Recognizing a Southern Wedding: 11 Indicators to Watch Out For
Going Down South? Here's How to Spot a Traditional Southern Wedding
1. Home-Cooked Favorites Takes Center Stage
You betcha golden-baked cheese wafers or your grandmother's famous tomato pie will be among the hors d'oeuvres at a Southern wedding. It's all about personal touches to make the big day even more special.
2. Elegance Never Misses the Mark
With the bride's grandmother's silver wedding knife from 1956 passing down from generation to generation, tradition reigns supreme here. And that doesn't just end at the ceremony. What's more, be ready to spot the bride and groom sipping good ol' fashioned silver goblets pouring their liquors.
3. Football Goals Influence the Festivities
When it comes to game days, we're talkin' SEC matches! Couples try their best to accommodate the college rivalries schedule, and if they can't, they make sure to roll in a big screen by the dance floor, so fans can watch their favorite team in action without missing the party vibe.
4. The Wedding Party's All about Family and Friends
Even if the wedding party size could power an entire SEC football team, it's pretty customary in these parts. If you're looking at a big group of groomsmen (or bridesmaids), don't be surprised – it's just the way Southern weddings roll!
5. Four-Legged Family Members Steal the Show
Sure, we love our fur babies in the South. Fido and Fluffy might stroll down the aisle in floral garlands or be honored with a signature drink named after them (yes, really). And if the venue doesn't allow pets, well, there's always other ways to involve our precious pets.
6. Time-Honored Customs and Superstitions
Whether it's burying a bottle of bourbon for fair weather or jumping the broom for unity, Southern weddings don't shy away from embracing vintage customs.
7. Regional Delicacies Rule the Menu
Think southern barbecue or thinly sliced cured ham on homemade angel biscuits. The South showcases its regional favorites at every wedding!
8. Bar Offerings Might Tickle Your Fancy
While the usual suspects of beer, wine, and liquor are still on offer, you might occasionally find traditional non-alcoholic beverages, like sweet tea, sherbet punch, or Cheerwine, depending on the locale. And hey, you might even spot a secret exchange of moonshine among the fellas.
9. The Groom’s Cake is a Star
While the classic wedding cake takes the spotlight, don't underestimate the show-stopping power of the groom's cake in a Southern wedding. You're likely to see three main themes in the groom's cake: armadillo (a nod to the iconic red velvet cake in Steel Magnolias), outdoor sports, or a college theme.
10. Party Favors That You’ll Remember
Take home a memento of the ceremony? You bet your biscuits and gravy! Southern weddings are all about spoiling their guests, so you can always count on leaving with a one-of-a-kind koozie or hugger, especially when it's coming from Mobile, Alabama.
11. The Guests Make the Party Shine
No matter the budget or venue, the South knows how to throw a good party! "No matter the budget," shared one reader, "a good time will be had by all." So get ready to have a blast at a Southern wedding!
- Southern Living magazine might feature your traditional Southern wedding, showcasing the culture and lifestyle that these weddings embodies.
- If you attend a Southern wedding, definitely expect some etiquette and manners demonstrated during the festivities, such as a bride carrying her bouquet in her left hand and offering her right hand for handshakes.
- Southern weddings are often held in venues beyond traditional church ceremonies; home-and-garden settings, like plantation homes or gardens, are quite popular.
- In the Southern tradition, the wedding invitations could be adorned with unique details like elaborate floral designs or hand-painted artwork, reflecting the couple's personal style and taste.
- On your visit to the South for a wedding, you may stumble upon several unique phrases or slang from time to time, like "y'all" or "fixin' to." Embrace it, as it's all part of the Southern culture and lifestyle.
