After we got our dance on and mingled, our coordinator told us it was cake time. Uhm, there is no need to tell me twice. I walked as swiftly as I could to the table as the DJ announced the names of the single ladies who were going to do the cake pull. 
Now for those of you who are like, “cake pull, what the heck?” It’s a southern tradition that is widely used in New Orleans weddings, and of course, there were a few ways I wanted to bring New Orleans traditions to our wedding. Every wedding I’ve been to has the traditional cake pulls, so I thought it would be fun to do them as well! Of course, I had to Ballet Flat-ify them. I wasn’t going to buy a traditional kit somewhere locally. So, I bought fun New Orleans-y charms and made them myself! Easiest peasiest DIY project evah!
The bakery actually called me after my MOH dropped the cake pulls off for me, and asked if they should use white ribbon instead. They thought it would be more traditional. Hrm… I guess they didn’t realize I made these myself for a reason! They matched the fleur de lis on the cakes fairly closely too, don’t you think?
So, after rounding up the ladies from their groovin’, it was time to cheese it for the camera and grab that ribbon…
… and pull!
My friends and family were pretty excited that these were Louisiana charms, and not the standard charms that you can buy pretty much anywhere.
After licking off the icing and cake, everyone anxiously awaited their charm’s meaning.
By the way, I totally did NOT buy an old maid charm. I mean, who the heck wants the news that they will be an old maid?! Keep it positive at a wedding, folks.
Now that the cake pull was done, our guests were staring us down for dessert! It was time to cut that cake! Stay tuned!
Images courtesy of Amanda Meyer Photography
Previous recaps:
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Bridals
Our NOLA Nuptials: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Our NOLA Nuptials: Practice Makes Perfect
Our NOLA Nuptials: It Was All a Blur
Our NOLA Nuptials: Poof, Spray and a Lie
Our NOLA Nuptials: The Finishing Touches
Our NOLA Nuptials: Walk it Out
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 1)
Our NOLA Nuptials: Making it Official (Part 2)
Our NOLA Nuptials: Some Afterthoughts
Our NOLA Nuptials: At First Glance
Our NOLA Nuptials: Smiles All Around
Our NOLA Nuptials: Dancing Klutz
Our NOLA Nuptials: Just Dance
They have a similar Peruvian tradition where there are ribbons, but only one is tied to a charm…the recipient of the charm is next to wed.
My sister did this for her bridesmaid luncheon 3 years ago, using cupcakes instead of cake-cake. I pulled the heart charm, meaning “next girl to fall in love.” I met my now-fiance 3 days later and still wear the charm on my keychain. 
Neat, I’ve heard of this but never actually seen it before. I’m sure the ladies appreciated that there was no old maid charm.
This is a really cool tradition, thanks for sharing it!
Very NOLA! I have yet to try a king cake, they seem fun, too.
i like the charms you ended up choosing! and good call on not using an old maid. who ever thought that was a good idea?!
i love this tradition!! and the pictures are adorable too.
Wow, I’ve also never heard of this but it’s a really cute idea!
I wanted to do a charm cake at my bridesmaids’ tea party but never got around to putting one together! This posts makes me wish I had!
I’d always been confused by someone trying to explain this tradition, with pictures it makes sense. Fun!
Mrs. Ballet Flat, New Orleans Age and Occupation: 24, Geographic Information Systems Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, IT Analyst Engagement Date: March 16, 2008 Wedding Date: May, 2009 Blogging Since: September 25, 2008 Venue: St. Charles Borromeo Church/Jefferson-Orleans North About Me: I absolutely love wedding planning, spending time with Mr. Ballet Flat, various crafts, watching football, baking, pop music, bargain hunting and ice cream. My idea of a great date night is dinner and clearance shopping with Mr. Ballet Flat! I currently live below sea level in the suburbs near New Orleans, where I make maps all day, everyday for my job. I'm slowly becoming more and more obsessed with anything New Orleans related for our wedding, and I can't wait for the big day!
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