Southern brides love keeping traditions alive. Chances are, your mother, grandmother, and family members down the line have down the same traditions on their big days. Keeping your wedding day can be a heartwarming and romantic experience, plus they make for amazing memories. If you are a southern belle bride, chances are you will want to incorporate some southern wedding traditions that have been passed down from generations to generations. Here are some of the most popular southern wedding traditions that you can consider bringing into your special day.

Bridal Portrait 

This is a tradition that started long before the invention of the camera, back when artists would paint a portrait of the bride to be displayed in her family home. Now, of course, there are usually professional photographers at each wedding, but taking bridal photos a month or two before the actual wedding is still very popular in the South. In the past, this was primarily done in a studio, and the portrait was showcased at the wedding. Nowadays, the location varies and is sometimes at the wedding venue. But it can also be done at a popular garden, park, or other outdoor areas. The timeless tradition of displaying the portrait on a beautiful easel at the reception entrance is still ever popular.

Burying the Bourbon

Are you hoping to keep the rain away on your wedding day? Then it is time to bury the bourbon. As the folklore goes, the key to a rain-free wedding day lies in this well-placed bottle of spirits. Take note, the bottle must be full and buried upside down at the ceremony site exactly one month before tying the knot.

Bridal Brunch 

This pre-wedding luncheon gives the bride time to spend with her bridesmaids, family, and friends before all of the Big Day festivities commence. Often, brides choose this time to bestow gifts to each member of their bridal party as a token of appreciation.

Groom’s Cake 

Although it originated in England, this tradition is often used in the South. Traditionally, this cake is a romantic gesture from the bride to her groom to show off his talents or hobbies. This cake can be very creative and unique to the husband. This cake is typically served at rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding. But it has also been known to appear at the wedding reception to surprise the groom.

Outdoor Ceremony 

It’s usually a lot warmer in the south, so why not enjoy that warm weather on your wedding day? Whether you want to celebrate in a garden or on the lawn of a gorgeous estate, there are plenty of great outdoor options. Worried it might rain? That’s why you bury the bourbon.

Signature Cocktails  

It’s no secret that the South is known for its whiskey (think Kentucky bourbon and Jack Daniels), but did you know that Coca-Cola was invented in Atlanta? Or that New Bern, North Carolina, is the birthplace of Pepsi? Serving a signature drink is always a fun way to incorporate a bit of Southern culture into your wedding day. It’s also much more affordable than a full open bar. One or two signature drinks during the cocktail hour and then just beer and wine during dinner and dancing is all you need! We always suggest having at least two and allowing the bride and groom to share their favorite cocktail with their guests. Of course, with the southern touch of personalized signage!

Monograms   

In the South, we’ll slap a monogram on just about anything, and a wedding is no exception. From monogrammed cocktail napkins to custom invitations sealed with a monogram stamped in wax, there is nothing that the addition of a monogram can’t make better!

What southern wedding traditions are you going to have on your special day? Regardless of if you decide to continue family traditions, or start your own, we hope your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamt about!