Southern US Wedding Planning Guide

A formal luncheon hosted by the bride's family or close friends for the bridal party, female relatives, and out-of-town guests.

Significance: A cornerstone of Southern hospitality, the bridal luncheon reinforces bonds between the bride and her closest female family and friends before the wedding day.

In the South, the bridal luncheon is considered as important as the rehearsal dinner. It is a distinctly Southern tradition that has been part of wedding customs for generations.

The bride has a formal portrait session wearing her complete wedding attire at a scenic location before the wedding day. Portraits are often displayed at the reception and later gifted to the bride's parents.

Significance: This tradition dates to an era before on-the-spot wedding photography was common, when a formal studio portrait was the primary way to document the bride on her wedding day.

Bridal portraits remain particularly popular in the Deep South and are considered a rite of passage for many Southern brides.

A second cake at the reception specifically for the groom, often designed to reflect his hobbies, alma mater, or personality.

Significance: Ensures the groom has his own moment of recognition at the celebration. The tradition originates in Victorian-era England.

There is a folk tradition that unmarried female guests who place a slice of the groom's cake under their pillow will dream of their future spouse.

Instead of or in addition to champagne, the couple and guests raise glasses of sweet iced tea for a toast, honoring the quintessential Southern beverage.

Significance: Sweet tea is often called the house wine of the South. Using it for a toast celebrates regional identity and provides a non-alcoholic option.

While not a centuries-old tradition, the sweet tea toast has become a popular modern expression of Southern identity at weddings.

The couple buries a full, unopened bottle of bourbon upside down at the ceremony site exactly one month before the wedding.

Significance: According to Southern folklore, burying the bourbon wards off rain and ensures good weather on the wedding day.

The bottle must be bourbon, must be full and sealed, and must be buried upside down. Be sure to get permission from your venue.

As the couple departs the reception, guests line a pathway and send them off with sparklers, bubbles, lavender toss, or ribbon wands.

Significance: The grand send-off is a festive farewell that allows every guest to participate in wishing the couple well.

The original tradition was a rice toss, rooted in Victorian customs symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Rice has largely been replaced by sparklers, bubbles, or ribbon wands.

The couple or their families prepare welcome bags for out-of-town guests filled with local treats, bottled water, snacks, and a personal note.

Significance: Embodies the core Southern value of hospitality by making every guest feel welcomed, cared for, and appreciated.

Southern hospitality is not just a phrase but a deeply held value. Welcome bags often include locally made pralines, boiled peanuts, peach preserves, or pimento cheese crackers.

Charms attached to ribbons are placed beneath the bottom layer of the wedding cake. Bridesmaids or single female guests each pull a ribbon to reveal a charm that symbolizes their fortune.

Significance: This tradition has its roots in Victorian-era England. It took particular hold in New Orleans and has spread across the broader South.

Work with your baker to ensure the charms and ribbons are food-safe and properly placed.