Planning A Southern Wedding: Traditions And Trends

Planning a wedding in the Southern U.S. is all about hospitality, food, and decor. From misty hillsides to hotels in North Carolina and New Orleans, there are plenty of venue options to choose from. When it comes to food, southern weddings are known for their delicious dishes such as baked ham, shrimp, BBQ, pot roast, and steak. Don't forget to add some southern charm with parasols and a cake pull, a traditional southern wedding game. To modernise your wedding, incorporate bold pops of colour and patterns, and consider mixed-match vintage chairs and lounge areas with velvet sofas.

Food and drink: Southern weddings are known for their food, with traditional dishes including shrimp, BBQ, and macaroni and cheese

Food and drink are an important part of any wedding, but especially so at a Southern wedding. Traditional dishes include shrimp, BBQ, and macaroni and cheese, but there are lots of other options to choose from, too. For a main course, you could also serve baked ham, pot roast, or steak. Appetisers and sides could include devilled eggs, coleslaw, or corn.

If you're inviting more than 90 guests, you could book a main dining room for a 10-course tasting dinner, or, for smaller gatherings, a five-course seated dinner with wine pairings in a historic ballroom. You could also set up a farm table in the moonlight, or have a cocktail reception in an art gallery.

To add personality to the space, you could use mixed-match vintage chairs instead of folding chairs. You could also create lounge areas with velvet sofas and chaises so your guests have somewhere comfortable to rest when they're not on the dance floor.

Venue: Consider a plantation setting with parasols, or a historic ballroom, farm or art gallery

When it comes to the venue, there are a few options to consider for a Southern wedding. Firstly, a plantation setting with parasols is a chic and traditional choice, especially for bridesmaids. If you're looking for something more historic, a ballroom or art gallery can be a great option for smaller gatherings, offering a unique and intimate atmosphere. For a rustic charm, a farm setting is perfect, especially with a farm table in the moonlight.

To add a touch of Southern hospitality, consider incorporating vintage and mismatched chairs to create a unique and personalised space. Lounge areas with velvet sofas and chaises can also provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for guests to rest between dances.

Southern weddings are often associated with soft pastel colour palettes, but don't be afraid to modernise your decor with bold pops of colour, patterns, and metallics. Whether you choose a plantation, ballroom, farm, or gallery setting, there are endless ways to make your Southern wedding venue truly special.

Cake: A cake pull involves placing ribbons in the bottom tier of the cake for bridesmaids to pull out and reveal a charm

Cake pulls are a fun tradition at Southern weddings. To organise one, place ribbons in the bottom tier of the wedding cake. Each bridesmaid then picks a ribbon and pulls it out to reveal a charm. The charms have different meanings and are believed to represent the person's future. For example, a ring might signify an upcoming marriage, while a four-leaf clover could represent good luck.

You can buy cake pulls online or make your own. If you're buying them, there are many options available, from vintage-style charms to more modern designs. You can even get them personalised with the bridesmaids' names or the wedding date.

If you're making your own, you can choose charms that have special meanings for you and your bridesmaids. Perhaps you want to include a charm that represents your shared love of music or a hobby you enjoy together. You could also add a personal touch by tying the ribbons in your wedding colours or a shade that matches your bridesmaids' dresses.

On the day, make sure you leave enough time for the cake pull during the reception. It's a fun activity that your bridesmaids will love, and it will create a special memory for all of you to cherish.

Decor: Southern weddings often have a soft pastel colour palette, but you can add pops of colour with bright flowers or striped ribbon

Southern weddings are known for their soft pastel colour palettes, but there are many ways to add pops of colour to your decor. One way to do this is by incorporating bright flowers into your arrangements. You could also add striped or plaid ribbon to decorations, or use metallics and metals in your lighting scheme.

Another idea is to use mixed-match vintage chairs to add personality to the space. You could also create lounge areas with velvet sofas and chaises, giving your guests a comfortable place to rest when they aren't dancing.

Southern weddings often have a traditional accessory: parasols. These are especially chic for a plantation setting and can be used by the bridesmaids.

Seating: Mix-and-match vintage chairs and velvet sofas can add personality to the space

When it comes to seating, mix-and-match vintage chairs and velvet sofas can add personality to the space and create a unique and memorable atmosphere for your southern wedding. This eclectic approach to seating can be a fun and unexpected twist on the traditional wedding setup, offering a more relaxed and intimate vibe for your guests.

To achieve this look, you can source vintage chairs from antique stores, flea markets, or rental companies that specialise in event furniture. Look for chairs with interesting details such as carved backs, ornate arms, or unique upholstery. By mixing and matching different styles and colours, you can create a whimsical and charming setting.

Velvet sofas and chaises, in rich jewel tones or soft pastels, can be arranged to form cosy lounge areas where your guests can relax and socialise. These seating areas can become a focal point of your wedding decor, providing a stylish and comfortable retreat for guests to rest their feet between dances.

To enhance the southern charm, consider incorporating vintage accessories such as lace doilies, rustic lanterns, or soft throw pillows. You can also add personal touches, such as family heirlooms or handmade decorations, to make the space truly your own. By mixing and matching vintage chairs with velvet sofas, you create a unique and inviting atmosphere that reflects the warmth and hospitality of the south.

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