Question: why are there two cakes at a wedding

title: Wedding cake
text: In some areas , particularly the American South , two cakes are presented at weddings . The more traditional tiered cake is the bride 's cake , and a second flavor choice is called the `` groom 's cake '' . This tradition was brought over from England by early American colonists , who considered the white - iced `` Bride 's Cake '' too light for masculinity . The groom 's cake was usually a dark , liquor - soaked fruitcake , particularly in Virginia . Today groom 's cakes are usually chocolate , although the groom often choose another of his favorite flavors . The groom 's cake is usually decorated or shaped as something significant to him , such as a hobby item , sports team or symbol of his occupation . The movie Steel Magnolias features a red velvet groom 's cake in the shape of a giant armadillo . The groom 's cake is served at the reception as a second flavor choice for the guests , although in some regions it is served at the rehearsal dinner .