A List of Southern Wedding Traditions

My dear Southern Brides: you ladies are seriously so BLESSED to live in such a culturally rich part of the country with traditions and history that are so deeply rooted! If you’re one of my lucky Southern Brides and need some tips for southern wedding traditions, then you’ve come to the right list. I’ve got a list of fun traditions that are sure to make our wedding memorable and inclusive!

Of the many reasons Southern weddings are so unforgettable, the lively celebrations and romantic ceremonies are definitely what adds to the magic of being married in a rustic barn in Knoxville or in the beaches of Myrtle Beach.

If you’re planning your Southern wedding and need some ideas to make your wedding have some southern sparkle then I’m here to help!

Here’s a list of my favorite Southern Wedding Traditions that are sure to make your wedding even more memorable for you and your guests!

1. Southern Bouquet

Southern Bride’s are known for their elegance and simple beauty. However, botanicals are taken very seriously.

Floral styles, hues, and fragrances are heavily considered. You might be a Southern bride if you have the gorgeous magnolia flower as part of your bouquet.

For some arrangement ideas or a list of my favorite florist in your area, check this out!

2. Bridal Portraits Display

This southern tradition has been around for along time and is one of my favorites! Weeks before the wedding, the bride will test-run her hair, make-up and dress. Being picture-perfect, the bride does a bridal photo session! Just the bride—no stress and no fuss. Why not maximize the use of the most expensive dress you will ever own and practice hair and makeup before the wedding day?

The portraits are later used for decoration at the reception and then finally gifted to the bride’s parents to be displayed in the family home. Ummm…wow. So sweet.

3. Southern Superstition—Bury the Bourbon

If you’re planning a summer wedding…in the south, then you KNOW you have to plan for crazy summer rain. But don’t worry, there’s a way to ensure you’ll have great weather on your wedding day. Legend says that if you burry an unopened bottle of Bourbon exactly 30 days before the wedding day, burry it hidden and UPSIDE DOWN at the cite of the ceremony—you’ll have perfect weather.

Anything for a perfect day, right?

4. Cake Pulls: Celebrate your sisters!

This southern wedding tradition goes back to Victorian England by way of New Orleans. Before the wedding day, at your shower or luncheon, bridesmaids or single friends pull ribbons attached to charms inside or at the bottom of a cake especially made for them!

TIP! The charms at the end of the ribbon mean different things:  an anchor or hot air balloon for adventure; a rocking chair for a long life; a four-leaf clover for good luck. Allow your close friends to have a memorable charm of their good fortune and remember where it came from…you! For a list of my favorite bakeries in Knoxville, check this out!

5. Groom’s Cake

So considerate and so kind, a groom’s cake is literally what it sounds like–a cake exactly how the groom would want it. Let the groom show off his favorite sports team, hobby or college. This tradition is about letting the personality of the groom show off.

After all, two cakes are better than one right?

6. Outdoor Celebration/ Ceremony

Southerners brave the heat and they know how to look sharp regardless of the climate. Southern tradition is to wear large sun hats and have hand-held paper fans if you’re doing a wedding outdoors. The weather can’t compete with a wedding at one of the gorgeous venues of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s basically tradition.

I love the culture of the south. The people, the food, the TRADITIONS and basically everything. I’d love to be a part of your unforgettable wedding day full of tradition and southern love. Let’s chat about me capturing it! Message me!