...the Groom's WHAT?

I remember the film so vividly!

In fact, I think I can quote most of the lines from "Steel Magnolias."

It is one of those movies that can pick me up when I'm feeling a bit blue, no matter how corny or down home the storyline.

Growing up in the north, I was not familiar with the whole "Groom's Cake Concept... so the armadillo Groom's Cake scene had me in stitches! I am proud to say that many of my Southern Belle Brides have had amazing Groom's Cakes, and I have since adapted.

Imagine my surprise when I happened upon this cake at a recent "Groom's Cake contest!" [yes, it was red velvet cake, for those in the know!] I had to have a photo, just to prove to my friends back in New York City that people really do have Groom's Cakes... and Armadillo Groom's Cakes at that!

So all of this had me thinking about the history and origin of Groom's Cakes... like millions of Americans, I went to Wikipedia:

A groom's cake is a wedding tradition typically associated with the American South. While a wedding cake may often be decorated in white and light in texture and/or color, the groom's cake can take a variety of forms, many incorporating chocolate or fruit. Cheesecake sometimes serves as a groom's cake. The decoration of the cake may reflect the favorite hobby or interest of a groom, or be used for humorous effect, as depicted in the film adaptation of Steel Magnolias, in which a red velvet cake was fashioned in the shape of an armadillo. The groom's cake is often served at a separate table from the wedding cake at a wedding reception, though it may be served as a dessert for a rehearsal dinner.

I find that when we understand the history of our traditions, we can choose those we wish to continue, and those we can do without. I encourage engaged couples to include what is really meaningful to them, and not include anything they are not comfortable with. The wedding day needs to reflect who you are as a couple!