Southern Charm in Charleston Weddings
Traditions for a Classic Southern Wedding in Charleston
Weddings in the American South are steeped in rich traditions, where old-world charm meets modern romance. From the heartfelt customs to the delicious food and picturesque venues, Southern weddings hold a special place in the hearts of those who value history, family, and a bit of whimsy. If you’re planning a Southern-inspired wedding or just curious about these time-honored traditions, here’s a look at some of the most beloved practices that make Southern weddings so unique.
1. Burying the Bourbon for Good Weather
One of the quirkiest and most iconic Southern wedding traditions involves burying a bottle of bourbon to ensure good weather on your big day. The tradition goes like this: exactly one month before your wedding, you and your fiancé are supposed to bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at the wedding venue. This gesture is said to ward off rain and guarantee sunshine. On the wedding day, couples unearth the bottle, often sharing it with their guests as a fun way to celebrate the good weather. Even if you're not superstitious, it’s a lighthearted tradition that can add a bit of fun to your wedding planning process.
2. The Bridal Portrait Tradition
In the South, bridal portraits are a must-have tradition. This practice involves the bride having a formal portrait taken in her wedding gown before the actual wedding day. This photo is usually displayed at the wedding reception and later becomes a treasured family heirloom. Bridal portraits often take place weeks before the wedding, giving the bride a chance to feel glamorous, show off her gown, and have a special keepsake for years to come. Plus, it's a great trial run for hair, makeup, and getting comfortable in the dress!
3. The Groom’s Cake
The groom’s cake is a beloved Southern tradition, adding a fun, personal touch to the wedding dessert offerings. While the main wedding cake is typically more traditional and reflects the overall theme of the wedding, the groom’s cake is all about him—often showcasing his hobbies, interests, or favorite flavors. These cakes can take on a wide variety of designs, from representing the groom’s favorite sports team to featuring his favorite type of whiskey or chocolate. It’s a chance to let the groom’s personality shine and is often a surprise for him to enjoy.
4. Monogram Everything!
In the South, monograms are more than just a decorative element—they're a way of life! Southern couples love to incorporate monograms into their wedding décor as a way of celebrating their new shared last name. You’ll often see monograms on everything from napkins and cake toppers to invitations and even dance floors. Many brides also opt to have their bridal bouquet wrapped with a ribbon embroidered with the couple’s new initials. This personalization adds an extra layer of elegance and tradition to the wedding day.
5. Seersucker Suits and Sweet Tea
Southern weddings aren’t just about the traditions—they’re about the style and hospitality, too. For grooms, seersucker suits are a popular choice, especially for spring and summer weddings. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps things cool in the Southern heat while offering a touch of timeless, laid-back sophistication. These suits often come in light pastel colors, giving weddings a fresh, airy look.
And of course, no Southern wedding would be complete without serving sweet tea. Whether it’s spiked with a little bourbon or served traditionally, sweet tea is a staple at Southern wedding receptions. It’s a refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with Southern fare and adds a casual, homey feel to any celebration.
6. Hand-Tied Bouquets with Local Blooms
Southern brides often opt for hand-tied bouquets, made from locally sourced flowers, to keep with the region’s appreciation for natural beauty. It’s common to see magnolias, gardenias, or even cotton incorporated into the floral arrangements, adding a distinct Southern flair. These arrangements are typically loose and romantic, complementing the soft, natural surroundings of plantation weddings or outdoor venues.
Additionally, some Southern brides carry a special family heirloom attached to the bouquet, such as a lace handkerchief or a small piece of jewelry passed down through generations. This sentimental touch connects them to their heritage and the women who came before them.
7. The Second Line Parade
In New Orleans and other parts of the Deep South, the “second line” is a wedding tradition filled with joy and celebration. After the ceremony, a brass band leads the newlyweds and their guests in a lively parade, complete with umbrellas and handkerchiefs waving in the air. The parade typically travels from the ceremony site to the reception, allowing the couple to celebrate with all their guests while dancing through the streets. It’s an infectious tradition that turns the entire city into a part of your celebration, as locals and tourists alike cheer on the new couple.
8. Jumping the Broom
While “jumping the broom” is a tradition with roots in African culture, it has become a beloved Southern wedding practice, especially in African American communities. At the end of the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds jump over a broom together, symbolizing their leap into a new life as husband and wife. It’s a beautiful way to honor cultural heritage while also bringing a sense of unity and excitement to the ceremony.
9. Cake Pulls
Another cherished Southern tradition, especially in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas, is the “cake pull.” Small charms, typically silver, are hidden in the layers of the wedding cake, each attached to a ribbon. During the reception, the bridesmaids or single female guests are invited to pull the ribbons to reveal a charm. Each charm has its own meaning, similar to reading tea leaves or fortune-telling, with charms like a heart symbolizing “next to marry” or a horseshoe meaning “good luck.” It’s a playful way to get guests involved and adds an extra layer of fun to the cake cutting ceremony.
10. A Grand Send-Off
Southern weddings love to end on a high note, with couples often opting for a grand exit that’s both dramatic and romantic. In the South, it’s common to see newlyweds leaving the reception under a shower of sparklers, flower petals, or even lavender. This celebratory moment gives guests a chance to send the couple off in style and creates a perfect photo opportunity. Whether the couple departs in a vintage car, a horse-drawn carriage, or a boat (for coastal weddings), the exit is always a memorable part of the celebration.
Southern Tradition Meets Timeless Romance
From charming customs like burying bourbon to the lively second line parades, Southern wedding traditions add a layer of history, fun, and personality to any celebration. These traditions, rooted in love, family, and community, create a wedding day that feels both timeless and distinctly Southern. Whether you're a bride from the South or simply looking to add a touch of Southern charm to your big day, these traditions are a wonderful way to make your wedding one to remember.
We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.