Back in the day, a groom’s cake was served alongside a traditional wedding cake, but it was baked much differently. To offset the “feminine” wedding cake, the groom’s cake featured richer flavors, like dark chocolate. It’s since lost that purpose, and is used instead as a unique opportunity to show off the groom’s personality at the reception—because bow ties and pocket squares are handsome, but only say so much.
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1. Football Stadium Groom’s Cake
Justin Wright PhotographyFor the football fanatic or alma matter enthusiast, a fun-sized model of the groom’s collegiate football stadium or favorite pro team is the perfect way to express his athletic spirit. You can even ask your baker to get creative with the “people” in the stands: Small candies like Nerds, gummy bears, Skittles or mini chocolate chips make great fans.
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2. Beer Cooler Groom’s Cake
Bray Danielle PhotographyNot only is it awesome to use props that you can drink, but a cooler filled with ice-cold beers is the epitome of good old-fashioned dude bonding time. Accessorize the display with the groom’s favorite brews to make it even more personal.
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3. Career-Oriented Groom’s Cake
Stacey ReevesHobbies aren’t the only thing that should be considered when gathering inspiration for a groom’s cake. If there’s a symbol or icon that represents his career, like a paramedic ambulance for example, ask if your baker can replicate it. As the saying goes: Do what you love, love what you do… and make it into a cake.
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4. Ballpark Groom’s Cake
Allan ZepedaIf you don’t want to go the stadium route, a sports equipment cake is a different spin on the athletically inclined groom’s cake. For example: hockey sticks and pucks, a basketball and net, golf clubs and tees, tennis racket and balls, soccer ball and a goal—you get the idea.
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5. Poker Enthusiast Groom’s Cake
Jayd Gardina PhotographyWith a bit of imagination (and sense of humor), the newlyweds can be placed smack-dab in the middle of a parody of their favorite piece of art. Think Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” Salvador Dalí’s “The Persistence of Memory” or C.M. Coolidge’s “Dogs Playing Poker.”
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6. Peanut Butter Groom’s Cake
Emily Ku PhotographyYes, a dessert modeled after food is completely acceptable. If you want to get really fancy, incorporate the flavor of the food into the cake—a peanut butter filling would really take this Skippy Jar cake to the next level.
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7. Record Player Groom’s Cake
Roey Yohai PhotographyAn old-fashioned record player display can also play up the groom’s favorite tunes. Fondant stickers of different bands on the outside and the record that’s playing under the needle are all opportunities to show off his favorite chart toppers.
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8. Classic Piano Groom’s Cake
VUE photographyPay tribute to the groom’s musical interests with an instrument-shaped confection. Whether he’s a rocking guitar player, smooth jazz saxophonist or classic piano player, it’s a creative way to put his talents on display. (And don’t forget the mini sheet music of his fave tune!)
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9. Golf Caddy Carrying Case Groom’s Cake
Eau Claire PhotographicsFor the groom who’s always on the green, what’s more appropriate than some frosting grass and fondant clubs tucked away in a replica of his own carrying bag? For a little confidence boost, ask your baker to include an impressive score sheet sticking out of the pocket.