• Bridesmaids lunch or party
• Accommodations for the bridal party (if a bridesmaid is coming from out of town)
• Wedding party gifts

• Invitations and announcements
• Wedding gown and accessories
• Floral arrangments and corsages
• Ceremony arrangments
• The reception party and vendors, like food
• Necessary transportation
• Wedding photographer/videographer

What do the groom’s parents pay for?

The brides parents also traditionally hosted the engagement party, while some maids of honor cover the cost of the bridal shower. (Or any person, really, besides the couple themselves.) The grooms family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the brides engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the grooms family to pay for the alcohol at the reception. Yet its important to remember this adage from Emily Posts Wedding Etiquette guide: “Traditions make weddings special, and a spending plan should be something that facilitates these traditions, not a burden to be held against an old and outdated standard.”

• The grooms wedding ring
• Bridesmaids lunch or party
• Accommodations for the bridal party (if a bridesmaid is coming from out of town)
• Wedding party gifts

• Invitations and announcements
• Wedding gown and accessories
• Floral arrangments and corsages
• Ceremony arrangments
• The reception party and vendors, like food
• Necessary transportation
• Wedding photographer/videographer

Do people still have groom’s cake?

Through the decades, just as most other aspects of the wedding have evolved with time, so have grooms cakes. For some, theyre a beloved, long-standing tradition, and for others, theyre simply a way for grooms to express their hobbies and interests. As such, its not uncommon to see a cake shaped like a college football teams helmets or covered in camouflage icing or bedecked with the grooms favorite bottles of booze. But in 2023, when weddings can be as inclusive and creative as the people getting married want them to be, a tradition that was at one time rooted in finding a bunch of unlucky spinsters their dream man is increasingly feeling dated — for most, anyway.

Jenean Carlton has been baking since she was in high school, and opened Carltons Cakes in Atlanta in 2015. A born-and-raised Southerner, Carlton is a proponent of the tradition, if only because many weddings in the South are very bride-centric. “I hate it when I see the groom saying, ‘Oh, honey, it doesnt matter. Just whatever you think,” Carlton says. “I always want them to go for it, because its often their last chance to really have some kind of say in the wedding.”

As a baker, Carlton also just really likes making grooms cakes. She says they offer the ability to be more creative and flex her skills as a sculptor and artist, whether she airbrushes character art onto a massive World of Warcraft cake or crafts ice cubes out of isomalt sugar for a cake shaped like a bucket of cold beer. “Its a place to do something different and artistic,” she says. “You can be very, very, very unique.”

Does the groom get a cake?

Although designated for the groom, couples are designing the grooms cake together.. Though the cake design you select for your wedding reception will likely be fairly traditional in terms of color and decoration, the grooms cake can be a bit more lighthearted and fun. Choose the look together as a fun detail you can both have some say in. If you like a classic look, though, feel free to go for it. The grooms cake doesnt have to show off his hobbies or interests. As couples are veering away from a traditional cake (in the last few months we have seen a cookie truck, donuts, cobbler or pie, and ice cream for dessert instead) the need for a groom cake as an expression of the grooms personality is becoming unnecessary, says Isadora Martin-Dye, a wedding planner and owner of owner of Rixey Manor.

In terms of flavor and design, there really are no limits.. Although the Southern tradition is to make a red velvet cake, I dont believe wedding cakes in general need to have limits on flavors, says Liz Berman, Boston-based baker and owner of The Sleepy Baker in Natick, Massachusetts. The same goes for its overall look. I had a groom joke around about how he wanted a wedding cake that was a pegasus with him riding on the back. The bride refused to allow that and ordered a traditional tiered cake, but then secretly hired me to make a grooms cake. The wedding cake was displayed next to a sculpted pegasus cake with an image of the groom riding on the back!

Who traditionally pays for the wedding cake?

The brides parents traditionally pay for the wedding cake, along with the rest of the wedding reception costs, but you dont have to follow this historical precedent. Many couples today may choose to pay for their own cake, or the two families may split costs for the cake and other desserts.

However you choose to pay for the wedding expenses, they can quickly add up. Make sure to choose a cake at a price point that youre comfortable with, or go with an alternative to wedding cake, such as tiers of cupcakes or pies.

Below is a rundown of how to decide who pays for the wedding cake.

Do most weddings have a grooms cake?

Yes, sometimes. Sometimes in addition to the big fancy main cake, theres also a “Grooms cake, which is traditionally either chocolate or fruitcake. Also, sometimes there may be one or more cakes for people with specific dietary needs. For instance, there may be a vegan cake, a gluten-free cake, etc.

What is the tradition of the groom’s cake?

A grooms cake is as simple as it sounds: a cake made for the groom. It is traditionally a gift from the bride that reflects an intimate understanding and support of his passions. Today the cakes are often presented with humor and affection, with creative designs, flavors, and shapes. The grooms cake can be as personal or as peculiar as you see fit.

The grooms cake is a custom brought to the South by British colonists that dates back more than a century. In the olden days,the traditional wedding cake was considered too feminine for the groom. So a smaller, richer, and often liquor-infused cake was made to meet the grooms manly tastes.

The grooms cake was not traditionally served to female guests during the wedding reception. But once the celebration was over, the grooms cake was sliced up, placed into packages, and given to guests as favors when they departed.Single women at the wedding would take their pieces of grooms cake home and sleep with it under their pillows – this would supposedly cause them to dream of their own future husbands.

Is it tradition to have a groom’s cake?

While the grooms cake has largely shed its traditional role as a take-home favor, it remains a cherished tradition in many regions. Its resurgence has allowed couples to embrace the idea of a wedding that reflects both partners interests and personalities, making the celebration even more meaningful.

In Conclusion. The history of the grooms cake is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of wedding traditions. What started as a symbol of masculinity and a take-home favor has transformed into a highly personalized and creative dessert that reflects the grooms interests and passions. While its popularity may have ebbed and flowed over the years, the grooms cake remains a cherished tradition in many weddings, adding a touch of personality and flair to the celebration. So, the next time you attend a wedding, be sure to keep an eye out for the grooms cake, as it may provide some delightful insight into the grooms world.

What is the tradition of a groom’s cake?

In the Southern United States, where many wedding traditions have deep historical roots, the grooms cake became especially popular. It was a staple at weddings in the 19th century and served a dual purpose. Not only did it allow the groom to have a cake of his own, but it also served as a take-home favor for the guests. The cake was usually divided into smaller, individual portions and wrapped in silk ribbons to be handed out as wedding favors.

Themes and Designs. The tradition of the grooms cake also extended to the cakes design and theme. These cakes were often decorated to reflect the grooms interests, hobbies, or profession. For example, if the groom was a hunter, the cake might be shaped like a game animal or adorned with hunting motifs. Similarly, if the groom was a passionate angler, the cake could take the form of a fish or fishing tackle. This personalization made the grooms cake a unique and memorable part of the wedding celebration.

Modern Evolution. As wedding traditions evolved over the years, the popularity of the grooms cake waned, especially in regions outside the South. However, it experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century, thanks in part to the hit movie “Steel Magnolias.” The film featured a red velvet armadillo-shaped grooms cake, which sparked interest and renewed the tradition in various parts of the country.

Who is supposed to get the grooms cake?

Should you have one?. On the topic of whether or not you should have a grooms cake, that depends wholly on whether or not you want one. Is it a requirement? Certainly not! Today, the grooms cake is simply a special gift provided to the groom for his honor and the enjoyment of all. If you wish to give the groom something edible, delicious, and totally awesome then I say go for it! For those on a tight budget, it might simply not be an option. A grooms cake, while not excruciatingly expensive, will still generally cost $100-$300, so it may not be within reach for some couples. At the end of the day, its up to each individual couple whether they have a grooms cake or not. If the answer is yes, then the bride and groom together will decide whether to share the cake at the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception, and even then, the cake may simply be used as a decor piece until after the big day is over.

All that to say, I think its a great idea and there have been some really cool cake designs made for a grooms cake. Speaking of cool designs, I couldnt just leave you with all this tasty content (see what I did there) and not show you some of these amazing designs! So, below youll find some of my favorite grooms cake designs I found while writing this blog; Enjoy!