Eight Southern Wedding Traditions We Love

The South is steeped in elegance, beauty, grace, and – the part your grandmother will never let you forget about – tradition. It should come as no surprise that the Lowcountry alone hosts thousands of weddings every year, and that even some of the most famous couples, like Justin and Hailey Bieber, have said their vows here. 

 

One of the beautiful things about a Southern wedding is they tend to reflect the region’s laid-back atmosphere, so there’s no “right way” to tie the knot here. But there are a few treasured Southern wedding traditions that can help you honor the past while celebrating the future.

 

  1. A Themed Wedding Cake

From florals to match the bride’s bouquet to a three-tiered cake topped with flamingo figurines, we’re experts at baking custom wedding cakes that are straight out of Southern brides’ Pinterest boards. Our bakery is known for using only the finest ingredients to craft our pies, pastries, and scones every day, and our cakes are no different. Each wedding cake from The Cottage is custom made to complement your flavor preferences, wedding theme, and any dietary restrictions, while maintaining the highest standard of quality.

  1. Outdoor Weddings

The South’s pristine beaches, tall oak trees, and the grassy laws of antique estates are obvious draws for couples who are looking for an outdoor wedding. The Lowcountry boasts some especially beautiful venues, some of which overlook salt marshes or are canopied by swaying Spanish moss. We can’t think of anywhere that’s more timeless or romantic than right here in Old Town Bluffton.

  1. Bury the Bourbon Bottle

Because so many Southern couples dream of an outdoor wedding, and also fear that it may be ruined by weather, this Southern wedding tradition is still going strong. Southern folklore says if you bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down at your wedding venue exactly one month before your wedding day, it will keep rain away. Although this tradition is a bit of a head-scratcher, it can’t hurt to give it a try…and makes for interesting engagement photos.

  1. Southern Comfort Cooking

No self-respecting Southern bride serves her guests tiny portions of impossibly gourmet food. It’s a celebration! So why would you serve your guests anything other than comfort food, like fried green tomatoes, chicken and waffle bites, or shrimp and grits? No one does Southern comfort cooking quite like The Cottage, and we’re happy to cater small, local weddings and elopements.

  1. Bridal Sessions

Southern women are nothing if not practical when they need to be.  Give your hair, makeup, and dress a test run in a bridal photo session. A long-standing tradition, these portraits maximize the use of the most expensive dress you will ever own, and save you valuable time on your wedding day.

  1. Groomscakes

Traditionally, a groom’s cake is a gift from the bride to her groom and is meant to showcase his talents, interest, or hobbies. Want to incorporate this sweet tradition into your big day? We’d love to design a mini, themed cake just for him.

  1. Seersucker Suits

It’s just too darn hot to force the men into stuffy tuxes, which is why most guys go for light, breathable Seersucker suits instead. If you’re asking your groomsmen to wear matching suits, go for light grey or tan. They’ll be pretty grateful when the ceremony gets started.

  1. Mason Jars Galore

Whether you use them as vases, hang them from trees as candle votives, or pass them out to guests at cocktail hour, it wouldn’t really be a Southern wedding if Mason Jars aren’t part of the decor.

 

You deserve nothing but the best for your big day, including a gorgeous wedding cake. Our showstopping cakes are sure to wow your crowd – big or small. Give us a call at 843-757-0508 for a free wedding cake consultation today.