by AINSLEY LAWRENCE
Whether you’re from the South or not, there’s no denying the charm and sense of country comfort that comes from a traditional Southern wedding.
The South is filled with historic homes, parks, and venues that can serve as the ideal backdrop for a romantic day. The weather is beautiful, the people are friendly, and a sort of old-fashioned feel comes from getting married in or around the low country.
We’ve got you covered if you’re planning a Southern wedding and want to ensure it’s as charming as the deep South itself. You and your guests will never forget your special day’s beautiful, rich details, from the food and music to the decor and festivities.
With that in mind, let’s cover a few ideas that touch on tradition and will give your wedding the charm everyone loves and expects from the South.
Keep Your Invitations Classy
Invitations and “Save the Dates” will set the tone for your upcoming wedding. They can also help you to decide on a theme early on and give your guests an idea of what to expect. There’s a lot to consider regarding your wedding announcements and invitations, including formatting. The size, shape, orientation, and font can make a big difference in how much people pay attention to your cards.
For a traditional southern wedding, consider skipping the “postcard” style design and investing in both cards and envelopes for a more charming touch. Depending on the style you’re going for, you could make your design look elegant and sophisticated, using colors like black and gold and a font that resembles hand-written calligraphy. Or, you could dive into a more traditional “southern charm” feel by making your day more about country comfort. Use a casual font and design to let your guests know you’re having a barbecue and dancing on your big day.
Don’t forget to let your guests know how to dress. You don’t want your second cousin to show up at your formal affair wearing jeans and a t-shirt. There are many different types of dress codes for weddings, including:
- White tie only
- Black tie only
- Black tie optional
- Formal attire
- Cocktail attire
- Smart-casual
- Semi-formal attire
- Beach formal
- Garden attire
Deciding on the theme for your special day will make it easier to pick an appropriate dress code, but your guests will appreciate knowing what they should (and shouldn’t) wear ahead of time.
Choose The Right Venue
When it comes to Southern charm, your venue options are practically limitless. Depending on your theme, you could combine tradition and natural beauty by choosing a space like:
- A beach house
- A plantation estate
- The beach
- A farm/barn
- A public or private park
- A garden
Choose a venue that gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality and utilize the details you’re passionate about. For example, having an outdoor wedding makes it easier to use seasonal flowers and traditional Southern foilage in your decor. Varieties like magnolias and gardenias will look great as reception table centerpieces or peppered into your ceremony arch.
It’s also important that your venue fits the mood you want to set for your guests. If you’re ready for a night of eating, drinking, laughing, and dancing, don’t choose a space that will be small and cramped. If you want your guests to be as relaxed as possible, consider hosting your big day outside with a beautiful mountain or forest backdrop.
Don’t Forget The Details
The things people will remember most about your wedding are the small details, so going the extra mile to add charming touches will create an unforgettable day for your guests.
Obviously, those touches need to reflect your theme and personality. Serve sweet tea at your reception. Have your bridesmaids wear matching cowboy boots with their dresses. Send your guests home with traditional Southern treats, like pralines or small bottles of a local craft whiskey.
Details are what allow you to get creative, and deciding on them early on will give you more time to enjoy other aspects of wedding planning – like where to go on your honeymoon. That’s a detail that can easily get overlooked by couples who are already busy planning for the big day itself. Consider packing your bags a week or two before your wedding, so you don’t have to stress over it on top of everything else. If you use minimalist packing methods, you can travel lightly and only have to worry about bringing one or two bags with you.
From picking the perfect venue to digging into the details, there are so many ways to add charm to your Southern wedding. The most important thing you can do is have fun and let your special day reflect your love for your partner. Keep those ideals close to your heart, and you’ll put together a beautiful day to remember.
