I have had the pleasure of capturing countless Southern weddings over the years. From the beautiful venues to the delicious food, Charleston is a truly magical place to get married. But what makes a Southern wedding truly special are the traditions that are incorporated into the celebration. If you’re planning your Charleston wedding and want to add some Southern charm, here are 8 traditions you should consider.
Burying the Bourbon
According to locals, burying a bottle of bourbon at your wedding venue can bring good luck and ward off rain during your wedding. This Southern tradition is taken seriously in Charleston, and many couples choose to participate in it. Make sure to bury the bottle upside down one month before your wedding day and dig it up to share with your wedding party after the ceremony.
Bridal Portraits
A Southern bride would never dream of getting married without having her bridal portrait taken. This pre-wedding photoshoot is a chance for the bride to get dolled up and capture beautiful images in her wedding dress. It’s also a great opportunity for you to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day.
At Rebecca Ann Aesthetic, we specialize in these sessions and have done them all across the southern US. Check out our portfolio for a few sneak peeks.
Groom’s Cake
In addition to the wedding cake, it’s customary to have a groom’s cake at Southern weddings. This cake is typically a reflection of the groom’s hobbies and is served at the wedding reception alongside the main cake. It’s a fun way to add some personality to your wedding and give the groom something to call his own.
You should note that the grooms cake should still be professionally made. However it is generally not over the top like a regular wedding cake. Common themes for these include sports, hunting, golf and various other stereotypical male hobbies.
Seersucker Suits
Southern grooms often opt for seersucker suits instead of traditional tuxedos. This lightweight fabric is perfect for Charleston’s warm weather and adds a touch of Southern charm. It’s also a great way to mix things up and make your wedding stand out from the rest.
It’s crucial that you get an actual southern tailor to make these however. This is not a fabric that many are familiar with working with- and it takes a certain skill set to do this while remaining classy and timeless.
Live Music
Charleston is known for its vibrant music scene, and live music is a must-have at any Southern wedding. Whether you choose a string quartet or a live band, music will add to the festive atmosphere and keep your guests dancing all night long.
We recommend that you look for “big band” style artists. You’ll want a mix of string, brass and contemporary instruments to truly get the real southern charm.
Calligraphy
In the South, calligraphy is an art form, and it’s often used to add a touch of elegance to wedding invitations, menus, and place cards. Hiring a calligrapher is a great way to incorporate this tradition into your wedding and make your paper goods look truly stunning.
It’s extremely important in southern culture to set the tone for your wedding early. Your invitation suites should include not only the calligraphy, but the wedding colors and overall theme as well. Carry the same theme from the invitations through the wedding paper goods.
Bridesmaids Luncheon
The bridesmaids luncheon is a Southern tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. It’s a chance for the bride to thank her bridesmaids for their support and to spend some quality time with her closest friends and family members. It’s also an opportunity for the bride to present her bridesmaids with gifts.
Sweetgrass Baskets
Sweetgrass baskets are a staple of the Charleston area and make for a beautiful and meaningful wedding favor. These baskets are handwoven by Gullah artisans and are a true representation of Charleston’s rich culture and history.
Incorporating these Southern traditions into your Charleston wedding will not only add charm and personality to your special day, but it will also create memories that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime. From burying the bourbon to the ceremony exit, each tradition is a unique and beautiful way to honor the Southern culture and add to the overall experience of your wedding day.
Still trying to decide where to go from here? Check out these blogs to help you learn more about the wonderful world of wedding photography and videography with Rebecca Ann Aesthetic
