Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and when it comes to Southern weddings, tradition meets style in the best ways possible. Southern weddings have a charm that’s all their own, blending elegance, romance, and a whole lot of personality.
Whether you’re planning to say “I do” under ancient oaks or in a chic city venue, this year’s trends are all about making every detail unforgettable. From eye-catching invitations to modern spins on classic attire, let’s explore what’s hot in Southern wedding planning for the ultimate “sweet tea and sunshine” celebration.
Finding the Perfect Venue: Rustic Meets Glam
The South is known for its beautiful, sprawling landscapes, and those classic outdoor wedding venues are bigger than ever but with a twist. Instead of traditional barns or plantation homes, brides and grooms are choosing spaces that offer both natural beauty and a touch of luxury. Picture this: twinkle lights wrapped around trees, chandeliers hanging from rustic beams, and lounge areas set up for a casual but sophisticated vibe.
Modern Southern weddings embrace this blend of glam and cozy, creating an atmosphere where guests feel both comfortable and wowed. Venues that combine rustic charm with a hint of glamor—think vineyards, elegant gardens, and unique historical spaces—are at the top of every couple’s list. The venue sets the tone, so go for a place that reflects your personality while giving your guests a breathtaking experience.
Invites and Save the Dates: A Stunning First Impression
In the South, a wedding invite is more than just paper; it’s the first glimpse your guests get of the magic to come. That’s why brides and grooms are putting so much thought into these pieces. Bold designs, elegant fonts, and intricate details are trending, making every invitation feel like a mini piece of art. And remember, save the dates are a beautiful way to set the scene early on. Couples are leaning into personalization, with designs that hint at the wedding’s theme, like floral accents, monograms, or a touch of gold foiling for that extra Southern charm.
This is one area where you shouldn’t hold back on the style. From custom illustrations of your venue to calligraphy that feels straight out of a storybook, the more personal, the better. Some couples are even opting for custom wax seals or hand-drawn maps that give guests a taste of what to expect. With save the dates and invites like these, you’re guaranteed to build excitement before anyone even steps foot on the dance floor.
Southern Cuisine with a Twist
Let’s talk food because no Southern wedding would be complete without a meal that leaves everyone raving. But today’s Southern wedding menus are doing more than just serving up fried chicken and biscuits. Sure, we love the classics, but couples are now mixing them up with fresh, local ingredients and unexpected flavors. Think shrimp and grits with a modern flair, gourmet mini pecan pies, and cocktail hour bites like pimento cheese sliders or spicy fried green tomatoes.
Food stations are another hit, giving guests a way to sample different dishes with a fun, interactive feel. From biscuit bars to build-your-own grits stations, these setups let people personalize their plates while keeping things casual and easygoing. And don’t forget about the drinks! Craft cocktails inspired by the South—think mint juleps, bourbon lemonade, and sweet tea sangria—are the perfect complement to a modern menu. With these trendy food and drink ideas, you’ll be putting Southern hospitality front and center at your reception.
Attire that Stands Out: From Classic to Contemporary
When it comes to wedding attire, the South has its traditions, but there’s also room for a little extra flair. Brides are increasingly choosing gowns with romantic touches like lace, dramatic backs, or sleeves that bring a vintage feel into the modern day. And grooms? They’re stepping up their style game, too, opting for wedding suits that make a statement. Darker hues like navy, charcoal, and deep green are taking the place of traditional black, giving a fresh look that still feels timeless.
Couples are also playing around with unexpected accents: bridal capes, velvet accents, and even the occasional pop of color. Bridesmaid dresses are breaking away from identical dresses in favor of “mix-and-match” styles, where each bridesmaid can choose a gown that complements the color palette but fits her style.
The vibe is still cohesive, but it’s much more personalized, allowing everyone to feel fabulous and comfortable. And for the ultimate Southern touch? Don’t be surprised to see brides swapping heels for cowboy boots to dance the night away in style.
Florals and Décor: Big Blooms and Local Touches
Florals are having a moment in Southern weddings, and it’s all about going big. Oversized bouquets, lush centerpieces, and even floral installations are making a statement, bringing a natural, garden-like atmosphere to venues everywhere.
Roses, hydrangeas, and peonies are always classics, but the latest trend is to mix these with wildflowers and greenery, giving a more organic, just-picked look. And couples are going local, choosing flowers that reflect the natural beauty of their area—like magnolias for a Mississippi wedding or palmetto fronds for South Carolina nuptials.
Decor-wise, Southern weddings are embracing items that bring in a sense of heritage, like heirloom china, antique furniture, or family quilts used as table runners. This blend of high-end florals with local, meaningful details creates a truly unique setup that feels close to the heart. And don’t forget the lighting! Lanterns, fairy lights, and candles everywhere make the evening glow with that magical Southern warmth.
Capturing Memories with Style
The wedding photos and videos are your keepsakes of the day, and Southern weddings have their own style of capturing memories. Couples today are choosing photographers who specialize in that natural, storytelling vibe—no stuffy, over-posed shots, just candid moments that feel genuine. Natural light, sweeping landscapes, and those iconic Southern backdrops all make for photos that are timeless and beautiful.
Vintage photo booths are another trend that brings out everyone’s fun side. Equipped with props and custom backdrops, photo booths encourage guests to let loose and capture their own memories. And for something truly unique, some couples are booking artists to create live paintings of the ceremony or reception. Imagine having a one-of-a-kind piece of art that captures the spirit of your day—talk about an heirloom to treasure forever.
Your Southern Wedding, Your Style
At the end of the day, a Southern wedding is all about celebrating love in a way that feels true to you. Whether you’re going all-out with floral installations or keeping things simple and sweet, it’s the personal touches that make the biggest impact. This year’s trends bring together the best of Southern elegance with a fresh, modern twist, making every moment feel special, timeless, and full of joy. So, go ahead—dream big, plan bold, and get ready to wow your guests with a wedding that’s every bit as beautiful and charming as the South itself.
