A Southern Gentleman Is...
By Johnny Birdsong
Happy New Year! I am so excited about 2025 and all it has to offer. Each year, we ring in the New Year along with our annual Winter issue, which includes a very special wedding section.
In this issue, I am excited and proud to have my friend Hugh Howser be with us as our SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN. He brightens the room when he walks in with his brilliant smile and magnetic personality. As the co-owner of H Three Events, he has earned his reputation as one of Nashville’s premier event and wedding planners. He knows a thing or two about weddings and etiquette. He always draws a crowd wherever he goes, making others smile.
Yes, a true Southern Gentleman. As we prepared our annual issue full of all things bridal, we had the chance to ask Hugh a few questions about how important it is to remain a southern gentleman even during the stressful times of planning and executing a wedding - or in just his everyday normal life!
What does being a Southern Gentleman mean to you, both personally and professionally?
A Southern Gentleman…he has humor, style and a knack for tackling any project except Christmas lights.
How do you incorporate the qualities of a Southern Gentleman in your everyday life?
I entertain regularly, so every aspect of my events involves Southern hospitality and comfort for my guests. I make sure everyone is well fed, with plenty of drink options. I also loathe "small-talk," so when curating my guest list, I make sure to mingle the most interesting groups at a time, so everyone isn't trapped talking about the weather.
What advice would you give to men who want to embody the essence of a Southern Gentleman in today’s world?
I would tell them to buy their spouse or partner a nice gift quarterly and get off their phones for one to two hours a day.
Do you feel that the values of a Southern Gentleman are fading in today’s society, or are they still alive and well?
I think they are alive; we are living in a time now that is so fast-paced; it’s so refreshing to see someone open a door, help someone in need, and have an actual conversation about things that matter.
What are some memorable examples of gentlemanly behavior you've witnessed at weddings?
In twenty years of weddings, there are too many to tell, but once a father of the bride made a point to speak to every single guest at least once. They had 650 guests - but he did it! My tongue would be stuck to the roof of my mouth.
On the flip side, have you ever encountered behavior at weddings that you would consider less than gentlemanly?
Have I!!!??? I am lucky to not be institutionalized! That's a lot of groomsmen to deal with! You know I've seen it ALL.
What Southern traditions do you hold dear and try to incorporate into your everyday life and events?
These usually revolve around family gatherings, so many of my entertaining tricks came from my grandparents and parents. I want everyone to feel as loved and comforted as we do at our own family celebrations. There's nothing like a roaring fire at Christmas and plenty of backyard lightning bug-catching jars in the summer!
What is the one thing you do not go a day without?
Laughing with my sister about an old story. Somehow, they get better every time we tell them! That's so Southern…to keep telling the same stories over and over again!
