Telltale Signs You’re At A Southern Wedding

As a Tennessee wedding planner, I’ve planned and attended my fair share of southern weddings. From sweet tea and hot chicken being passed at cocktail hour and bourbon ice cream for dessert. Groomsmen wearing cowboy boots to having a big screen rolled in to stream a big rivalry game. There’s just no denying that some things mark a celebration as being distinctly Southern. Here are some of the telltale signs you’re attending a Southern wedding. 

A Family Recipe Makes An Appearance

There’s no denying we love a good caterer. We are all about incorporating family favorites in the mix when possible and our favorite, Chef Penelope’s Catering, is always happy to oblige. We planned one wedding where the bride’s grandmother’s famous cheese straws were among the hors d’oeuvres served with cocktails before dinner. It is a wonderful personal touch to the wedding when something like that can be included. 

They’re Using the Good Silver

Just like the ceremony, the reception often carries traces of tradition. “Something old” or “something borrowed” will surely be making an appearance. For Southern couples, this might include a sterling silver wedding knife, passed down from grandparents and engraved with their initials and wedding date from 1956. And don’t be surprised if the bride and groom aren’t using the same glassware as the rest of the guests. Instead, they may be sipping from elegant silver goblets. Treasured family heirlooms or meaningful wedding gifts that add a touch of timeless charm to the celebration.

The Wedding Date Respects the Football Schedule

Wedding season in the south may span the entire year, but many couples are careful to plan their special day around major game days. However, when the SEC schedule isn’t released early enough and a wedding date happens to clash with a big rivalry game, creative solutions come into play. It’s not uncommon to see a TV set up near the dance floor. This ensures football fans can stay connected to the action without missing a beat. Otherwise, guests might end up huddling around their phones. And don’t be surprised when a college fight song like “Rocky Top” ends up on the playlist. It’s all part of the Southern charm!

The Wedding Party Practically Outnumbers the Guests

Your future husband wants all 16 of his frat brothers to stand by his side at the wedding? You’ve got at least 18 of your closest friends vying to be bridesmaids? To someone from up north, it might sound over the top, but down here, no one would blink an eye at a wedding party that large. After all, having enough people to field an entire SEC football team is just par for the course.

A Beloved Pet Is Involved

We’re undeniably obsessed with our four-legged friends here, and it shows. At many weddings, you’ll find the bride and groom’s beloved dogs adorned with floral garlands, proudly walking down the aisle alongside the bridal party. In some cases, they even join in on the celebration! While certain venues, such as churches, may not allow pets to attend, Southern couples have found creative ways to include their furry companions. From signature cocktails named in their honor to custom koozies or cocktail napkins featuring their portraits, pets remain a cherished part of the big day.

Traditions Are Honored

Some traditions are lighthearted like burying a bottle of bourbon a month before the wedding to guarantee good weather. While others carry deep significance, such as the couple “jumping the broom.” Southern couples can always be counted on to weave these cherished customs into their celebrations, adding a touch of history and charm to the occasion.

You’re Guaranteed to Find Certain Foods on the Menu

No matter where you are in the South, you’ll find an array of regional delicacies gracing the menu, from savory shrimp and grits to smoky barbecue. In Nashville, a wedding isn’t complete without hot chicken sliders or chicken and waffle bites. Cheese straws are a timeless staple you’re likely to encounter at nearly any Southern gathering. They’re always a real treat!

The Bar Offerings May Look a Little Different

Many couples today choose to serve beer, wine, and a signature cocktail to their guests.Others opt for non-alcoholic favorites like sweet tea, wedding punch, or regional staples like Cheerwine and SunDrop. However, if a couple decides to forgo alcohol altogether, don’t be surprised if you catch a few guests discreetly passing around moonshine outside the church. Our recommendation? Hire Dixie Em’s Event Bartending. If you’re lucky, you’ll get Dixie Em herself…she’s as southern as sweet tea!

The Groom’s Cake Is a Statement-Maker

At most weddings, the traditional wedding cake tends to steal the spotlight, but at a Southern wedding, the groom’s cake is often the star of the show. These cakes are known for their bold, playful designs and typically fall into one of three themes: an armadillo (a nod to the iconic red velvet cake in Steel Magnolias), sports or a college alma mater. Occasionally, the groom throws a curveball, opting for a cake shaped like his beloved truck or muscle car. Whatever the choice, the groom’s cake is always a memorable addition to the celebration. For these unique creations as well as the cake for the bride, we always put our trust in Jenifer’s Cakes. She’s the best in the south!

There Are Take-Home Favors

While party favors like matches and hats aren’t uniquely Southern, we’ve certainly mastered the art of unforgettable, wedding-branded koozies. These are also known as “huggers” if you’re from Mobile, Alabama. Let’s be honest. If you don’t leave with a souvenir koozie, did the wedding even happen? Chances are, just about every Southern household has a stash of these drink holders tucked away, a lasting reminder of countless celebrations.

People Are Having Fun

Whichever corner of the south the wedding is held, you can count on the couple and their loved ones to celebrate in a large way. No matter the budget, a good time will be had by all. We’ll cheers to that!