Perhaps, like me, you grew up on classic rom-com movies like You’ve Got Mail, Pretty in Pink, The Wedding Planner, and Steel Magnolias. Steel Magnolias has always had a special place in my heart. And darn if that movie doesn’t make me crave cake! (I mean, what movie doesn’t?) 

If you haven’t seen the movie, Julia Robert’s character gets married pretty early on in the film. And despite the fact that she dreams of the perfect southern wedding (her wedding colors are blush and bashful), her new husband has asked for a groom’s cake. But, not just any groom’s cake… he wants one in the shape of an armadillo. The kicker, it’s a red velvet cake. A bleeding armadillo groom’s cake. 

Now, whenever someone mentions a groom’s cake, it’s that red velvet grey iced cake in the shape of an armadillo that I think about. 

According to brides.com, “the groom’s cake tradition started in England in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the American South during that same time”. The first groom’s cakes were liquor-infused fruit cakes.

Who selects the cake? 

This cake is often selected by the groom and designed to represent his interests and hobbies.  Sometimes the groom’s cakes are given to the groom as a present from the bride. 

When do you eat the cake? 

It may be served at the rehearsal dinner or it may be served at the reception alongside the wedding cake. In the case of Steel Magnolias, the cake was hidden in the carport at the reception. 

Groom’s cake ideas…

Both the design and the flavor profile of the cake should represent the groom’s favorite things. Here are some of our favorite design ideas: 

• Team Spirit – consider showcasing the groom’s favorite sports team on a cake. 
• Hobbies & Passions – from hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains to being the first in line for every newly released Star Wars or Marvel movie, these hobbies can make great themes for a groom’s cake. We love this Lego-themed cake from one of our recent weddings. 

• Alma Mater – consider designing the cake after a famous building from the groom’s alma mater. 
• Food Glorious Food – you could create a cake in the shape of the groom’s favorite meal. Also consider an alternative to a cake (like fruit, cheese, donut, or snack tower), to celebrate the groom’s favorite munchies. 

• It’s a T-O-T – if you’re in Bachelor nation (like I am), you already know a tot is a costume. But, what you might not know, is that tots aren’t just for people. Your groom’s cake can represent of one of the groom’s favorite characters from a movie or tv show. 

While a groom’s cake isn’t a requirement for any wedding, if you choose to have one at your wedding, know that you’re continuing a long-held tradition. Whether your cake is a replica of the millennium falcon or a bleeding armadillo, we’d love to be there to capture the images. And, if you’re in need of a central Virginia baker who specializes in groom’s cakes, be sure to check out Maliha Creations in Charlottesville. 

To learn how to have the picture-perfect wedding cake cut, click here.