New Orleans is an amazing place to get married because it has such fun traditions. The wedding parade in New Orleans (known by locals as a second line) is the epitome of celebrating with New Orleans flair. Think listening to happy music, dancing through the streets, and letting loose with your favorite humans. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your wedding second line.

5 Tips for Your Wedding Parade in New Orleans

1. Get your permit.

While New Orleans embraces its slogan of “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” it pays to prepare for your wedding day. You’ll need a permit for your second line. Fill out this parade application and this special events form at least a few months in advance to make sure everything goes smoothly on your wedding day.

A groom helps carry a bride's wedding dress train down a French Quarter street during a second line.

2. Prep your guests.

Second lines feel like the ultimate New Orleans experience, but if your guests are out of towners, they may not know what to expect. In your program or announcements, include a rundown. Share the route and invite them to dance their hearts out!

A couple dances in a French Quarter street during their wedding second line.

A bride and groom dance in front of their wedding guests at a New Orleans wedding parade.

3. Give guests something to do during the second line.

During a wedding parade in New Orleans, your guests are more likely to participate fully if they have something to do. Handkerchiefs are traditional wedding favors here. Guests wave them while following the second line. Some people also opt to distribute drinks on their way out the door. It always helps to keep people cool when the weather gets swampy.

Guests wave white handkerchiefs behind a bride and groom kissing in a New Orleans street.

Wedding guests stand on a sidewalk cheering.

During a wedding parade in New Orleans, a man waves a custom handkerchief and carries cocktails.

4. Make accommodations for guests who need assistance.

New Orleans is not known for its infrastructure or accessibility. If you have guests who will have trouble walking the second line route, you can hire pedicabs to bring them along. That way they get to enjoy the experience along with everyone else.

A couple raises their drinks from a pedicab during a New Orleans wedding parade.

A pedicab transports smiling wedding guests during a second line.

5. Ask your band to kick off cocktail hour!

At the end of a wedding parade in New Orleans, it’s common for a band to lead your guests from the ceremony to your reception venue. Typically, they stand outside and play as guests enter. It can be really fun to have your band lead guests into the venue and keep the party going into the start of cocktail hour. Speak with your band to see if they’re open to helping you set the tone for your party.

Brass band members walk behind a bride singing in a New Orleans street.

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5 Tips for Your Wedding Parade in New Orleans