Curious about the groom’s cake tradition? Let’s find out what is a groom’s cake, why, how and when it’s served. and who pays for it?
Many weddings don’t even have a groom’s cake, but this age-old tradition is actually quite special. Let’s cover all you will want to know about this fun and sweet confection and get inspired by a boatload of original ideas!
So, What is a Groom’s Cake?
The groom’s cake is wedding tradition that originated (yes, you guessed it) in Victorian England! Just like the traditional wedding cake, it started out as a fruit cake. Later on, this trend arrived to the United States where it became more of a Southern wedding tradition.
It’s showcased right next to the wedding cake and is usually cut later and placed into take-home boxes for the guests to enjoy later on. Originally, the groom was supposed to decorate his own cake but now it just reflects his interests and personality, as well as his favorite cake flavor.
Traditionally, a liquor-infused fruit cake was quite popular for a groom’s cake. Let’s keep the tradition alive!
Who Pays for this Cake?
It is customary for the groom’s parents to cover this wedding expense. Some grooms pay for it themselves. And sometimes, it’s the bride the one that decides to surprise his hubby-to-be with a confection she knows he will love.
When is the Groom’s Cake Served?
This cake was intended to be shared with the groomsmen – just like the bride’s cake is for the bridesmaids. Nowadays is either served at the rehearsal dinner or after the wedding cake.
Another interesting age-old tradition is that the groom’s cake was never served. It was boxed and given to your single female guests to take home. Supposedly, if they slept with it under their pillow, they would dream about their future husband. Crazy, right! I doubt anybody is doing this now, but hey, whatever works… 😉
Celebrate the biker in him.
For the outdoorsy groom, one of the most creative cakes i have ever seen.
So, basically, you can cut it whenever you want.
Have the caterer slice up and serve to your guests at the rehearsal dinner or after the wedding cake. Or you can keep tradition and send your guests home with a boxed up slice!
How Many People Does a Groom’s Cake Serve?
It all depends on its intended use. If it’s meant to be shared with the groomsmen or served at the rehearsal, a slice per person will be enough. If you plan on having it after the wedding cake, think half a slice per guest. People will be pretty full by then.
Scrumptious and original groom’s cake by Dustin Meyer Photography.
There’s no obligation to have a groom’s cake at a wedding. He can choose a few confections for the reception’s dessert table. Like these raspberry chocolate mini cakes. Photo: Gerald Goh.
Gotham City, Dr. Who and all of his fav characters into one original groom’s cake by Chrissie Boon.
More on the Groom’s Cake Tradition
“A wedding without cake would be a wedding without protocol, a rite without confirmation.” William Woys Weaver, University of Pennsylvania.
Traditionally, a liquor-infused fruit cake was quite popular for a groom’s cake, but now it’s usually whatever flavor the groom loves. Think anything from decadent chocolate to a stack of strawberry crepes (yum!) and everything in between.
How much do you know about types of wedding suits for grooms? We cover all the basics and more on this article. Check it out!
From simple designer wedding suits to a classic wedding tuxedo, there are several types of wedding suits for grooms to rock these days. Let’s define the different types of wedding suits and figure out which the most appropriate for your big day.
Selecting that perfect wedding suit style could always get tricky. But the last thing a man wants is to look sloppy beside his stunning bride on their big day.
Be it a church celebration or a casual backyard affair, the groom’s wedding suits should always flow with the wedding theme. And more importantly complement the bride’s attire without stealing the spotlight.
Love this suit for a civil ceremony or as semi-formal groom attire.
So What are the Types of Wedding Suits for Grooms?
From the most formal (or black-tie) weddings to the least formal and most festive event, we’ve got you covered. After all, a suit is a two or three piece outfit that consists of a trouser, jacket with an optional waistcoat or vest.
Let’s match the types of wedding suits for grooms to the wedding dress code the bride demands. 😉
Types of Wedding Suits for Men for Black Tie Affairs
Three types of wedding suits fall into this category: the evening tailcoat, the tuxedo and the dinner suit.
Evening Tail Suit
The evening tail suit or tailcoat is the most formal option of them all. We have all seen them in movies where the event is super elite. The most formal option consists of a back tailcoat, which is worn open as it fits the body very snugly, a black pair of trousers, white shirt with a detachable collar, a bow tie, marcella waistcoat and patent leather shoes.
Table of Contents
The purple tie stands out with this evening tail suit for a black tie wedding.
Three piece tweed suit for a winter wedding.
Make sure to pick high quality fabrics for your wedding suit.
Wedding Tuxedos
Not going out of style anytime soon, a classy tuxedo carries that element of formality into your wedding day.
For a traditional experience, remember to keep it strictly black-tie, preferably a bow tie to remain super formal. The tuxedo differs from the wedding suit in that it always has a satin trim. For a more modern look, you may choose a light blue fabric with a contrasting navy blue satin.
Black tuxedo. Did anybody say Bond? By Xamns.
Contrasting cummerbund and tie paired with a classic tuxedo.
Slender grooms can wear a higher button stance, like on this three piece tuxedo.
Dinner Suits
Whether you are flashing a single-breasted or a double-breasted type of wedding suit, you can opt for a white and black combination to set a traditional tone. These types of wedding suits for grooms won’t steal the shine off the bride but will make you look absolutely stunning. For a formal look, pick a bow tie.
Navy blue american cut wedding suit.
Tailored dinner suit tux for classy grooms.
Rami Salamoun groomwear with slim fit in black and a single pocket.
Types of Wedding Suits for Grooms at Semi-Formal Weddings
Nothings says you cannot amp it up and wear a tux at a semi-formal or cocktail wedding but you can take a few more liberties here.
Wedding Suit Attire
If the groom wants to sport a more informal look at the wedding, a more casual attire is befitting. These suits come in different silhouettes.
The double breasted or Italian style suit – with 4 to 6 buttons and better for tall or slender men – is more tailored and formal than its single breasted British style counterpart – the one that has vents in the back of the jacket. They are usually worn with long ties but bow ties are not off the table. if you are feeling a little adventurous, pick pastel-colored wedding suits.
Three piece wedding suit in grey and lavender with bow tie and pocket square.
Delicate plaid matched with a red tie and pocket. Duper classy and semi formal.
Again, you can choose the style that best fits your figure: single or double-breasted, two or three buttons and a waist coat. Pair it with a dress shirt and a solid or patterned tie. Navy, gray, black or pinstripe will provide the level of formality needed to look fantastic by your bride. Don’t forget to pick a beautiful pair of cufflinks and lace up shoes or loafers. We recommend to wear a business suit for a civil ceremony.
Semi-formal types of wedding suits for grooms are made with a more relaxed taste in mind. So make sure to go crazy with a three-piece that just flatters your silhouette and wedding theme.
I think my brother got married in a suit like this one for his civil ceremony. By zeusFactor.
Modern street style for a brunch wedding by notey.
Types of Wedding Suits for Grooms at Casual Weddings
An informal wedding approves of a laid-back two-piece. So it doesn’t matter if you having beach party or some destination shindig, you can opt for an attire with or without a waistcoat. Alternatively, just can pull off wearing just a waistcoat and ditch the jacket for that casual, yet still elegant look.
These types of wedding suits for grooms allow there allow for a deviation from the usual white and black ceremony. You can get playful with hue—from light pastel colors of light blue, bright blue and even off-white.
Lounge suits are best for beach weddings because of their light to medium colors, they are more comfortable, can be worn with or without a tie, are usually single breasted but you can go three buttons to give it a more formal look. But nothing says casual attire like a bow tie and a pair of adjustable suspenders.
Relaxed casual and stylish white linen wedding suit for grooms.
Casual beach wedding attire for the groom.
Brown tweed three piece suit and bow tie for a vintage woodland wedding. Photographer: Jenna Woodward Photography.
Whether renting or buying wedding suits for grooms, the fit must be right to remain sharp. Aside from choosing the right color, fabric, detailing and stitching, you still need a wedding suit style that complements your physique. Check out these tips!
How about a red tuxedo with black satin notch lapel by perfecttux?
If the groom is short or stocky, avoid excess fabric, long jackets, high button stances and pants with lots of break. Become friends with the pocket square and show some cuff.
Your suit shoulders should not slouch. Make sure they keep you walking tall and fit.
If you have a choice between two or three buttons, go for two. Three will always make you look more boxy – of course, unless that’s what you are going for.
The sleeves should end at the height of your wrists.
Have your tailor narrow the suit to your figure and get rid of excess fabric.
Don’t go lapel crazy. maybe 2 inches at its widest point.
Here is the ultimate guide on how to choose groomsmen. Because the groom has to pick his share of the wedding party. Or doesn’t he?
Once you have chosen your groomsmen, you gotta ask them. Start getting them ready for the big day with this proposal box. Ships from Northborough, Massachusetts. Get yours here!
For some of you, choosing the groom’s squad may have been tackled before the proposal. For the rest, we recommend reading this guide on how to choose groomsmen for your wedding.
We’ll cover everything you need to know to masterfully take care of this wedding planning task. From groomsmen selection to their duties, to “do you even need to choose groomsmen”, to when and how many – this guide hopes to provide the answers you need to pick the best groom’s squad ever.
And you thought all you had to do was propose, get a tux, pick a best man (we’ll cover this in another article), have a bachelor party and show up at the wedding.
So first up…
What Do Groomsmen Do, Anyway?
You’d think your bros were just there to stand around and look dapper.
But there are actual duties involved for these title-bearers. For starters, these guys (or gals) will be supporting you through all the wedding planning and prep. From organizing and paying for a dope bachelor party (ala The Hangover movie) to ushering the guests on your big day (unless you have picked ushers), to dancing with the bridesmaids and single women at your bash, these men ultimately form your biggest support system. Ah, yes! And partaking of the groom’s cake tradition!
A guide to know how to choose groomsmen for your wedding and nail it.
Getting your best friend ready for his wedding is a serious matter and needs to be done properly. Photographer: Rick Liston. Venue: Flowerdale Estate. Groom’s suit: Bell & Barnett.
And if you’re wondering if you count on them at odd hours to demand booze, snacks or an impromptu pep talk, you do. Within measure, of course, you don’t want to become a groomzilla, do you?
Additionally, they’d be the crew walking the bridesmaids’ up and down the aisle. But we promise to dedicate a whole article to the groomsmen duties soon.
Uh! Is this a trick question? As many as you want, bro!
(Just don’t invite the whole fraternity! Or do!)
Really, there is no right answer to this one. You can ask three to six men to be a part of your wedding party, or a single one to be your groomsman and best man. Plus, stay out of drama and ask your SO (special other) how many girls she’s picked. Or else you’ll be looking at a lopsided wedding party. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. If you have more groomsmen than bridesmaids, you can have one bridesmaid walk down the aisle with two of your bros.
How to choose groomsmen that will not be afraid to get their pants rolled up. Literally. Photographer: Gold Hat Photography.
Why choose groomsmen? Amongst other things, to walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids. Coachella style wedding theme at The Woods of Jervis Bay. Photography: Nathan Lapham.
When (And How) to Ask Your Groomsmen to Be in Your Wedding?
Admit it. The fact that your girl has already picked a string of besties and fam for her bridal party has probably left you shook.
But calm down, you’re not running out of time just yet. Girls have always been extra when it comes to weddings. Yet, you shouldn’t back out of the fun either. The sooner, the better – you want to give them ample time to fulfill their duties – but carefully evaluate who you will have by your side when you say your I do.
Bachelor party ideas for the outdoorsy groom.
Harry Potter inspired mismatched groomsmen socks. Wave Hill Wedding by Christian Oth Studio.
Let’s say, you have already picked them, you will have to figure out how to ask your groomsmen to be in your wedding. And do it with class, pick a special gift, pop up the champagne or invite them to a game. Then ask them!
Now that we’ve covered all of the details, let’s get to the big answer:
Scratch-off “be my groomsman” card. Accompany it with a monogrammed glass, seriously bro. From faded Gardenias in Chicago, Illinois. Buy it here!
How to Choose Groomsmen for your Wedding
Is there a bro code for this? You wish!
Nowadays the groomsmen are all the guys and gals you’re tight with. Some men find choosing groomsmen and groomsladies pretty easy to do, if they have a small circle of friends. But the plot thickens if you’re one of those super popular guys with a long list of friends and family members all waiting to be asked.
Viva gender equality! Groomswoman, groomslady or groomsmaid, she is the crowning addition to his wedding party. Photo: Brooks Reynolds.
Traditionally some members of the family had to be picked as your groomsmen.
Here are a couple of tips to help you decide how to choose groomsmen and groomswomen:
Your mind may go to your friends first, but if you follow tradition when choosing groomsmen, consider including at least a family member. Be it a brother, sister, cousin or even a cool uncle. Some grooms might even rope in their brother-in-law and you can too if you want.
Reliability is a MUST when it comes down to how to choose groomsmen for your wedding. This is not the time for flaky friends who may forget the rings (keep 4 Weddings and a Funeral in mind), are not able to handle their booze or show up late at the ceremony. So, choose groomsmen or groomswomen that you can actually count on.
(You don’t want to put yourself in such a tight spot!)
You and your bae might not be some fantasy couple, but there is always a friend or some friends who’ve been shipping (rooting) for you to be endgame ever since you met. Maybe they even introduced you. Get those people on your team. They’re the soundboards that made this happen as you went on and on about how amazing your partner is.
Avoid personality clashes like hell. Unless you thrive on drama. Click those people that you believe will click and definitely get along with your best man. That’s how to choose groomsmen for the ages!
Don’t miss out on these tips on how to choose groomsmen. One best man and one groomsman may be all a happy couple needs. Photographer: CK Photography.
Can you say best groomsman gift ever?! These are some lucky groomsmen.
A Few Final Words on How to Choose Groomsmen
Lastly, avoid selecting people who:
You haven’t met since high school (not the time to get reacquainted)
Are on your list just because you are related (unless there’s too much family pressure)
Don’t like the bride or vice versa.
That’s it!
In the end, choosing groomsmen isn’t rocket science. You’ve only got to select the bros that have really been there for you and can be there for you now. They should know how to handle you at your highs and lows because a wedding tends to be lots of work and an emotional rollercoaster. And, we cannot stress this enough: make sure to choose groomsmen you can really count on to carry out their duties!
Include your sister in your wedding party. So loving the mixed gender groom’s squad!
Discover how to choose the right color and style for the groom’s tie and have him look picture perfect on your big day!
Floral groom’s tie, perfect for a modern or boho wedding.
There is a fair amount of time spent picking out what the bride will be wearing on the big day, but it is important not to overlook the groom’s style. Let’s be honest, we know the bride is going to get the majority of the attention here, but the groom is going to want to look and feel great too, after all.
How To Choose the Right Color and Style for the Big Day
Sorry guys, when it comes down to the color of your tie, I’m sure the bride will have a say. But if your wedding palette has two colors, the groom can wear one of the shades while the rest of the guys wear the other.
Now that the color has been decided, let’s move on to picking the right groom’s tie. Many grooms email us asking about the fabric of a particular tie so I decided I could give a little rundown of the most common fabrics for ties.
The Groom’s Tie: How to Pick the Fabric
It’s best to start with the month the wedding will be held. Fabrics like cotton and linen who are light and breezy are perfect for summery weddings. Other fabrics like wool, tweed, cashmere and different wool blends are more suited for the winter.
Rayon, polyester and silk wear well all year round. But buyer beware when it comes down to silk neckties! There are many kinds of silk out there and the quality varies. The most commonly used for men’s ties are doupioni silk (its threads are uneven and irregular), shantung (very smooth and has hardly any slubs), silk linen (it actually has the look of linen) and satin which is glossy and smooth on one side and matte on the other.
Peach textured groom’s tie. Always consider the collar width before picking the tie style! Photographer: Kristen Weaver.
Blue tie fit for a civil ceremony, a daytime wedding or an elopement by zeusfactor
The Groom’s Tie: Let’s Get To Know Their Styles
What to wear? What to wear? Depending on the formality of the affair, you may want to take your pick of the following types and styles of groom’s ties. But you must also consider the collar style and width before picking the tie! Let’s review some of the groom’s tie styles.
The Necktie
A classic. This is the long tie most commonly associated with working in an office. But, that’s not to say it should not be worn for a wedding. Match the tie to the wedding colors to give a splash of color and fun to the groom’s look.
Love this handmade cotton floral tie for the civil ceremony. The groom will look so modern! (Get it here)
The Ascot
If your groom has been searching his entire life for an excuse to wear an Ascot, now is the time. An ascot is much more formal and is a folded tie that is wider than a necktie and usually won with a stickpin or tie tack. Typically, Ascots are a patterned material, but they can be neutral, think blacks or grays, or the wedding colors to match the décor.
Bow Tie
Bow ties are a symmetrical ribbon of fabric that tie together to form two loops that sit at the collar of the groom’s dress shirt. Most commonly, bow ties are worn with tuxedos, but fun, patterned bow ties also pair well with suits. Grooms can wear black bow ties for very formal looks or match the bridesmaid’s dresses when wearing a tuxedo.
Modern black suit with velvet bow tie, shawl collar, and “crown folded” pocket square.
The Euro Tie is a middle ground between the necktie and the Ascot. Gold orange paisley silk cravat.
Euro Tie or Cravat
The Euro Tie is a middle ground between necktie and Ascot. It’s a long tie with a square bottom, knotted at the beck and worn with a spread collar shirt. It’s formal but not quite Ascot-level formal.
Here is a great tip for grooms to look great on your big day. Make sure the widest part of your tie matches the width of the lapel chosen for your wedding.
Photo Gallery to Help you Pick your Most Fabulous Groom’s Tie
There are many ways to tie a knot (pun intended) 😉 but today we will share how to tie the Half-Windsor knot! Medium to light thickness for ties are this year’s trend. Therefore, the half-Windsor is easier and more fitting. It is also nice and symmetrical but not quite as bulky as the Windsor knot.
Modern groom’s tie in gray with a Half-Windsor knot. Brooklyn Wedding by Lauren Balingit Photography.
Remember that your body type matters when picking a tie. The half-Windsor is narrower and longer and looks best on slimmer taller guys.
Lay the tie around your neck and stand in front of a mirror. The wide end should be on your right and the small or narrow end should be on your left when looking into the mirror. The wider end should hang about 12 inches lower than the smaller end.
In front of you, cross the wide end over the narrow end, making an “X.”
Still holding the wide end, go under the small end and to the right
Now, pull the wide end up to the center towards the necktie
Bring the wide end through the neck loop from the front towards the back and left.
Cross the wide end over the narrow end to the right
Now bring it upwards again, this time from beneath the neck loop
Pull it through the loop you just created in the front and then straight down
Use both hands to adjust the tie until it sits tight under your collar.
You look terrific!! 🙂
Grooms now is your time to shine as brightly as the bride. Ok, maybe not as brightly, but don’t miss this chance to show off your personal style when picking your tie! Most of the groom’s ties can be found and shipped worldwide at Dessy. Check them out! Now back to the brides! Discover these Timeless, Elegant and Sexy Wedding Dresses for the Modern Bride!
How good are you at tying the knot? Discover how to tie a half windsor knot! (Don’t worry, this is not it) 😉 Wearing a tie makes you look confident.
Match the tie to the wedding palette to give a splash of color and fun to the groom’s look. Wedding photography: Claryphoto.
Matte satin bow tie and pocket square. Dessy.
There are so many ways to wear a tie… Check out this Cat Greek Ascot by Boris Mocka.
The tie patch is a wonderful keepsake that will add to the love, happiness, and remembrance of your big wedding day! (Get yours here!)
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