Recent New Orleans Health Department regulations require all guests 12 years of age or older to provide proof of at least one dose of an approved COVID vaccine or negative PCR test within 72 hours of all wedding events. We encourage all of our guests to get vaccinated. For up-to-date information, please visit: ready.nola.gov/incident/coronavirus
We love your kids—we really do. But we want our wedding to be your night off! Other than children in the wedding party, this will be an adults-only affair. We will help arrange a babysitter for you, upon request.
If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes, if not, we would prefer if it was just you.
Black-Tie Optional. If you think wearing a gown or a tux sounds fun, then go for it! Otherwise, cocktail attire and suits work too.
Short answer: Nope. Thanks for asking :) We're so excited that you'll be joining us, and we want you to relax and be fully present for our ceremony. We have a wonderful photographer who will capture every moment, and we'll make sure you see those photos as soon as we do! With this in mind, we ask that you refrain from photos during the ceremony; for the reception? Go wild!
Our clever hashtag #bontempbutlers was adapted from the Cajun French phrase "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" - meaning "Let the good times roll!" Mostly associated with New Orleans and frequently heard during Mardi Gras celebrations, the saying conveys the joie de vivre (joy of living) that hangs in the city’s humid air. Used in a sentence: Free beer and live music? Laissez les bons temps rouler!
One of the most popular traditions during NOLA weddings is the famous second line parade, which signifies the start of a new beginning for the bride and groom. A brass band leads the bridal party and the guests in two parts – The first line is a brass band and the ones being honored (the newlyweds). The newly married couple leads the second line holding parasols. All of the guests who want to join in the celebration make up the second line. The guests form a line behind the band, dancing with the newly married couple to lively music with handkerchiefs in hand!
NOLA-style receptions are typically not seated dinners, but consist of open action stations and buffets, with emphasis on lots of food options, lots of beverages, and a highly dynamic and social atmosphere that allows guests to move freely about the reception space. Seating is left open for guests to choose their own seats and tables. The bride and groom have their first dance near the beginning of their reception, opening the dance floor immediately for the guests' enjoyment, and to take full advantage of the hired entertainment.