5 Simple Ways to Add Southern Charm to Any Wedding

by CandiceJuly 26, 2012 0

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Today’s Southern weddings embrace simplicity and infuse new life into old things. Full of traditional and natural elements, and with a fine focus on details, let Southern wedding style inspire you!

Adding a special Southern touch to your wedding can be simple and fun. You could wear cute cowboy boots under your wedding dress or choose a Southern-flavored menu, but we’re especially fond of rustic, country-inspired wedding decorations and details! Here are five simple ways to give your wedding a sweetly Southern feel.

Wheat Bridal Bouquet. Photo by Something Pretty Fine Art Photography

Bouquets with Wheat. Photo via Wedding Bee

1. Add wheat to your bouquet: Wheat has a rustic and natural appeal. It symbolizes bounty and wealth. This grain adds a simplistic yet modern touch to your wedding and incorporates nicely into a meadow-inspired bouquet. Use individual wheat stalks for a subtle touch or a bundle for a fuller effect. Wheat pairs nicely with berries, lavender, dried grasses or fall leaves. Venture through a pasture, farm or meadow for inspiration! Check out these original bridal bouquets for more ideas.

Mason Jar Wedding Lighting. Photo via LoveWedBliss.com

2. Use Mason jars: The popularity of rustic and country chic weddings has likely contributed to the Mason jar’s wedding appeal. These jars are a symbol of Southern hospitality and can easily be incorporated into your wedding.

Floating Candle Centerpiece. Photo via EmmalineBride.com

You’ll love the many ways you can use them to light up your day! Use the jars as lanterns to add light to the walkways, use them as candle holders for a centerpiece or wedding decoration, or use them as an alternative to traditional overhead lighting. Add lace, rope or straw to the Mason jar for a vintage vibe.

Mason Jar Dessert. Photo via OneStylishBride.com

Mason Jar Drinks. Photo by Millie Holloman Photography

Jar your cake and eat it, too! Mason jars make great dessert or favor holders. Whip up your favorite cake and assemble it parfait-style into the jars. Here is a red velvet cupcake-in-a-jar recipe. Finish off the jars with little touches – ribbon, pieces of fabric or stickers – and don’t forget to attach a spoon. Mason jars also make the perfect beverage holder. They come in all different sizes – use the larger jars as punch bowls and the smaller jars as cups. Serve Southern favorites like sweet iced tea or lemonade, or check out this lillet-basil cocktail recipe for a unique wedding beverage.

Hay Bales with Quilt Pillows. Photo by Jonathan Canlas Photography

3. Incorporate hay: Hay is not just for horses anymore! Incorporate hay into your wedding by using bales as a display or seating arrangement. Bales of hay make inexpensive tables with the perfect Southern touch. Accessorize them with decorative material or pillows and personalize with photo frames or items you want displayed.

Hay Couch with Mr. & Mrs. Pillows. Photo via JustTwoCraftySisters.com

Straw Seating Reception. Photo via Southern Weddings

Hay couches for the bride and groom are a wonderful idea and the Mr. & Mrs. DIY pillows add an adorable touch! Check out this crafty project one bride took on. If using straw seating for guests, there are a few things to remember. Keep in mind that hay is itchy and can poke your guests. Be sure to cover the bales with a thick material or protective covering. Here’s where you can get crafty! Use inexpensive material to sew together cushions or look for old quilts at flea markets. If DIY isn’t really your thing, linens or blankets will work just fine. Remember to spray the hay bales with bug spray before the wedding so you don’t have any critters running around.

Wood Bride and Groom Signs. Photo via Creative Media Print

4. Add rustic charm with wood: Natural elements are always popular at Southern weddings, and wood is at the forefront of this theme. Wood can be found almost anywhere, is affordable and can add a personalized touch. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to go play in the woods?

Wood Table Numbers. Photo via Belle The Magazine

Rustic Wood Wedding Signs. Photo by The Reason Photography

Wood Aisle. Photo via OneStylishBride.com

Add wood to your wedding in the form of a sign or decorations. If you’d like to create a wood sign, the best part is, imperfections are welcomed. No need to hire a calligrapher because when it comes to Southern weddings, it is all about personal style! If you prefer to have a sign professionally made, shop Etsy for some stylish wood signs. What do you think of these creative ways to add wood to your wedding?

Antique Wedding Table Decor. Photo via Style Me Pretty

Antique Wedding Decorations. Photo by Nancy Ray Photography

Vintage Furniture with Antiques. Photo via Elizabeth Anne Designs

5. Think antiques: Old glass bottles, antique furniture and books as old as your grandma have all been used in Southern style weddings. Charm your guests with good old fashion sentiments from the simple days…black and white or rusty – even better!

Family Photos Display. Photo via Southern Weddings

Or share your family roots with guests by displaying old family photos (hang them on a clothesline for a fun DIY project.) Raid your grandparents’ closet or garage, or visit a local flea market. Then, find creative ways to incorporate the “junk” in your wedding. For more inspiration, check out this vintage wedding decoration idea!

There will always be a love for special Southern touches in modern weddings! Will you incorporate any of this inspiration into your wedding?

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