Almost all groom's are now asking about the groom's cake. What is it? Where did the tradition start, and why do today's couples keep it going? Should the groom's cake show up at the rehearsal dinner, or the wedding? Is it supposed to be made of chocolate?

When many people think of the groom's cake, they picture that quirky red velvet armadillo from "Steel Magnolias." Often, their second thought is, "why would I want that my wedding?" In reality, though, the groom's cake is a deeply-rooted Southern custom, every bit as traditional as the explosion of wedding cookies you find at many Western Pennsylvania weddings — and it doesn't have to be an armadillo.

According to superstition, any single woman at a wedding should go home with a slice of groom's cake and sleep with it under her pillow. That night, according to legend, she'll dream of her future husband. Whether or not the folklore holds true, it seems that the old Southern tradition of the groom's cake is making a comeback — not only in the South but in metropolitan areas all over the nation, where designers are whipping up elaborate confections that reflect the groom's interests in a dramatic and memorable way.

As for when to serve this tempting tribute to the other half? There's no right or wrong answer — the rehearsal dinner is perfectly appropriate, as is the wedding reception itself. Either way, guests and groom alike are sure to enjoy this chance to see the groom's interests or hobbies reflected in this once-in-a-lifetime form.

Still, there are guidelines involved, based on when you serve it. If serving the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner, make sure the cake is whatever flavor the groom likes best — carrot cake, coconut cream, red velvet — whatever he loves.

But if you're serving the groom's cake at the wedding, this is a great opportunity to choose something rich and chocolate that offsets the traditional white wedding cake, such as a chocolate fudge torte with a decadent raspberry or chocolate mousse filling, or perhaps a peanut or almond creme. Seasonal factors play a role too. For example, many couples opt for a cream cheese-frosted, pecan-filled carrot cake for a fall wedding.