Planning a new orleans wedding and need a little inspo? Think balcony portraits, flowers hanging over a courtyard and black-and-white parasols for a second line.
These ideas include pretty places for photos, reception details and a few food ideas worth saving.
You can keep things simple or go all out with flowers and candlelight. I especially love the courtyard settings.
Those leafy arches and little strings of lights give you so much to work with!
New Orleans Wedding Ideas Worth Saving
green shutters and a teal suit
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous balcony portrait. I love the teal suit beside the dark green shutters.
The white bouquet and dress look so pretty against all that color.
Read also: 20 Lake Tahoe Wedding Ideas From Lakeside Portraits to Forest Receptions
Ask your photographer to include the railing and the street below if you want a similar view.
black and white parasols
How cute are these matching parasols? The fluffy white trim goes so well with the bride’s tiered skirt, while the black parasol picks up the groom’s bow tie.
Save this for your second-line plans if you love a black-and-white look with a little extra decoration.
portraits at an ornate gate
If you are looking for a portrait idea that feels a little different, this one is for you. The bride stands beside the tall carved gatepost while the groom sits on the steps.
I especially love how the full skirt spreads out next to his white jacket. Try mixing seated and standing poses rather than having every photo look the same.
a tree-lined path
I am obsessed with this tree-lined portrait. The branches stretch over the couple, with the long white train spread across the narrow path.
Ask for a wide shot like this so you can see the trees overhead too. There’s no need to crop out that gorgeous setting.
hanging flower strands
Don’t want one big, solid flower arch? No problem!
This leafy arbor has individual red, orange, yellow and pink blooms hanging down on long strands.
The little gaps between the flowers are my favorite part. Keep that spaced-out arrangement if you want to try something similar.
music in the courtyard
This courtyard music setup may just be one of my favorites here. There’s an upright bass, a trumpet, a piano and a drum kit tucked among the greenery.
The tall lantern and strings of bulbs are lovely details too. Save this as inspiration for where your musicians could play during the reception.
flowers above a chandelier
If you are looking for lots of floral inspo, then this one is for you. There’s so much to love, from the pale roses overhead to the greenery trailing around the chandelier.
I love the candles arranged along the fountain behind it. Show this to your florist and venue team if you want a similarly layered courtyard setup.
a bourbon street detail
Don’t forget the little photos! The blue BOURBON lettering sits just below the couple’s shoes, with white ankle boots peeking out beneath the dress.
This is such a cute way to include a street detail without taking another full-length portrait.
a balcony bridal portrait
I love this bridal portrait with the long veil and patterned train. The curved railing casts such pretty shadows across the balcony.
Read also: 20 Santa Barbara Wedding Ideas From Ocean Views to Pretty Reception Details
Try an over-the-shoulder pose like this if you want to show the back of your dress. Keep the bouquet low so those little dress details stay visible.
a tiered pastry display
How cute is this dessert display? The golden square pastries are stacked on clear tiers with a generous dusting of sugar.
If you’re thinking about serving beignets, borrow this tiered arrangement for your dessert table. I’d keep any flower decorations beside the stand rather than directly on the food.
candles at different heights
Don’t want to go overboard with flowers? No problem there!
This long table has a leafy runner, little votives and taller candleholders all the way down the center.
I am in love with the different heights. The overhead string lights make this setup even prettier.
a little arched bridge
This is another gorgeous photo idea, but it’s a little different from the city views above. The couple stands on an arched bridge beneath hanging moss, with the greenery reflected in the water.
Read also: 20 San Diego Wedding Ideas With Coastal Views and Pretty Details
Save this for engagement photos or a wedding-weekend portrait if you’d rather wear a short white dress.
a courtyard brass procession
There’s so much going on in this courtyard photo! The musicians lead the way beneath strings of lights, with the couple and their guests following behind.
I especially love the white parasol next to the dark one with fleur-de-lis designs. They’re a fun pair without being exactly alike.
evening lights and a blue jacket
This evening portrait is so pretty. The bride wears a blue jacket over her white dress, with a dark red bouquet hanging at her side.
The glowing storefronts and reflections on the pavement are worth keeping in the frame. Ask your photographer about an evening portrait if you love this look.
deep red reception flowers
I am obsessed with this table setting. The deep red and pink flowers look gorgeous beside the rosy goblets, black napkins and tall candle cylinders.
Read also: 20 Palm Springs Wedding Ideas With Colorful Flowers and Retro Details
If pale flowers aren’t your thing, save this darker color combination. Those small peach-colored blooms are a lovely addition too.
a lantern-lined aisle
How gorgeous is this little courtyard ceremony space? Lanterns line both sides of the aisle, with curved-back chairs and a flower-covered arch at the end.
Try grouping lanterns in different sizes to follow this look. Keep them outside the walking space so there’s room for your dress and train.
pale blue architectural details
Sometimes the building itself gives you the prettiest color ideas. I love the pale blue-green shutters and sunburst panels against the cream exterior.
Bring these shades into your invitations or ceremony flowers if you want a subtle way to connect your details to the setting.
a crawfish spread
Want a more casual food idea for the wedding weekend? This spread has bright red crawfish, yellow corn and small potatoes piled down the middle of the table.
You could borrow the idea for a welcome gathering or rehearsal meal. Ask your caterer for a food-safe table covering rather than copying the newspaper underneath.
pastel dresses and little parasols
This is another lovely procession look. I love the pale blue, pink and yellow dresses behind the couple, plus the bride’s gathered skirt and small white parasol.
Read also: 20 Sister of the Bride Dress Ideas From Pretty Pastels to Deep Red
The groom carries a smaller dark parasol too. Choose this scale if you prefer it to the oversized styles above.
parasols beneath the trees
Last but definitely not least, we have this sweet hand-in-hand parade photo. The bride’s white fringed parasol looks so cute beside the groom’s plain black one.
The musicians and guests stay in the background beneath the trees. Save this shot for your photographer if you want photos of the two of you with the celebration still visible behind you.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Alessandra