Cake Pulls- A Southern Wedding Tradition

July 19, 2017

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This may be one of my favorite southern wedding traditions. My Dad’s family is from New Orleans so I may be a little partial. It is one of the best cities in the US. New Orleans has some of the most fun traditions, and some really great weddings. 

This tradition started during the Victorian Period, originally called a “ribbon pull,” the bride would put silver charms tied to a ribbon in the wedding cake for her single friends to pull. Today the charms are placed by the cake designer either under the cake or between the layers.  It is common to have a string of pearls attached to the charm so that is can double as a bracelet for the receiver. 

The cake pulls can be done at a bridal shower, luncheon, or on the wedding day before the cake is cut.  If it is done on the wedding day all of your guests will get to partake in the anticipation of who gets which charm.  This is also a great alternative to the bouquet toss.

Each charm has a different meaning. There are several to chose from, some traditional, and some that have a more modern meaning. As with everything there have been some variations over the years.   

The most common meanings for the charms are:

Accordion– Good News Will Soon Come Your Way

Airboat – You Will Have a Life of Excitement

Alligator – You Will Live a Long and Enjoyable Life

Baby Charms – You Will Be the Next One to Become Pregnant Baby, Baby Bib, Baby Blanket, Baby Book, Baby Booties/Shoes, Baby Bottle, Baby Carriage, Baby Cup, Baby Diaper Pin, Baby High Chair, Baby Pacifier, Baby Rattle, Rocking Horse, Stork with Baby

Baton – You Will Have a Life of Clear Purpose and Direction

Bear – You Will Have a Life of Wisdom

Bee – You Will Have a Sweet Life

Beehive – You Will Have a Life Filled With the Finest Nectar From the Most Beautiful Flowers

Bourbon Street Sign – You Will Have a Life Filled With Celebrations

Carousel Horse – You Will Have a Life of Fantasy

Chili Pepper – There is a Red Hot Romance in Your Near Future

Clown – You Will Have A Life Filled With Laughter

Crawfish – You Will Have a Life of Good Fortune

Good Luck Charms- Four Leaf Clover, Hedgehog, Lady Bug, Shamrock, Crescent Moon

Crown – You Will Soon Be Crowned a Princess By Your Prince

Cypress Tree – You Will Have a Life Filled With Blessings

Dragon – You Will Have a Life Filled With Happiness

Eiffel Tower – You Will Have a Life of Travel and Adventure

Engagement and Next to be Married Charms – Bride, Heart, Engagement Ring, Hope Chest, Knot/Bow, Marriage License, Wedding Bell/Bells, Wedding Cake, Wedding Couple 

Fleur-De-Leis – You Will Live Your Life in Heritage and Strength

Frog – You Will Kiss Your Prince Soon

Horse and Carriage – You Will Have a Life of Romance

Iris – You Will Have a Life Filled With Love and Friendship

Jazz Music – You Will Have a Life of Smooth Creative Style

Jester – You Will Live a Colorful Life

Louisiana Gumbo (Food Items) – Your Life Will Be Filled With Good Food, Good Times, and Good Friends

Magnolia – You Will Have a Home Filled With Harmony, Cheerfulness and Love

Mardi-Gras Indian – You Will Live a Life of “Looking Good, Baby!”

Mardi-Gras King Cake – You Will Always Be the Queen of the Ball

Mardi-Gras Mask – Your Life Will Be a Party

Music Note – You Will Live Your Life With a Song in Your Heart

Old Maid Charms – Sorry, You Will Be an Old Maid.  Button, Quilting and Sewing, Thimble

Okra – You Will Have a Life Filled With Culture and Tradition

Oyster – You Will Have a Wish Soon Granted

Palm Tree – You Will Have a Life of Warmth

Pelican – You Will Have a Life of Plenty

Red Bean – You Will Have a Life Filled With Love. “I Love You Once, I Love You Twice, I Love You More Than Red Beans and Rice!”

Riverboat – Your Life Will Be Full of Nostalgic Memories

Saint Louis Cathedral – You Will Have Joy and Peace in Your Marriage

Seashell – You Will Have a Life of Timeless Beauty

Sno-Ball (New Orleans Snow Cone) – You Will Have a Sweet Life

Streetcar – Your Life Will Be Filled With Fun and Leisure

Umbrella – Your Life Will Be Showered With Love

 

These are the cake charms that are in the photos:

Chili Pepper- Red hot Romance

Shamrock- Good Luck

Alligator- You Will Live a Long and Enjoyable Life

Eiffel Tower- You Will Have a Life of Travel and Adventure

Baby Feet- You Will Be the Next One to Have a Baby

Fleur de lis- You Will Live Your Life in Heritage and Strength

 

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