Selecting Bridesmaids: The Charm Pool Method

A bridesmaids charm pool is a fun tradition where charms are placed in or on a cake, with ribbons attached, for bridesmaids to pull out and keep. The charms are usually placed between the layers of the cake or pushed into slices of cake before they are served. It is meant to be a luck of the draw where each bridesmaid pulls out a charm at random, and whatever they get is believed to be their fortune for the future.

Charms placed on the board under the cake

The placement of charms on the board under the cake is a fun and unique idea for a bridesmaids' charm pool. Here are some ideas for charms to place on the board, with their traditional meanings and symbolism:

• Ring charm: This charm is a prediction that the bridesmaid who pulls it will be the next to marry. It symbolises commitment, love, and new beginnings.
• Horseshoe charm: The horseshoe charm is a symbol of good luck and fortune. It is believed that the bridesmaid who receives this charm will have luck and prosperity in their future endeavours.
• Wishbone charm: The wishbone is a symbol of hope and wish fulfilment. The bridesmaid who pulls this charm can make a wish, and it is believed that her wish will come true.
• Heart charm: A heart-shaped charm represents love, friendship, and strong emotional connections. It signifies that the bridesmaid is surrounded by love and cherished by the bride.
• Four-leaf clover charm: This charm is a symbol of good luck and fortune. The four leaves of the clover are said to represent faith, hope, love, and luck. It is believed to bring luck and blessings to the bridesmaid who receives it.
• Dove charm: The dove is a symbol of peace, harmony, and new beginnings. It signifies that the bridesmaid is embarking on a journey of love and serenity, and it represents a blessing for their future endeavours.

When placing the charms on the board, ensure they are wrapped securely to keep them clean and food-safe. Attach ribbons to each charm, allowing them to trail out from under the cake. The ribbons add a touch of elegance and make it easier for the bridesmaids to pull their chosen charm.

Charms placed between layers of cake

A bridesmaids charm pool cake is a fun tradition where charms are placed within the cake, with ribbons trailing out, for bridesmaids to pull out and keep.

There are a few different ways to place the charms within the cake. One method is to place the charms on the board and then place the cake on top. The ribbons are then pulled out by the bridesmaids, and the charms unwrapped before the cake-cutting ceremony. Another method is to place the charms between the layers of the cake, with the filling. The charms can be pushed into the cake, with the ribbons trailing out, and placed at even intervals. The ribbons should be long enough to loosely dangle out from the cake. The bride can choose to assign a charm to each bridesmaid, or it can be a 'luck of the draw' situation, where each bridesmaid randomly selects a charm.

To prepare the charms, they should be wrapped to ensure they are food-safe and kept clean. Some people also sanitise the charms before inserting them into the cake.

• Prep your cake pans with parchment paper and grease with butter and flour, or a non-stick baking spray.
• Bake your cake layers and let them chill in the fridge overnight.
• Place one cake layer on a cardboard round or cake stand/plate.
• Top with a layer of frosting or filling. If using a softer filling, create a 'dam' of frosting around the perimeter of the cake to prevent it from leaking out.
• Repeat with the remaining layers.
• Apply a crumb coat – a thin coating of frosting spread over the whole cake to smooth out the shape and seal in crumbs.
• Chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Finish the cake with a thicker coat of frosting.
• Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting.
• Before serving, insert the charms with ribbons attached into the cake, ensuring the ribbons are long enough to dangle out.

Charms pushed into cake slices

A bridesmaids charm pool is a New Orleans wedding tradition similar to the bouquet toss. The bride gathers her single or eligible female friends around the wedding cake. The cake contains various charms with ribbon tails, which are usually inserted into the bottom layer of the cake. Each woman then pulls a ribbon, exposing a charm, which is meant to signify their future.

The charms are often made of sterling silver and can be kept as a memento. Brides may also provide bracelets for the charms to be worn on.

There are eight classic charms, each with its own meaning:

• Ring (next to get married)
• Horseshoe or four-leaf clover (good luck)
• Telephone (good news)
• Anchor (hope)
• Heart (impending love)
• Thimble or button (old maid)
• Penny (poverty)

However, there can be up to 20 different charms, and they don't always go in the cake. Sometimes they are placed on the board and the cake is placed on top, with ribbons trailing out.

If you are doing charms pushed into cake slices, the bride may choose certain charms for certain girls and arrange them around the cake, or designate them with different-coloured or shaped ribbons. The ring charm is usually placed to the right of the bride, for the maid of honour to pull.

The charms can be pushed into the cake at even intervals, with tiny initials on the attached bows, so each girl pulls out the charm meant for her. The bride may also furnish specific charms for each bridesmaid, with almost invisible initials on the bows.

The charms can be placed between the layers of the cake, with the filling. They can be wrapped to keep them clean and food-safe.

The cake pull is usually done during the wedding reception before the cake is cut, but it can also be done at the bridal shower or brunch.

Charms placed under the bottom tier of the cake

The cake pull is a wedding tradition that originated in Victorian England and is now popular in the southern US, especially New Orleans. It involves placing charms under the bottom tier of the wedding cake, each with a ribbon tail. The unmarried female friends of the bride then each pull a ribbon, exposing a charm that is meant to foretell their future and bring good luck.

The charms are usually inserted into the bottom layer of the cake after it is baked and before it is frosted. They are often made of sterling silver and can be kept as a memento. While the charms are meant to be a surprise, it is sometimes rumoured that the cake is "stacked", with the bride choosing certain charms for certain girls and arranging them around the cake.

• Ring – symbolising the next person to be married
• Horseshoe or four-leaf clover – signifying good luck
• Telephone – meaning that good news is coming
• Anchor – encouraging hope
• Heart – indicating impending love
• Thimble or button – revealing the old maid
• Penny – meaning poverty
• Wreath – symbolising a happy home
• High chair – blessed with children
• Rocking chair – longevity
• Airplane – travel and adventure
• Satchel – good fortune
• Mirror – a happy life
• Hot air balloon or Eiffel Tower – a life full of adventure and travel
• Claddagh – friendship, love, and loyalty
• Butterfly – eternal beauty
• Star – your wish will come true

The cake pull can take place at the bridal shower or brunch, but most often occurs during the wedding reception before the cake is cut. It is seen as an honour to be chosen to pull a ribbon, demonstrating a closeness with the bride or groom.

Charms placed in cupcakes

A bridesmaid charm pool is a fun tradition to include in your wedding or bridal luncheon. It involves placing charms under a cake, with ribbons trailing out, for your bridesmaids to pull out and keep. The charms are usually placed on a board and then the cake is placed on top. The ribbons are then pulled out by the bridesmaids, who unwrap their charms. This is usually done right before the cake-cutting ceremony.

Charms on a Board

Place the charms on a board, with ribbons attached, and then place the cupcakes on top. This method is similar to the traditional way of placing charms under a cake. The ribbons can be arranged to flow down the sides of the cupcake stand, adding a festive touch.

Charms Inside the Cupcakes

The charms can be placed inside the cupcakes themselves. Cut a small piece of parchment paper or baker's acetate and place it between the cupcake liner and the cupcake. Place the charm on the parchment paper, and then push it into the cupcake. This method ensures that the charm stays in place and doesn't get lost in the cupcake.

Charms on Display

Another option is to skip the cupcake liners altogether. Use the Sprinkle Bakes method by placing a piece of baker's acetate under the cupcakes, sliding the charms underneath with the ribbons trailing out. Secure the cupcakes on top of the acetate with a small amount of frosting. This method creates a beautiful display, with the ribbons flowing down from the cupcakes.

No matter which method you choose, remember to sanitise the charms before placing them in or under the cupcakes. This will ensure that they are clean and safe for your bridesmaids to handle and pop into their mouths!

Frequently asked questions