CAKE PULLS
and their Charms, are a lovely tradition that comes to Us from the Victorian Era. At a time when so many traditions are being abandoned, this one stands out for consideration. Primary found down in the Southern States this tradition is finding new life in today’s modern weddings. The origins of this custom is lost between English, Scottish and Irish.
As far back as the 17th century there can be found the tradition of small charms being sewn in to the hem of the Bridal dress. Later to be “pulled” from the dress by the bridesmaids as tokens of love and friendship.
Scotland has a long tradition of decorating wedding cakes with uneatable ornaments, this tradition has long been associated with the Cake Pull custom.
In Ireland, the talisman was baked in to a dense fruit cake, when the young woman ate the cake her future would be foretold by the charm found with in. Much like the Cake Pull custom. The jumble of these traditions over the centuries has produced the Cake Pull tradition that was brought over to America with British immigrants. It was in the 1920’s, when Scottish baker Henry C. McKenzie of famed McKenzie’s Bakery, brought the Cake Pull tradition to New Orleans where he popularized it and where It thrives to this day.
and their Charms, are a lovely tradition that comes to Us from the Victorian Era. At a time when so many traditions are being abandoned, this one stands out for consideration. Primary found down in the Southern States this tradition is finding new life in today’s modern weddings. The origins of this custom is lost between English, Scottish and Irish.
As far back as the 17th century there can be found the tradition of small charms being sewn in to the hem of the Bridal dress. Later to be “pulled” from the dress by the bridesmaids as tokens of love and friendship.
Scotland has a long tradition of decorating wedding cakes with uneatable ornaments, this tradition has long been associated with the Cake Pull custom.
In Ireland, the talisman was baked in to a dense fruit cake, when the young woman ate the cake her future would be foretold by the charm found with in. Much like the Cake Pull custom. The jumble of these traditions over the centuries has produced the Cake Pull tradition that was brought over to America with British immigrants. It was in the 1920’s, when Scottish baker Henry C. McKenzie of famed McKenzie’s Bakery, brought the Cake Pull tradition to New Orleans where he popularized it and where It thrives to this day.
The Charms themselves are chosen by the Bride for each bridesmaid or friend. Thin ribbons are attached then placed under the bottom layer of the cake. You may also place them between layers, or push slightly in to the Cake. Before the Cake is cut by the Bride and Groom, all eligible Ladies would gather around the cake with the Bride, grab a ribbon and together pull out the ribbons to see what their future held. This at the time, was a lighthearted way to include other family members and friends in to the event without increasing the Wedding Party count. It later became the Bridesmaids only. In present day, Cake Pull ceremonies now include married couples and single men. All given are given wishes for long & healthy life, happy home, and travel. The internet is a great place to find and purchase these Charms. Today’s Charms are heavily influenced by the New Orleans area where they are very popular. Choose Charms in gold, sterling silver or commercial grade pewter for placing in any Cake. Many sites are devoted to the meanings behind each Charm and charm selections. Buy in pre-grouped and decorated sets or pick and chose the ones best for Your Event-decorate in Your Wedding colors. The Ribbons can be labeled with names or titles. Also, look in Jewelry stores or craft stores. Look for Charms with a lobster claw attachment for an easier placement on a bracelet, necklace or key chain. |
The most traditional Charms are the Ring (next to marry), this one is set to the right of the Bride. Horseshoe/Clover (travel soon), Anchor (hope and life of stability), Bells (marry soon), Button/Thimble (old maid), Telephone (good news coming). More contemporary Charms include Star (wish come true), Butterfly (eternal love), Kite (fun and leisure life), Pad Lock (security), High chair/Stroller (next to have a baby). Below you will find a listing of more Charm meanings both traditional and contemporary. Use these or create Your own Charms represented from movies, songs, sports, or any subject that conveys Your personal message. Consider how the recipient will wear the new Charm. A modern touch is to have the Charm attached to a bracelet or necklace instead of the ribbon. Glass beads, rhinestones, and pearls are popular choices. Use small decorated pouches or organza bags to carry the Charm so it will not get lost at the Event. Have these set aside to hand out soon after the Cake cutting is done. Be sure to add a card explaining the tradition and meaning of their Charm. Bring this fun and entertaining Cake Pull Ceremony to Your Wedding Event. You can also have the Cake Pull at the Bridal Shower, a festive addition to any celebration! |
Ring - next to marry Heart - your Love is true Flower - a blossoming relationship to come Captain’s Wheel - confidence Star - wish come true Kite - fun and leisure life Butterfly - eternal beauty Book - life full of knowledge Moon - opportunity Tree - life of financial security Anchor - hope and life of stability Cinderella’s Carriage - Happy ever after High Chair/Stroller - next to have a baby Pig - abundance Mask - something fun and unexpected to happen Sea Shell - Timeless, eternal beauty Bells - soon to wed |
Fleur de Lis - new beginning or rebirth, prosperity and happiness
Thimble/Button - old maid Oyster - wealth and prosperity Tiger - wisdom Boat - adventure waits for you Wishing Well - dream come true Money Bag - riches coming your way Telephone - good news coming Rocking Chair - long life ahead Chili Pepper/Hot Sauce - red hot romance ahead Horseshoe/Clover/Wishbone - Good Luck Boot/Shoe - you’ll travel soon Wreath - happy home, content life Key - new home Pearl - pure love and friendship |
The Cake Cutting Ceremony
is more popular Today than at any time in history.
The Ceremony goes back to Roman times where the “cake” was a loaf of barley bread. It was broken over the Bride’s head by the Groom symbolizing the end of her virginity and the beginning of his rule over her. This ritual was necessary, scholars believe, because only the children of parents who did this ritual would be considered for high office in Roman society.
The ensuing centuries have all contributed their own additions to the ritual. The loaf of bread has become sweeter in taste. Pies were at one time very popular during the 17th century through the 19th century. The invention of fine sugar, at one time only available to the very rich, changed the color of frosting used for wedding cakes. The whiter the frosting on the cake the richer the family was.
is more popular Today than at any time in history.
The Ceremony goes back to Roman times where the “cake” was a loaf of barley bread. It was broken over the Bride’s head by the Groom symbolizing the end of her virginity and the beginning of his rule over her. This ritual was necessary, scholars believe, because only the children of parents who did this ritual would be considered for high office in Roman society.
The ensuing centuries have all contributed their own additions to the ritual. The loaf of bread has become sweeter in taste. Pies were at one time very popular during the 17th century through the 19th century. The invention of fine sugar, at one time only available to the very rich, changed the color of frosting used for wedding cakes. The whiter the frosting on the cake the richer the family was.
Today's Ceremony has it’s own traditions. The cutting of the bottom layer by the Bride holding the knife with the Groom’s hand over hers. Symbolizes the Groom’s support and help for his new Wife. The Bride allowing her Groom’s hand over hers shows her support and care for her new Husband. There is no one way to hold hands, you can place them side by side or use all four hands to hold the knife.
After the cake is cut, the feeding of cake to each other symbolizes their union and promise to provide for each other. Also, good luck and good fortune for those who eat the cake too. It was though for a time that if a Bribe provided crumbs from the wedding cake to her Bridesmaids, and they slept on them. They would dream of their future Groom.
The tradition of smashing the cake in to your partners face may seem like a good idea but is messy and can ruin the wedding attire so carefully chosen. Not to mention the plans for pictures later.
There are many charts, diagrams and images of cake servings per tier to estimate the amount of cake you need to have for Your wedding. But it is the bakery you have decided upon that will know the final sizes. Each bakery can differ in cake size and servings. The standard size serving is a 1x2x4 inch piece.