Let the Good Times Roll: New Orleans Wedding Traditions We Love

When it comes to celebrating love, no place does it quite like New Orleans. Known for its music, food, and joie de vivre, the city transforms every celebration into an unforgettable experience, not just for the couple but for everyone lucky enough to be part of it. From the first toast to the last dance, New Orleans wedding traditions bring a touch of Southern magic to every moment.

The Joy of the Second Line

If there’s one tradition that defines a New Orleans wedding, it’s the Second Line parade. Rooted in the city’s cultural heritage, this tradition is pure celebration. Picture it: the newlyweds leading the way through the streets as a brass band plays. Guests follow behind, dancing, waving handkerchiefs, laughing, and soaking up the rhythm of the city. Whether it winds through the French Quarter or circles a courtyard beneath twinkling lights, a Second Line turns any wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Sweet Tradition of Cake Pulls

Another part of local wedding culture is the cake pull. Before the wedding cake is cut, ribbons are hidden between its layers, each tied to a charm symbolizing luck, love, or prosperity. Friends and family gather to pull their ribbons, revealing their fortunes such as next to marry or next to fall in love

Farewell Feasts and Sunday Send-Offs

In New Orleans, the celebration doesn’t end when the music stops. Couples often host a farewell brunch or casual seafood boil to close out the wedding weekend in true Crescent City style. From elegant jazz brunches with mimosas and beignets to relaxed crawfish boils under the glow of string lights, these gatherings offer guests one last taste of Louisiana hospitality. They’re the perfect way to relive the magic of the weekend and say goodbye.

A City Made for Celebration

With its blend of romance, history, and hospitality, New Orleans is one of the most popular destination wedding cities in the U.S. From centuries-old courtyards and grand ballrooms to rooftop terraces and riverboats, couples can find a setting as unique as their love story. Add in world-famous cuisine, live jazz, and a celebration culture like no other, and it’s easy to see why planning a New Orleans destination wedding is always a good idea. 
Ready to start planning your own unforgettable celebration? Explore venues, vendors, inspiration, complimentary hotel room block planning services, and more with New Orleans & Company, your guide to making wedding dreams come true in the city where the good times always roll.

Additional Complimentary Wedding Planning Services

Planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some additional resources from New Orleans & Company to help you every step of the way:

• Download New Orleans & Company’s free New Orleans Destination Wedding Guide filled with articles, business listings, wedding checklists, sample itineraries and more! 
• Advice for planning pre- and post-wedding events, such as bachelor and bachelorette parties, showers, brunches, rehearsal dinners, and welcome parties. 
• Tools such as checklists for planning, marriage licenses, and more! 

Contact their wedding planning team directly for expert advice and support to get started. Whether you envision a traditional Southern affair or a lively second-line parade through the streets, New Orleans & Company provides complimentary planning assistance to help bring your dream wedding to life. You can rest assured that you’re in good hands. For more inspiration and to start planning, visit New Orleans & Company