5 ways to infuse new orleans culture into your wedding
Let’s face it, these days every wedding is a destination wedding. When your guests are traveling (whatever the distance), you want to make sure they get to actually experience that destination. But, with most of your guests being working adults, not everyone can extend their trip for a day or two to take in the sights. That’s why it’s so important to weave in a local experience into your big day. Let’s use one of our favorite domestic destinations as an example: New Orleans. Can you even imagine going to New Orleans for the first time and not trying beignets from Cafe du Monde? Like a literal tragedy! So, here is a quick step-by-step guide on how you can give your guests an immersive experience, no matter your destination.
the accommodations
Where your guests stay matters! Whether you book a place like Hotel Saint Vincent for its local flair or like Hotel Peter & Paul for its walkability, the hotel they stay at will set the scene for the entire trip. If your actual venue is far from the hotel, that’s totally fine; just arrange transportation to get your guest from point A to point B safely! Bonus points if you have fun with that too. In NOLA, did you know you can book a private streetcar?
the welcome
These days Welcome Parties are having a moment, so if you’re going that route, pick a local spot (maybe even the cocktail bar at the hotel) to immerse your guests in some local cuisine or an experience, like a tarot card reading or voodoo tour, that they might not have a chance to take in before they leave. We know that not everyone can afford to shell out thousands on yet another event in addition to the big day. Don’t worry, we got you! A good welcome bag does the trick, too! Invest in a cute (but affordable) tote that can double as swag from their trip and fill it with little necessities and a few local treats for them to check off of their must-try list—like pralines from Loretta's, gumbo or jambalaya mixes from Jambalaya Girl, and a little something sweet from Hubig's Pies. Throw in a cute little note that you can print yourself and a map with your favorite spots circled so they can explore at their leisure.
the food & drinks
When it comes to any destination, the highlight is always delicious food and good drinks! Ditch the typical surf and turf catering options and go with local delicacies and a caterer who plays up all the local flavors. Here are some of the ones we recommend in NOLA:
Joel's Catering | Pigeon Catering | Elysian Events & Catering | Mirepoix Event Catering
And don’t forget the bar… Even if your favorite drink is a spicy marg or an espresso martini, offer your guests some local drinks that your destination is famous for, like a Sazerac, Pimm's Cup, or a French 75.
Then, right around 10:30pm, there will come a time when the guests start to settle down. When the chairs are fuller than the dance floor. That is when you break out the late-night snack. Whether it’s a famous local goodie or, in this case, the Cafe du Monde Beignet Truck, a little excitement will get everyone back up on their feet!
the music
Yes, you can simply book a DJ and give them your must-play list. Or…you could hire a local jazz band to lead you and your guests in a second line to your reception space. Honestly, your marriage in New Orleans probably isn’t even official if you don’t have a second line. Keep the party going by having the band do a set or two for the reception, or have them stay and play the whole night. Here are some local coordinators and musicians that can make it happen for you:
Second Line Coordinators
Hallowed Ground Productions | Big Fun Entertainment & Brass Band | Gwendolyn Events | Kingfolk Brass Band
Wedding Planners
Uncommon Camellia | Amanda Price Events | I Do by Pk Events
Jazz Music
Preservation Hall | Jazz Playhouse | Mohagany Hall
the favors
This is where you can really get creative. Think of what your destination is known for. In New Orleans, send your guests home with custom Mardi Gras beads, the famed Go Cups, or Second Line Handkerchiefs from Plush Appeal / The Mardi Gras Spot. If you want to go a more practical route, you can gift your guests local Tabasco. You can even customize the label if you’re feeling a little extra.
What it boils down to is that just about every element in your wedding is an opportunity to showcase where you are and all of the things that make your destination somewhere worth traveling to. If you’ve been to a wedding, you know that your guests are giving you so much more than just a wedding gift. The best way to say thank you is by giving them a trip they’ll never forget!
If you’re thinking about getting married in New Orleans, we hope this post gave you plenty of good ideas for your big day! New Orleans (the city) is so into weddings that they actually go above and beyond to help couples with the planning. From free planning help to booking hotel blocks, fill out this form to see all the ways they can help you!
For even more NOLA wedding inspo, be sure to give them a follow @visitneworleans on IG.
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- Event Planning & Design: New Orleans & Company