Planning A Southern Belle Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a Southern Belle wedding can be a lot of fun, especially if you're inspired by the Kentucky Derby. You might want to book a historic site, such as The Henry Clay, Farmington Historic Home, or the Seelbach Hilton, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote *The Great Gatsby*. When it comes to the dress, you could opt for a ballgown silhouette, a dreamy A-line of tulle and sparkly beading, or a satin bodice covered in glittering appliques and crystal beading with cascading organza ruffles. Don't forget to add a pair of cowboy boots for a nod to the Southern style!

Choosing a venue: historic sites like The Henry Clay or the Seelbach Hilton are popular choices

When planning a Southern Belle wedding, choosing the right venue is essential. Historic sites are a popular choice, with many brides opting for venues such as The Henry Clay, Farmington Historic Home, or the Seelbach Hilton, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote *The Great Gatsby*. These venues offer a unique blend of Southern charm and elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for a wedding inspired by the region's rich history and culture.

When selecting a historic site for your wedding, consider the overall theme and style you wish to achieve. Southern Belle weddings are often characterised by their elegance and attention to detail, with a focus on tradition and hospitality. The venue you choose should reflect these values and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests.

The Henry Clay, for example, is a grand estate located in Kentucky. It boasts stunning architecture, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms, making it an ideal choice for a Southern Belle wedding. The Seelbach Hilton, on the other hand, offers a more intimate setting with its luxurious accommodations and rich literary history.

When touring potential venues, pay attention to the details that will enhance your wedding theme. Look for venues with features such as grand staircases, ornate chandeliers, or wrap-around porches, which are quintessential elements of Southern architecture. Consider the surrounding landscape as well; rolling hills, lush gardens, and mature trees can provide a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photos.

Finally, don't forget to add a touch of Southern flair to your venue. Incorporate elements such as cowboy boots, sunhats, and mint juleps to pay homage to the region's unique style and hospitality. By choosing a historic site and embracing the Southern culture, your wedding will embody the essence of a Southern Belle celebration.

Wedding dress: ballgowns are a popular choice for southern belle weddings, with cowboy boots as an ode to the southern style

When it comes to a southern belle wedding, the dress is an important part of the day. Ballgowns are a popular choice for southern belle weddings, with cowboy boots as an ode to the southern style.

For a Kentucky-styled southern wedding, you could opt for a historic site such as The Henry Clay, Farmington Historic Home, or the Seelbach Hilton, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the Great Gatsby. This would be the perfect setting for a ballgown silhouette, like the Ravenna, a voluminous gown with a flounced skirt and a deep low v-back. The Luana is another option, with its dreamy A-line of tulle and sparkly beading, perfect for gliding down the aisle.

If you're looking to make a statement, the Muse mermaid dress is a show-stopper. This satin bodice is covered in glittering appliques and crystal beading, with cascading organza ruffles that create a stunning train. Whether you choose a ballgown or a mermaid-style dress, don't forget to add a pair of cowboy boots for a touch of southern charm.

The southern belle wedding is all about embracing the traditions and culture of the South, and the wedding dress is a perfect opportunity to showcase this. With a ballgown and cowboy boots, you'll be sure to make a statement and have a wedding day to remember.

Wedding season: Derby season is a popular time for weddings in the South

For those who want to get stuck into planning and bringing all their favourite suppliers together, The Chocolate Factory in South Derbyshire guarantees a good time. Or, if you're after a rustic wedding venue, try Behr Rafters in Winfield, Kansas, where you can say "I do" under the stars. Morning Grit Farm is another family-owned countryside wedding venue in Rose Hill, Wichita, Kansas, and The Hidden Hive in South Derbyshire is a purpose-built tipi wedding venue.

If you're after a more sophisticated setting, Amalfi White in the heart of the Dukeries on the border of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, combines the charm of a wedding venue with the elegance of a prestigious member's sporting club. Race Brook Country Club in Orange, Connecticut, is another option, with beautiful gardens providing a spectacular backdrop for your wedding.

Wedding planner: Victoria Staton of VSI Events is a recommended wedding planner for southern belle weddings

For a southern belle wedding, you'll want to book a historic site such as The Henry Clay, Farmington Historic Home, or the Seelbach Hilton, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the Great Gatsby. You could also add a pair of cowboy boots for an ode to the southern style.

For the dress, you might want to consider a ballgown silhouette, like the Ravenna, or the Luana, a dreamy A-line of tulle and sparkly beading. For brides looking to ruffle some feathers, the Muse mermaid dress is a satin bodice covered in glittering appliques and cascading organza ruffles.

Photography: Laura Cook Photography is a recommended photographer for southern belle weddings

When it comes to planning a Southern Belle wedding, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to choose a venue that reflects the charm and elegance of the South. This could include historic sites such as The Henry Clay, Farmington Historic Home, or the Seelbach Hilton, where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby. The Belle of Louisville is another recommended venue.

In terms of attire, a Southern Belle wedding calls for a dramatic and elegant gown. Ballgowns are a popular choice, with their voluminous skirts and delicate details. The Ravenna, for example, features a deep low v-back and airy tulle, while the Luana offers a dreamy A-line silhouette with sparkly beading. For a bolder look, the Muse mermaid dress combines a satin bodice with glittering appliques and cascading organza ruffles.

To complete the Southern Belle theme, consider adding a pair of cowboy boots as a fun nod to the region's style. Derby season is also a popular time for Southern weddings, so incorporating elements like mint juleps and sunhats can add a unique touch. Overall, a Southern Belle wedding is all about embracing the warmth and hospitality of the South, with a focus on tradition, elegance, and, of course, a good time!

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