As a wedding planner, I get the opportunity to create wedding magic with an  appreciation for classic traditions and refined details. I cherish my work designing celebrations that honor family heritage while indulging in the elevated tastes of modern couples. Nowhere is this more beautifully woven than in a Southern wedding. Rich with charm, symbolism, and just the right amount of flair, southern traditions bring a heartfelt layer to your celebration—one that guests remember long after the last champagne toast.

If you’re planning a high-end affair below the Mason-Dixon—or simply want to nod to your roots—here are some of our  favorite Southern wedding traditions reimagined with a touch of luxury.

Bury the Bourbon

Legend has it that if you bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at your ceremony site exactly one month before your wedding day, you’ll be blessed with blue skies. Whether you’re hosting your nuptials on a family estate or a historic Charlottesville lawn, this ritual is the perfect way to involve your closest circle in a moment of laughter, anticipation, and Southern superstition.

The Cake Pull

A nod to Victorian-era customs, the cake pull involves bridesmaids or close friends pulling tiny charms hidden in ribbons from the base of the cake—each charm symbolizing a fortune or blessing. Popular in the South, it’s one of the most delightful ways to honor your ladies.

Seersucker Style

Nothing says “Southern gent” quite like a seersucker suit—lightweight, breathable, and effortlessly dapper. For summer weddings, it’s a stylish and regionally appropriate option for groomsmen and even the groom. For an elevated look, consider custom tailoring with elevated touches: monogrammed linings, pocket squares, and coordinating linen ties in soft sophisticated palettes. Relaxed luxury at its finest.

Dad as the Best Man

In many Southern families, the father isn’t just walking the bride down the aisle—he’s standing beside the groom, too. Having the father of the groom serve as best man is a tradition rooted in respect, legacy, and family honor. We love weaving this into the storytelling of the wedding day, from handwritten letters exchanged the morning of, to custom cufflinks and a toast that reflects generations of love and wisdom.

Second Line: Parade Style Joy

Straight from the heart of New Orleans, the second line is more than a procession—it’s a jubilant, soulful celebration that kicks off the party. With brass bands in tow, parasols twirling, and handkerchiefs waving, it’s an unforgettable way to transition from ceremony to reception (or from dinner to dancing).

Monograms: A Signature of the South

No Southern wedding is complete without a monogram, and we don’t just mean on the napkins. For weddings, we can create a custom monogram that becomes a design thread throughout the event: wax seals on invitations, etched into your dance floor, embroidered on lounge pillows, projected onto the tent ceiling, or printed on your farewell gift tags. It’s personal, polished, and quintessentially Southern.

Tradition doesn’t mean ordinary—it means connection, story, legacy. As a  wedding planner, my goal is always to honor these cherished customs while curating a celebration that feels elevated, intentional, and entirely your own. Because in the South, we don’t just throw weddings—we craft experiences full of grace, glamour, and generations of meaning.If you are looking for more than just southern traditions to include in your wedding day, take a look at our blog, To Have and To Hold Off On… for some heartfelt ideas.