Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Cake Charms

How to Use Cake Charms...
What a romantic Victorian era tradition to make your wedding grand! The custom of "ribbon pulling" dates back to time of Queen Victoria (as do most of our wonderful wedding traditions). A bride would hide small charms (distinctive symbols of romance, love, friendship, memorials, etc.) attached to satin ribbons within the icing of her wedding cake. The bride would have each of her bridesmaids (as well as other important women in her life) pull a charm from the cake before it was cut. It was believed each charm had a special meaning, a bit of advice, or would foretell the future in luck, romance, fortune, etc.
Traditionally, the bride's attendants (even friends, children, family members can participate) assemble behind the cake, along with the bride and groom, at the wedding reception. The ribbon-pulling ceremony takes place just after the cake-cutting ceremony, but prior to cake-serving. Each person takes a turn and pulls a ribbon from the cake. The charm's meaning is revealed. Some couples like to have the ribbon-pulling ceremony prior to the cake-cutting - it's your wedding, do what you want!

If you like the idea of the ribbon-pulling ceremony, but do not want it to be part of the wedding reception - consider having a small cake made with the ribbon pulls for your bridal luncheon/tea/brunch, rehearsal dinner or bridal shower. Some people even opt to have a small bridesmaid charm cake in addition to the main wedding cake.

Today, charm cakes are being included in showers, birthdays, afternoon teas, etc. - any event involving a cake! Charms make perfect party favors for your guests and they have a keepsake charm as a remembrance of the event.

No comments: