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
