Southern Wedding Traditions

In the South, nothing is more important than tradition — well, maybe a great wedding and football! Southern weddings are full of charm, family, and a few quirky customs that make each celebration uniquely memorable. From honoring family with monogrammed handkerchiefs to savoring local flavors like Lowcountry boils and pecan pralines, Southern couples know how to blend elegance with fun. Outdoor ceremonies beneath moss-draped oaks, bridal portraits that become family heirlooms, and even a groom’s cake showing off school pride all reflect the deep-rooted customs of the region. And if your wedding happens to fall on a football weekend? Don’t be surprised if large-screen TVs pop up at the reception — because in the South, football and weddings often go hand-in-hand. Here are ten beloved South Carolina wedding traditions that capture the spirit, style, and sweetness of a truly Southern celebration. Don’t forget your tussie-mussie.

1. Burying the Bourbon – A Day in the Sun

A fun and superstitious tradition across the South, South Carolina couples often bury a bottle of bourbon upside down at the ceremony site about a month before the wedding. The idea is simple: bury the bourbon, and the weather will cooperate with sunshine and clear skies on the big day. digging it up becomes a celebratory ritual, often shared with close friends and family. It’s a quirky yet beloved way to honor Southern superstition and start the festivities with a little fun.

2. Lowcountry Boil & Oyster Roasts- Don’t forget the Shuckers

Food plays a starring role in South Carolina weddings, especially in the Lowcountry. Receptions frequently feature local flavors such as shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry boil, or an oyster roast. These dishes celebrate coastal heritage while creating a communal dining experience that brings guests together. Sharing fresh, local cuisine makes the celebration uniquely South Carolinian and deeply memorable.

3. The Groom’s Cake- Something for Him

While the main wedding cake delights everyone, South Carolina couples often include a groom’s cake — a sweet, personal tradition. Typically, chocolate and sometimes themed around the groom’s alma mater, such as Clemson or Carolina Gamecocks, it’s a playful reflection of his personality and passions. This tradition adds a fun, flavorful twist and often sparks conversation at the reception.

4. Seersucker and Brackish Bowties- South Carolina Chic

In true South Carolina style, nothing says Southern charm with a wink and a smile quite like a seersucker suit and a Brackish bow tie. It’s the kind of outfit that turns heads, draws compliments from strangers, and makes sweet tea taste just a little sweeter. The puckered stripes of seersucker keep things cool when the humidity hits “bless your heart” levels, while a Brackish bow tie—crafted from feathers and full of flair—adds just the right amount of personality. It’s part gentleman, part peacock, and all  South Carolina. Whether you’re sipping bourbon at a rooftop soirée or dancing barefoot at a beachside wedding, this ensemble says you’ve got tradition in your back pocket and style in your soul.

5. Bridal Portraits- (Moms’ Favorites)

A cherished Southern tradition, the bridal portrait allows brides to capture their beauty and elegance before the big day. Taken weeks ahead of the wedding, these portraits often feature the gown, bouquet, and family heirlooms. The finished portraits are typically displayed at the reception and later become treasured keepsakes for generations, preserving memories in a classic and meaningful way.

6. Pecan, Peach & Pound Cakes and Sweet Tea- Simply Delicious

South Carolina couples love giving guests a taste of the state with local favors. Pecan pralines, Charleston’s benne wafers, pound cakes or peach preserves make for thoughtful and delicious gifts and dessert samplings. These edibles offer a sweet reminder of the celebration while highlighting the culinary heritage of South Carolina. And don’t forget the sweet tea!

7. Monogrammed Handkerchiefs for Mom or Dad

Honoring family is central to Southern weddings, and monogrammed handkerchiefs are a heartfelt way to do so. Brides and grooms often give their parents handkerchiefs embroidered with initials, the wedding date, or a short message. Practical for catching happy tears and sentimental for years to come, this tradition transforms a simple accessory into a cherished family heirloom.

8. Tussie-Mussie

A silver bouquet holder, or tussie-mussie, is another longstanding Southern wedding tradition. Brides in South Carolina often carry their bouquet in a sterling silver cup, goblet, or chalice — sometimes an heirloom passed down through generations. These silver holders symbolize heritage and continuity while pairing beautifully with Southern florals like magnolias, gardenias, and hydrangeas, giving the bouquet a timeless, elegant presentation.

9. Outdoor Plantation, Garden, & Lake Weddings

South Carolina’s natural beauty provides some of the country’s most breathtaking wedding backdrops. Historic plantations, moss-draped live oaks in Charleston, romantic gardens, and sparkling lakefronts in the Upstate create unforgettable settings. These venues combine charm, history, and nature, offering couples a picturesque and quintessentially Southern wedding experience.

10. Shag Dancing – state dance

No South Carolina wedding is complete without dancing, and the state’s official dance — the Carolina Shag — often makes an appearance. Smooth, laid-back, and fun, shag dancing connects celebrations to local culture. Whether it’s a first dance, a family tradition, or a lively reception highlight, a great dance floor moment brings energy, joy, and a touch of Southern flair to the festivities.