Second line is a tradition in New Orleans - a brass band parade; the "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade - in our case, the bride & groom in front followed by the band - and the "second line" is us everyone one else following and dancing behind. We will both have a feathered parasol and our guests will have handkerchiefs, dancing and twirling around. The parade typically is also the walk from the church to the wedding reception venue.
After doing a little research, I found the permit for the parade is $50.25 and the fee for a police escort is $100 per officer. I was initially working with a company, who shall remain nameless, to assist with parts of the wedding I didn't want to stress over. After having an initial conversation with this group, they mentioned that they would coordinate the second line for us. Sounds like a plan! Then I received a price quote: "The second line starts at $1800.00"
Wait just one second.....$1800 for a parade that is less than 30 minutes? That is more than the band we were looking at for the entire night. So I took it upon myself to find some brass bands who specialize in second lines, to receive multiple price quotes under $700 for the parade.
Basically the lesson I learned last week is to do your research. Five minutes of looking online saved us nearly $1,000. If I didn't know it was only $50 to get the permit, I would have probably decided against the second line, one of the key components of our wedding.
Here are some photos of a second line parade I found on pinterest! How much fun is this going to be!!
It definitely sounds like a fun tradition to participate in!
ReplyDeleteI am very excited for this!
DeleteOh my gosh, this looks like SO. MUCH. FUN. Now I want to go back in time, get married again, and make it be in New Orleans. You may want to make sure you can somehow bustle your dress so it doesn't drag on the ground. I was just in NOLA on vacay, and the streets are legit FILTHY. I'm sure you're aware. haha.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori!! Thank you so much :) I am asking my seamstress to do a peekaboo lace underlay which will be removable. That will be the part that gets dirty.
DeleteDude...I am so glad you're doing this. I mean, it would've been sac religious had you not. Also quite impressed with your serious research. You have patience/motivation with that kind of stuff that I only wish I had. Might need your assistance when it's finally my time...otherwise, I'll be getting ripped off left and right, lol.
ReplyDeleteThis is the feature about the wedding I am most excited about (other than marrying Gabe of course!)
DeleteThis will be awesome!
ReplyDelete