South Side Jenny: Top Ten Truly Sensational Southern Wedding Traditions

Feb 07, 2017 04:09 PM Back

If you’re planning on ringing some wedding bells and you’ve always envisioned being a wedding belle as well as being the belle of your wedding ball, you won’t want to drop the ball on some spectacular southern culture comforts.

Remember, southern weddings are all about charm, character, elegance, grace and of course TRADITION.

Southern weddings are RICH in rituals that set the tone not only for the day, but also for how the couple will continue to live…paying homage to their past while happily heading into their bright future.

Here are a few “To Dos” to add to your something borrowed list.

Host An Outdoor Extravaganza: Southern ceremonies are typically outdoor events that allow the couple and their guests to take advantage of the great Southern landscape. From timeless garden galas to posh plantation parties these wedding celebrations are steeped in lush and luxurious down-home customs that can’t be beat. So, consider hosting your haute Sothern soiree in a local arboretum, estate or other elegant outdoor venue.

Follow Fantastic “Local” Southern Folklore: “Legend” has it that if you bury a full bottle of bourbon (upside down) at the location site a month before your wedding, it will stave off the rain.

Supply Some Shade: Nothing says “formal” southern fete quite like the quintescential parasol. Down south things can really heat up…especially during the summer months. Keep guests cool and calm while you get married. Hand out some fancy parasols to the ladies offering them some elegant shading from the hot summer sun.

Serve Up Some Southern Spirits: Want a truly southern “signature” drink? Think about serving up some seriously southern sips including Sothern Comfort, Neat Bourbon, Mint Juleps, Sweet Tea and Coca Cola to help quench the thirst of young and “old” alike.

“Sweeten Up” Your Groom: Southern girls are known for being feminine and coquettish, even the “tomboyish” ones…and their Southern charm is known being essential to charming most gents. Show YOUR southern sweet side and WOW him with a customized groom’s cake highlighting HIS talents, hobbies, etc.

Go Ahead…Pose For Portraits: Nothing says Southern sophistication like an authentic family and bridal portrait. Way back when, wedding photos were reserved for the “rich and famous” and so, they were kind of a bid deal….especially since the wedding portrait was THE (only) memoire of the day. Furthermore, it was southern tradition that the wedding day portrait was proudly displayed in the bride’s parents’ home…but today they make great keepsakes for both sets of parents, even grandparents and the couple as well.

Encourage Your Gent To “Lighten Up”: Light colored suits are staples at southern soirees for men. Consider a light grey or tan suit khakis with a sport coat for your man and your special southern celebration.

Flash Your Pearly Whites: Southern style is TRADITIONALLY trendy and rarely if ever goes out of style. Why? Well, because it’s classic and elegant and good taste is timeless. So, when it comes to bridal accents think not diamonds, but pearls…after all they are cultured and girly….and a SOUTHERN girls best friend.

Host A TASTEFUL Event: Forget the foodie FanFARE…and think lowcountry cuisine as a special southern treat. From oyster bakes and shrimp and grits to your basic bbq (including ribs, pulled pork, etc) and classic mac and cheese, there’s nothing cheesy about good ole down home cooking that’s catered for your authentic southern spectacular.

Go For A Touch of Glass: Whether you choose to use them as vases or for serving up your southern-inspired signature drinks out of mason jars are a must for Mason-Dixon Line Styled celebrations.