Southern Weddings

I realize that I talk a lot about the South, but I really am fascinated by it as I'm not from there.

I've learned three new customs of Southern Weddings and I'll add a fourth that I alread knew:

1. Southern Brides have a portrait taken of them intheir dress weeks before the wedding. They get their hair and makeup done, put on their dress and have professional photos made.
2. They don't take pictures before the ceremony - they don't see each other and don't do any of that until after the ceremony.
3. Their recceptions are little punch and dessert receptions with a receiving line and then the bride and groom peace out. They're in and out in like 30 minutes. There's no sit-down dinner, no band/dj, no dancing... just "Hey, Congratulations!" hugs and then peace out.
4. This one is the craziest - they have a "stand in." The "stand in" is at the rehearsal and functions like a stunt double so that the bride can be out in the pews watching the layout of all of the people and ceremony. They walk down the aisle with the groom, stand up there, etc. while the bride watches to make sure the production looks just how she'd like it.

So, there's a little cultural FYI for you about the South. It's still America, but it's real different.