Wedding Planning 101: The Theme

My initial wedding inspiration board for Classic Bride (pre-engagement ;))
I mentioned in my first Wedding Planning 101 post that the theme for my wedding was going to be "southern charm." I didn't really expand on what that meant at the time, but since those words can mean many different things to different people, I'd thought I'd take the time to explain now. I mean, who doesn't like to look at a post full of pretty pictures? If you don't, you're in the wrong place my friend!


As some of you may know, I used to live in Atlanta. I moved to LA when I was in grade school but those early years spent in the south made an impression on me. As I got older, went to college and then spent time outside Atlanta in production at a previous job, my love only grew stronger. I absolutely love the laid-back attitude and charm of the south. Plus it doesn't hurt that they know how to cook a darn good meal down there :)


As I started to grow up and lead an "adult" life, Southern Living became my bible. From how to dress a coffee table to how to grow tomatoes to the perfect BBQ recipe, the magazine became my go-to. So after I met my fiancĂ© and things got more serious, it was no wonder that I started thinking about how I could incorporate southern touches into my wedding. After my fiancĂ© proposed, I used Pinterest, Loverly, Classic Bride, Style Me Pretty and Snippet & Ink to really hone in on my vision. It turns out, southern charm wasn't just a part of my theme- it was THE theme. Check out some of my inspiration:

Photo Credits: Style Me Pretty, Belle the Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings,
Lovely Little Details, Off the Beaten Path Weddings


So what do you all think? Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can bring this to life?

Xo J

Comments

  1. looking beautiful!! My biggest suggestion would be to find a venue that is already in line with your vision rather than trying to transform a place into your vision. Maybe a rustic ranch outfitted w/a glam barn? Can't wait to see what you come up with! :)

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    1. Completely agree Sarah, the search continues!

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  2. Love it! 2 blogs I read regularly are rusticweddingchic.com and ruffled.blogspot.com Both have a ton of real life weddings and inspiration to get you on the right track. Goo luck with your planning!

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    1. And I just realized that it's ruffledblog.com, sorry! :)

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    2. Can't wait to check these out, thanks Alexis!!

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  3. Being from the south, I'm all for your theme. We had a seated dinner but served chicken fried steak and cheese grits. Just do what you love. I know it will be a fun party instead of a stuffy reception! Xo

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    1. Omgggg I want to copy your menu!! Love it!

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  4. These could have been my inspiration boards from my wedding, I love them all! Outside venues are awesome but come with a lot of restrictions so I would first make your invite list (it gets so much more limited the more guests you have) and think about what you are willing to give up for that. A lot of those venues make you shut down early because of noise restrictions and many vineyards only allow beer & wine. My absolute favorite venue (besides from where I got married!) is Beaulieu Gardens in Napa. From what you described, it is everything you want and more.
    Also...it looks like you love peonies, I do too, keep in mind they have a very short season (usually late May/early June but dependent on the winter) and otherwise they get very pricey. Good luck!!

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    1. Great suggestion Rachel! Making the guest list sucked but I'm glad we tackled it early on. And Beaulieu Gardens are beautiful!! Xo.

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  5. just gorgeous! I didn't know you were from atlanta and then lived there later?! Thats where I'm from and was just home this weekend - I love the South so much and miss it in Chicago. I dream of mason jars for every drink at my wedding - love all of these pictures!

    http://itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com/

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    1. Oh love that you are from Atlanta!! And yes, mason jars are a must!

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  6. Julia, I got married in Hilton Head, SC last year and the low-country southern feel was everywhere! I used those corks for place card holders, had the dance floor outside on the porch of a golf club, and white rocking chairs were a must for casual seating (and great for picture taking). Hand held fans for an outdoor ceremony also felt very southern to me :) Enjoy the planning process...it was so fun!

    I love following your blog- keep up the good work!

    Christen

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  7. love the theme! I'm getting married in St. Simons next year and want the southern charm feel as well. I think we will be giving away the mason jars as "thank you" gifts. I just don't know what I would do with all of them afterwards? Check out these invites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47464248@N07/4446327332/in/photostream/

    Love!
    http://thegoldenislesbride.blogspot.com/

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  8. Some of the wedding themes and arrangements used in the wedding are simply great. The organizing and arranging the wedding is easy using the wedding apps and the engaged people can do the work very simple. The mobile app will guide them. Another important thing that the engaged people have to plan their wedding easily.

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