Planning A Wedding In New Orleans: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to plan a wedding in new orleans

New Orleans is a popular wedding destination, with its beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and romantic ambiance. Planning a wedding in this vibrant city involves many of the same steps as planning a wedding elsewhere, such as purchasing wedding rings, ordering stationery, and finalising the guest list. However, there are also some unique considerations to keep in mind, such as planning a second-line parade to the reception and choosing whether to have a brass band or a Dixieland jazz band.

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Plan your parade route

New Orleans is a popular wedding destination, with its beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old oak trees and European ambiance. If you're planning a wedding in New Orleans, you might want to consider including a parade, known as a 'second line', to get you and your guests from the ceremony to the reception.

If your ceremony and reception venues are close to one another, you can use the parade to move you and your guests between the two. If they are further apart, you can schedule the parade at the end of the reception to close out the night. You can plan a short route around the venue and then return to send everyone on their way.

When planning your parade route, you need to finalise your wedding venues first. You can then decide how long or short the route will be, keeping in mind how far your guests will be willing to walk. It's recommended that the entire route takes no longer than 20 minutes, so your guests don't get tired before the reception activities. You could also consider closing the street for your parade, and including a brass band to delight your guests.

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Book your honeymoon

New Orleans is a romantic city, with beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and lush courtyards. It's the perfect place to start your married life.

When it comes to booking your honeymoon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, decide on a destination that suits your interests and budget. Research different locations and consider what type of activities you want to do. Do you prefer a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trip exploring a new city?

Once you've chosen a destination, start looking into specific accommodations and activities. Book your flights and hotel, and make any necessary reservations for tours, restaurants, or other experiences. Don't forget to pack accordingly for your trip, and ensure your passports are up to date.

If you're not leaving for your honeymoon directly after the wedding, decide where you'll spend your wedding night. You may want to book a romantic hotel or stay with family or friends.

Finally, don't forget to touch base with your wedding vendors and inform them of any new details. Finalize all the arrangements for your honeymoon, and you'll be all set to enjoy your dream vacation as a newly married couple.

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Finalise your itinerary

If you're planning a New Orleans-style wedding parade, you'll need to finalise your parade route. If your ceremony and reception venues are close to one another, you can use the parade to move you and your guests from one to the other. If not, schedule the parade at the end of the reception to close out the night. Either way, make sure the route is short enough that your guests won't get tired.

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Order your wedding cake

New Orleans is a romantic city, with beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and lush courtyards. It's the perfect place for a wedding.

When it comes to ordering your wedding cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to find a bakery that suits your style and taste preferences. Research local bakeries and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Once you've found a few options, schedule tastings to sample their cakes and decide on your favourite flavours.

Consider the size of your wedding and the number of guests when deciding on the size of your cake. You'll also want to think about the design and decorations. Does the cake fit the theme and colour scheme of your wedding? Will it be a traditional tiered cake or something more unique?

Discuss any dietary restrictions or allergies with your baker to ensure that all your guests can enjoy the cake. Finally, don't forget to order a groom's cake if that's a tradition you want to follow. It's a great way to surprise your partner with a cake that represents their interests and personality.

Remember to finalise the details with your baker, including delivery and setup, and confirm the date, time, and location of your wedding.

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Get your marriage license

To get married in New Orleans, you will need to obtain a marriage license. To do this, you must:

  • Contact the relevant authority in New Orleans, such as the Orleans Parish Marriage License Office.
  • Find out the requirements for obtaining a marriage license, including any necessary documents, fees, and waiting periods.
  • Gather the required documents, such as proof of identity and age (e.g., driver's license, passport, birth certificate), and ensure they are valid and up to date.
  • Complete and submit the marriage license application, either in person or online, depending on the procedures in New Orleans.
  • Pay any associated fees, which may vary depending on the location and your residency status.
  • Wait for the specified period, if applicable, before the license is issued. Some locations may offer expedited services for an additional fee.
  • Pick up your marriage license or receive it by mail, depending on the procedures in New Orleans.
  • Ensure that your marriage license is valid and will be accepted by your wedding officiant.
  • Bring your marriage license with you on your wedding day, as it needs to be signed by both spouses and the officiant during the ceremony.
  • After the wedding, ensure that the signed marriage license is returned to the appropriate office for recording, as this legalises your marriage.

Frequently asked questions

New Orleans is often called the most romantic city in America, with beautiful architecture, horse-drawn carriages, centuries-old oak trees and a European ambiance.

New Orleans is known for its second-line parades, where the couple and their guests parade from the ceremony to the reception. You can also close the street and have a brass band play at your reception, or get married on a riverboat.

If your ceremony and reception venues are close together, you can use the parade to move your guests from one to the other. If they're not, you can schedule the parade at the end of the reception. Either way, make sure the parade route isn't too long, and keep in mind how far your guests are willing to walk.

Make sure you get a marriage license, and contact New Orleans & Company for welcome bags for your out-of-town guests.

Schedule a trial run for hair and makeup, order wedding favours and stationary, decide on groom and groomsmen attire, and order a wedding cake and groom's cake.

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