This classic tradition is becoming trendy again.

By Emma Way

The groom’s cake, a tradition that originated in England but is commonly observed in the South, is taking hold at weddings across the land.

According to legend, if a single woman sleeps with the slice under her pillow that night, she’ll dream about her future husband.

In contrast to the romantic and often white wedding cake, a groom’s cake celebrates the man of the hour with layers of chocolate and personalized decorations. Groom’s cakes often incorporate the personality of the groom, as well as his interests or passions.

Although the vast majority of groom’s cakes are still chocolate, they have become more about appearance than taste in recent years. Eileen Gray, owner of Cake Art Studio in Paoli, eats, sleeps and breathes pastry. In the 20 years Gray has been a pastry chef, she’s decorated her fair share of grooms’ cakes—ranging from a black, white and red Beatles cake to a Star Wars cake with Darth Vader at its side. The design possibilities are endless and typically come with a gentler price tag than the wedding cake itself.

With the hefty cost of weddings these days, many question the necessity of serving a groom’s cake. According to Lee Slaninko, owner of Sweet Somethings Desserts in Wilmington, a groom’s cake is often the work of a thoughtful bride hoping to surprise her groom. “With wedding cakes, it typically comes down to the mother of the bride and the bride,” Slaninko adds with a laugh. “Usually [a groom’s cake] is a gift, an homage to something that he enjoys.” For that, the cost is worth it.

A groom’s cake can be a sweet way to let your future hubby shine come wedding day, so share the spotlight and consider saying “I do” to this rich southern tradition.

Still feeling stumped? Here are some popular groom’s cake themes that your hubby and guests will surely devour.

SPORTS: A tribute to his favorite sports team is a common groom’s cake idea. Think big—there are plenty of design options.

CARS: Create a replica of his first car or design his dream car.

HOBBIES: Whether it’s golf, fishing or even video games, this theme is a great conversation piece.