A Louisiana wedding has a few moments guests talk about for years: the umbrellas going up for the second line, the money dance, the send-off outside at the end of the night. They’re also the moments that go sideways when nobody has planned them.
Louisiana wedding traditions, such as Second Lines, Money Dances, and Send-Offs, are distinctive elements that create memorable celebrations. A Second Line is a lively New Orleans parade tradition where guests dance behind the couple to brass-band music, transforming the reception into a party in about 30 seconds. The Money Dance offers guests a fun way to give a small gift by pinning bills on the couple for a brief turn on the dance floor, typically lasting one or two songs. Send-offs provide a final, picturesque moment as guests line the exit to bid farewell to the newlyweds.
At Fleur de Lis Event Center in Mandeville, we coordinate these traditions regularly. Here is how each one works, how to plan it, and how to fit it into the night without losing your dancing time.
Are Louisiana wedding traditions required for your event?
No tradition is mandatory. You can keep, change or skip any of them: the second line, the money dance, the bouquet toss, the parent dances, even the grand introduction. Your coordinator builds the timeline around what you want, and can adjust it during the reception if you change your mind.
The second line
A second line is a New Orleans parade tradition: a lively procession, guests waving handkerchiefs or umbrellas, dancing behind the couple to brass-band music. At a wedding, it turns the room into a party in about 30 seconds.
How do you plan a second line for a wedding?
- Pick your moment. Common choices are the grand entrance, right after the cake cutting, or the very end of the night leading into the send-off.
- Decide on the music. The in-house DJ is an optional add-on, and when you have one, second-line music has no separate charge. If you want a live brass band, that’s welcome too. A brass band is booked as an outside vendor at its own cost.
- Hand out something to wave. We have umbrellas available, and guests can also use napkins or handkerchief-style items. Some couples order personalized umbrellas or handkerchiefs as favors.
- Tell the wedding party. They lead the line behind you, so make sure they know when it’s coming.
The money dance
In a money dance, guests pin bills on the couple or hand them money for a turn on the dance floor. It’s a fun way for guests to give a small gift and get a minute with the bride or groom.
How do you plan a money dance for a wedding?
- Keep it short. One or two songs is plenty. Longer, and the rest of the room drifts away from the dance floor.
- Pick a trusted person to handle the money. Our staff don’t collect, count or hold money-dance cash. Choose a family member or someone from the wedding party, and give them an envelope or bag before the dance starts.
- Let the DJ handle the announcement. With our in-house DJ, the announcement and music for the money dance are included at no additional charge.
- Know your crowd. In some families, everyone expects a money dance. In others, a few guests may feel awkward. You know your guest list best.
The send-off
The send-off is the last picture of the night: guests lining the way out while the couple leaves. It works best when it’s simple and quick to set up.
Send-offs that work well: bubbles, glow sticks, flower petals and second-line umbrellas.
What isn’t allowed: confetti and sparklers. Both are prohibited at Fleur de Lis. Glitter is restricted as well.
A second line that turns into the send-off is a favorite way to end the night. The music carries everyone outside, and the umbrellas are already in hand.
Bringing your own traditions
Many couples bring family, cultural or religious traditions to the ceremony or reception. Unity ceremonies, a family blessing or something entirely your own are all welcome. We make a reasonable effort to accommodate new or custom traditions when they are safe, legal and practical to run. Candles and anything with a real flame need to be in a proper vessel.
Tell your coordinator early. If a tradition needs special timing, music or a piece of equipment, it is much easier to plan in advance than to improvise on the day.
How can you maximize dancing time at your wedding reception?
Every tradition takes a few minutes, and they add up. Our coordinators aim to finish the formalities efficiently enough to leave about an hour to an hour and a half of uninterrupted dancing later in the reception. Your preferences still control the timeline.
Two ways to keep it moving:
- Group the formal moments. Entrance, first dance, toasts and cake cutting back to back, then let the party run.
- Let your coordinator run the cues. Your bridal coordinator controls the timing and cues, so you’re not watching the clock.
Questions to ask any venue
- Do you coordinate second lines, and do you have umbrellas?
- Is second-line or money-dance music included with the DJ, or extra?
- Can we bring in a brass band?
- Who holds the money from the money dance?
- Which send-off items are allowed?
- Can we add a family or cultural tradition?
How can you plan your wedding night with custom traditions at Fleur de Lis?
If you’re planning a wedding in Mandeville, Covington, Slidell or anywhere around the Northshore and New Orleans area, schedule a tour and tell us which traditions matter to you. Call 985-626-9118.
