Southern US Wedding Checklist
12 items across 1 categories to plan your Southern US wedding, in the order they come up.
Southern US Wedding Preparation
This is a full checklist for a traditional Southern wedding. It covers the venue, the food and drink, the details that make it feel Southern, and the send-off.
TraditionBook Ceremony Venue
Reserve a garden, a church or a historic Southern venue for the ceremony.
Hire Minister or Officiant
Book a minister, pastor or other officiant. Ask about their requirements for premarital counseling and the format of the ceremony.
Book Southern Caterer
Hire a caterer with experience in Southern cuisine.
Order Wedding Cake and Groom's Cake
Order the main wedding cake and a personalized groom's cake.
Arrange Live Band or DJ
Book a live band or DJ for the reception.
Schedule Bridal Portrait Session
Book a bridal portrait session 1–3 months before the wedding.
Prepare Welcome Bags
Put together welcome bags for out-of-town guests, with local treats and a personal note.
Purchase Send-Off Items
Buy sparklers, bubbles or ribbon wands, and check the venue's policies.
Coordinate Bridal Luncheon
Plan the bridal luncheon, including the venue, the menu and gifts for your attendants.
Arrange Sweet Tea and Signature Drinks
Confirm that there will be sweet tea for the toasts, and plan your signature cocktails.
Bury the Bourbon
One month before the wedding, bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at the ceremony site.
Prepare Cake Pull
Buy food-safe charms and ribbons, and talk to your baker about them.
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