What Is a Bridesmaids' Luncheon?

This optional event, hosted by the bride in honor of her bridal party, is a gesture of gratitude for assisting with the wedding. Only the bride and her attendants are invited, and the event traditionally takes place the day before the wedding, since members of the wedding party will already be in town (although another date and time that is convenient for everyone is perfectly acceptable).

Particularly popular in the South, the bridesmaids' luncheon is typically a light lunch followed by a "bridemaids' cake," a sweet tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. In one version of the tradition, a single trinket, such as a coin, thimble, or ring, is baked into the cake, and the bridesmaid who finds the bauble in her slice will have good luck in love. The most traditional cake includes different charms, with ribbons attached. The bride announces what type of luck each charm foretells, and then each bridesmaid pulls one ribbon (and charm) from the cake.

A modern bride is welcome to vary the style and setting of the luncheon to fit her tastes, rather than hosting the event in her home. The luncheon is also the perfect opportunity to present the bridemaids with their thank-you gifts, although this can also be done at the rehearsal dinner.

>Check out photos of bridesmaid dresses.