The Treasured Tradition Of Cake Pulls
Shop MIMOSA Handcrafted Cake Pulls
Download Cake Pull Charm Meanings PDF
What do cakes and jewelry have in common? They’re both lavish treats that are often gifted on special occasions. Weddings are one particular occasion where jewelry and cakes have a lot of crossover. There’s the exchange of wedding rings, of course, but that’s not what we’ll be talking about today. Instead, we’re sharing the history of the cake pull! Read on to learn all about this sweet wedding tradition.
Wedding - Blair Root; Photo by Sarah Kelley Photography
What Is A Cake Pull?
Fellow Louisiana natives will likely know about cake pulls, but here’s some background information for our non-Southern friends. A cake pull is a fun tradition that involves single friends of the bride finding out their fortunes from charms attached to the wedding cake. The charms are placed on ribbons, which are carefully slotted underneath the cake. Pulls generally happen during wedding receptions before the cake is officially cut, but sometimes they take place at bridal showers.
The cake pull is like a bouquet toss with an extra personalized touch. Each charm has its own special meaning or prediction. Often made of sterling silver, the charms serve as keepsakes that can be treasured long after the wedding takes place. It’s the perfect blend of dessert, jewelry, and fortune telling. What’s not to love?!
Wedding - Emily Lutz; Photo by Kelli Jennings (Julep Studio Photography)
The History Of The Cake Pull
Also referred to as "ribbon pulling," the tradition has roots that date back to the 1600s. And although cake pulls are prevalent across Louisiana and other southern states, the tradition was actually brought over by the British.
Our modern cake pull is a unique blend of the various traditions that were practiced throughout the UK. English brides engaged in a "skirt pull." Bridesmaids would pull charms that had been sewn onto the bride’s skirt, which were then kept as tokens of friendship. Further north in Scotland, wedding cakes were often embellished with inedible ornaments. Meanwhile in Ireland, a fortune-telling tradition for single women took place on Hallow’s Eve. Talismans said to predict the future were baked into fruit cakes and then eaten by the single women. Blend the three together and you get a Southern cake pull!
Wedding - Rebecca Reid; Photo by Eau Claire Photographics
What Do The Cake Pull Charms Signify?
Modern brides can choose any type of charm for their cake pulls, but there are 8 traditional symbols that have always been used.
- Horseshoe or four-leaf clover: good luck
- Telephone: good news
- Anchor: hope
- Heart: impending love
- Thimble or button: the old maid
- Penny: poverty
- Ring: signifies the next marriage
MIMOSA Handcrafted Cake Pulls
Many of our pendants can be used as cake pulls! In fact, MIMOSA had a specific collection of them in the past.
Now, we’re excited to offer special meanings for almost all of our pendants, so that they can be used as cake pulls. Download a printable PDF of little tags to attach to any of these pendants. The tags will share the meaning behind the piece, so you can create your own traditions.
CHOOSING YOUR CAKE PULLS
Our pendants are available in bronze, the traditional sterling silver, and 14k gold. Purchase the "pendant only" option and pair with your choice of ribbon. (Ribbon not included.)
Or purchase the pendant with one of our chain necklaces or bracelets to gift to each recipient after the pull, so they can wear their new keepsake.
Please note: If a pendant is available in both a "small" and "large" size, we recommend using the "small" size for your cake pull charm.
- Shop MIMOSA Handcrafted Cake Pull Charms
- Download Cake Pull Charm Meanings PDF
- Shop MIMOSA Handcrafted's "Wedding Gift Guide"
Contact MIMOSA for 14k Gold pricing
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Guest blog by Maria Polansky
References:
Gambino's Bakery — Charmed: History of Cake Pulls
Published 5/12/22; Last Updated 5/12/22