Southern Wedding Traditions

There are many things that make weddings special in the south. Whether it’s your cousin’s homemade barbecue, small-batch bourbon, or the smell of magnolias in the spring. There are so many things that go into making a beautiful southern wedding and a lot of that is built on Southern Wedding traditions.

Now if you’re from the south you might be familiar with those traditions, but if you’re not, allow me to introduce you to a few.

1. Outdoor weddings

Outdoor weddings are beautiful in the south really any time of year. If you’re getting married in the spring you have beautiful flowers blooming all around you and gorgeous green grass.  When you get married in the fall you have the gorgeous color of the leaves – orange, red, and yellow. If you’re getting married in the winter the lack of greenery allows the 360° views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and beyond to be the backdrop for your beautiful wedding. Not only are outdoor weddings beautiful because of the various types of foliage, but in the south, we have a strong history of beautiful architecture in areas like Charleston and Savannah. Let’s not forget the Spanish moss, swoon…

2. Bury the bourbon bottle.

This southern wedding tradition comes from folklore that says if you bury a bottle of bourbon upside down at your wedding venue exactly one month before your wedding day, you will keep the rain away. Although this tradition is a little on un-orthodox it couldn’t hurt to give it a try and it makes for interesting engagement photos. Did anyone get the shovel?

3. Parasols.

Now, this is something that you may not know about. Parasols are southern umbrellas that were made to block the sun in the summer heat in the south. They can make for some gorgeous wedding photos and also keep you from sweating right out of your wedding dress.

4. Southern-style beverages.

Who doesn’t love a homemade glass of sweet tea spiked with a little bit of small-batch bourbon? As for me and my wedding, Alex and I are both big bourbon drinkers, so I know that bourbon is going to be a star of the show at our wedding. Also if you’re in my area of Asheville North Carolina, craft breweries are a dime a dozen. A couple of local craft beers can be a southern treat and something your whole guest list will enjoy.

5. Groom Cakes.

Groom cakes are also a traditional part of a southern wedding. Usually, they consist of flavors that the groom loves, hobbies they enjoy, or personality traits.  They can also be decorated as more of a spoof, for the fun-loving couple (laundry all over the floor.. lol). I know we’re going to do a cake for Alex that is going to be a superman theme. She loves Superman. A groom’s cake allows for cake bakers to have a little bit of creative freedom aside from your gorgeous wedding cake.

6. Bridal portraits.

Bridal portraits are a big deal in the south. You spent all this money on this gorgeous gown and beautiful flowers and you are ready to feel like a princess. And with that feeling comes the need for images that capture that beauty for years and years to come. Think of these portraits as family heirlooms to pass down to your great-granddaughter so that she can be excited when she’s planning her big day too!

7. Light-colored bridal party wear.

Linen and light gray suits and bridesmaids dresses are very classic and very traditional in southern weddings. They are also light in weight so they stand up well and make sure that you’re comfy in that southern heat.

8. Pearls.

What is a southern wedding without pearls? A lot of brides in the south have heirloom pearls passed down from their great grandmothers to wear on their special day. The look is so classic and beautiful, and they make for some beautiful portraits!

9. Southern cuisine.

In the south, we love collard greens, peach cobbler, and delicious smoked barbecue. If you’re looking to plan a southern wedding then some southern food is definitely on your list. Everything from biscuits to fried chicken is a staple in southern weddings. And mighty delicious as well.

10. Mason jars and burlap.

You will be hard-pressed to find any wedding in the south that is not decorated with tons of Mason jars and tables lined with burlap. It’s a more rustic feel but definitely traditional to the south. This makes for great DIY projects and they make for some gorgeous pictures. I have always loved the idea of Mason jars with the guest’s names as placeholders. Super cute DIY.IY project!

If you are getting married in the south, I hope this serves as some inspiration for southern wedding traditions you can use for your big day!

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