First up, good food. We’re Southerners, after all. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and it doesn’t have to be a formal seated meal. As long as there’s plenty of yummy stuff for your guests to chow down on, they’ll be singing your wedding’s praises forever. Traditional catering rocks, but we’re also suckers for a wedding reception food truck. And we can’t forget the alcohol! Open bars can get expensive, but if you can swing it, your guests will appreciate letting loose on your dime. A signature cocktail and beer selection works just fine, too. Just keep the drinks flowing and you’re unlikely to hear any complaints.

Second, and equally important, you’ll need good tunes. Whether that’s a New Orleans brass band tearing it up, your favorite cover band singing your favorites or a DJ playing the greatest hits, music is key, especially at the reception. The best memories are made on the dancefloor (we’ve got the photos to prove it). Mix today’s hits with the classics grandma loves and you’ll have the whole crowd boogying til the break of dawn. 

Last, and most importantly, good people are a must. Having your people around you to celebrate your love is the most important piece of the puzzle. Whether it’s a 300 person wedding or a micro wedding, what matters is being surrounded by love. Even if everything else goes awry, as long as you’re with the folks who love you most, in person or via Zoom, it’ll be a perfect day.

…But on a personal note, if you serve Crawfish Monica and play Toto’s “Africa,” your wedding will be our favorite, hands down.