New Orleans Wedding Second Line Parades: Everything to Know About This NOLA Tradition
If you’ve ever witnessed a New Orleans wedding celebration, chances are you’ve seen the magic of a Second Line parade. It’s festive, full of joy, and unforgettable! As a New Orleans wedding planner, I’ve helped countless couples incorporate this unique tradition into their big day, and I can confidently say: no celebration in the Crescent City is complete without one!
Whether you’re local or planning a destination wedding in New Orleans, here’s everything you need to know about Second Line parades, including their history, the fun elements that make them so special, and how to include one in your wedding.
What Is a Second Line Parade?
A Second Line is a quintessential New Orleans tradition that started in jazz funerals, where the “first line” referred to the main parade, typically the brass band and family of the deceased. The “second line” was made up of friends and community members who joined in, dancing and celebrating life.
Over time, this tradition expanded beyond funerals to weddings, festivals, and major life celebrations. Today, a Second Line parade is a symbol of joy, love, and community, perfect for newlyweds starting their journey together!
Why Include a Second Line in Your Wedding?
Here are just a few reasons couples love to incorporate Second Line parades into their wedding celebrations:
- Unforgettable Guest Experience – Your guests won’t stop talking about it. A Second Line is interactive, full of movement, music, and joy.
- Incredible Photo Ops – Photos of you dancing down the street with your loved ones, parasols in hand, led by a live brass band, are sure to be treasured for years to come.
- Pure New Orleans Vibes – Whether you’re born and raised here or saying “I do” in the city you love, a Second Line brings the flavor of NOLA to your day.
- Customizable – From custom handkerchiefs to monogrammed parasols, every detail can reflect your personality and theme.
What to Expect During Your New Orleans Wedding Second Line
Typically, a Second Line parade follows the ceremony or wraps up the reception. Here’s what it usually includes:
- Brass Band – The heart of the parade! We work with some of the best local musicians to keep the energy high.
- Parasols and Handkerchiefs – The bride and groom usually lead the line with personalized parasols, while guests wave handkerchiefs and dance behind them.
- Parade Permit & Police Escort – We handle the city permits and arrange for police escorts to ensure your parade flows safely through the streets.
- Custom Add-Ons – From Mardi Gras beads that wedding guests can throw to onlookers, to including your beloved pets on cut-outs, your Second Line can be as traditional or unique as you like!
How to Add a Second Line to Your Wedding Package
We make it easy to include a Second Line parade in any of our wedding packages, whether you’re planning a small wedding in the French Quarter or a grand affair at one of New Orleans’ historic venues. Here’s how we help incorporate this fun tradition:
- Custom Planning – We’ll guide you on timing, routes, and city logistics so it fits perfectly into your timeline.
- Vendor Coordination – We handle permits, hire the band, arrange the escort, and source your parasols and keepsake handkerchiefs.
- Seamless Execution – On your big day, our team is on-site to cue the band, organize your guests, and keep everything running smoothly.
Just let us know you’re interested in a Second Line when we begin planning, and we’ll build it right into your custom experience!
Let’s Celebrate, NOLA Style!
There’s no better way to say “we’re married!” than by dancing through the streets of New Orleans with your favorite people behind you. A Second Line parade turns your wedding day into a true celebration of life and love.
Ready to plan your dream New Orleans wedding with a Second Line parade? Contact us today to learn more about our packages and how we can bring this fun tradition to your big day!