Southern Weddings

We were a little bit shocked when we realized that we hadn’t yet posted about one of the most commonly recognized and most beloved Southern stems–magnolias! Since their leaves are just as lovely as their blooms, there are countless ways to incorporate magnolias into a wedding day, and we love just about every one of them.

The most commonly grown magnolia in the South, Magnolia grandiflora, blooms in late spring and early summer. Since the flowers can grow so large, just a few can make a big statement in bouquets and arrangements. We love the idea of carrying a single bloom, as shown in one of our most popular images ever–the back cover of V4.

Clockwise from top left: Hanlie Joubert, Melissa Schollaert via Southern Weddings, Jose Villa via Southern Weddings

Magnolia leaves are incredibly versatile, and depending on the type of magnolia trees in your area, you may be able to find them year-round. Their thick, glossy leaves–dark green on one side and brown on the other–look gorgeous in garlands, wreaths, and more, and they’re impressively durable. It also looks oh so Southern, don’t you think?

Clockwise from top left: Tory Williams via 100 Layer Cake, KT Merry via Style Me Pretty, Melissa Schollaert via Southern Weddings, Matt Edge via Style Me Pretty, Sean Money & Elizabeth Fay via Southern Weddings, Landon Jacob via Snippet & Ink

Even if you have your heart set on other flowers in your bouquets and arrangements, magnolia-inspired details can serve as a recognizable “welcome to the South” for your guests, especially for brides in Louisiana and Mississippi–they’re lucky to have magnolias as their state flower!

Clockwise from top left: Jarrad Lister via Southern Weddings, Diana Elizabeth via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Oak and Orchid

What’s your favorite Southern stem? Don’t miss past posts on dogwood, gardenia, bluebonnets, wisteria, jasmine, and camellias!

Written with love by Lisa