Fun Southern Wedding Traditions to Add a Little Charm to Your Day
One thing I love about photographing weddings is seeing how each one is beautifully unique. Every region, state, and even city has its own special way of celebrating a couple’s big day. Couples with family roots in Pennsylvania often carry on the beloved cookie table tradition, a display overflowing with homemade goodies for guests to enjoy. Some New England weddings begin with open dancing right after the couple’s introduction, with dinner served later in the evening. But here in the South, especially around Charleston, there’s something about the charm, hospitality, and thoughtful details that make southern wedding traditions truly special.
If you’re coming from out of town, you might not realize just how many little customs are considered “traditional” in southern weddings, and I’ve seen many of these traditions delight couples and guests alike over the years. Here are some of the most common Southern wedding traditions.
Second Line Parade
Originally from New Orleans, the Second Line Parade is a joyous brass band celebration where guests follow the newlyweds in a lively procession. While it’s most common in Louisiana, you can absolutely bring this energy to Charleston or any Lowcountry wedding. It’s a fun, interactive way to move guests from the ceremony to the reception, and it makes for some of the most candid, joyful photos of the day. Imagine everyone twirling, clapping, and dancing down the street!
Burying the Bourbon
One of the most iconic Southern wedding traditions is the bourbon burial. The superstition goes that if you bury a whole bottle of bourbon upside down at your ceremony site exactly one month before the wedding, it will ensure clear skies on your big day. Many couples dig it up with their bridal party for a fun photo moment, then celebrate with a sip right after! It’s a playful tradition that blends superstition, fun, and a touch of Southern charm.
The Groom’s Cake
Southern weddings love a good groom’s cake. Dating back to Victorian times, the groom’s cake is often themed to reflect the groom’s personality or passions. Whether it’s his favorite football team, a hobby like golf, or even his favorite movie. Couples often serve it at the rehearsal dinner or as a late-night treat at the reception. As a photographer, one of my favorite moments is capturing the groom’s reaction when he sees his cake for the first time, especially if it’s a surprise. It’s such a genuine, joyful moment that always gets a big smile.
Cake Pull
Another entertaining southern wedding tradition, especially in New Orleans and parts of the Deep South, is the cake pull. Small charms are attached to ribbons and hidden in the cake layers. Bridesmaids each pull a ribbon to reveal a “fortune”, maybe luck, love, or travel. It’s a lighthearted tradition that gives everyone a fun way to be part of the celebration.
Monograms: A Southern Staple
If there’s one thing Southerners love, it’s a monogram. From custom napkins and robes to dance floors and ceremony runners, incorporating a monogram is a timeless and personal detail. In photography, monograms are a subtle yet meaningful touch that visually ties your wedding day together.
Southern Details I Adore
Countless other southern wedding traditions bring character to the day:
- Sweet Tea or Bourbon Bars: Signature sips served with custom signage or glassware add flair and personality.
- Ceremony Under the Oaks: If your wedding is in the Lowcountry, a canopy of Spanish moss-draped oaks is a Southern fairytale you don’t want to miss.
- Custom Handkerchiefs: “Happy tears” hankies for your parents or embroidered keepsakes for bridesmaids add sentimental charm.
- Seersucker Suits or Bow Ties: Especially for spring and summer weddings, these light, classic looks are Southern to the core.
- Departure in a Vintage Car: Ribbon wands, bells, and biodegradable confetti make the perfect send-off, especially when paired with a stylish getaway car.
Find Your Perfect Southern Wedding Tradition
Southern wedding traditions are full of personality, from lively Second Line Parades to fun bourbon burials. Whether you’re planning a Charleston celebration or bringing a bit of Southern charm to your destination wedding, these traditions are all about connection, joy, and storytelling.
Curious which tradition best fits your wedding vibe? Take my fun quiz, Which Southern Wedding Tradition Fits Your Vibe Best?, to find out!
And as always, if you’re dreaming of timeless, elegant Charleston wedding photography that beautifully captures every Southern detail, I’d love to hear from you. Fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch!
