When planning a Southern wedding, there’s a special charm that comes from honoring the region’s long-standing traditions. Whether you’re a Southern bride or simply love the elegance of Southern customs, these traditions add a touch of timeless beauty and meaning to your wedding day. From grand entrances to special family heirlooms, here are some elegant Southern wedding traditions you’ll want to consider incorporating into your celebration.

1. The Bridal Portraits

Before the wedding day, many Southern brides have a formal bridal portrait taken, often at the family home or wedding venue. This tradition dates back generations and allows the bride to have a beautiful framed portrait to display at the reception. It’s a perfect way to showcase the beauty and elegance of your wedding gown before the big day.

2. Burying the Bourbon

One of the most unique and fun Southern traditions is the burying of the bourbon. To ensure good weather on your wedding day, couples bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at their venue one month before the wedding. Tradition says that on the wedding day, you dig it up and share the bourbon with your wedding party as a good luck toast!

3. The Bridal Handkerchief

Another elegant Southern wedding tradition is the use of a family heirloom handkerchief. Passed down through generations, this delicate handkerchief is often embroidered with a bride’s initials or family crest. It serves as both “something old” and “something blue” and is carried by the bride on her wedding day as a symbol of love and heritage.

4. The Groom’s Cake

The groom’s cake is a Southern wedding staple that allows the groom to show off his personality or favorite hobby. Unlike the traditional wedding cake, the groom’s cake is usually a fun, themed dessert—sometimes in the shape of a sports team logo, a favorite animal, or another symbol of the groom’s interests. It’s a great way to add a playful, personal touch to your reception.

5. Outdoor Ceremonies Under Majestic Oaks

No Southern wedding would be complete without a breathtaking outdoor ceremony beneath towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. These majestic trees symbolize strength, endurance, and beauty, making them a perfect backdrop for exchanging vows. Southern plantations and gardens often feature oak-lined walkways that create a romantic and elegant setting.

6. Family-Style Reception Dinners

In true Southern fashion, hospitality is at the heart of every wedding. Many Southern couples opt for family-style dinners, where large platters of traditional Southern dishes are passed around the table. This intimate dining experience encourages guests to interact and share a meal in a way that reflects the warmth and togetherness of Southern culture.

BRING SOUTHERN CHARM TO YOUR BIG DAY

Incorporating these elegant Southern wedding traditions adds a layer of charm and meaning to your special day. From honoring your family’s heritage with a bridal portrait or handkerchief to celebrating with a fun groom’s cake and outdoor ceremony, these time-honored traditions make your wedding uniquely Southern and beautifully memorable.

Ready to plan your dream Southern wedding? I’d love to capture your timeless love story with elegant, fine art photography that preserves every special moment. Let’s connect today!

Contact me today to discuss how I can capture your Southern wedding with a blend of fine art and timeless elegance. Check availability or view my portfolio for inspiration!

Warmly,

Elizabeth