Southern Weddings

Hi ladies + gents! We’re back with another Southern Style post from Marissa, and this time, we’re trying something a little different. Have any of y’all ever heard of Design*Sponge’s “Living In” series? It’s a really neat column where they share interior design round-ups based on movies, plays, books, etc. We wanted to try the same thing with weddings, focusing on Southern media. Up first? Why, Steel Magnolias, of course! Let us know what you think! — Emily

Thanks, Emily! I’m really excited about this new feature and I hope y’all will love it as much as I do! I’m even more excited to kick it off with, in my opinion, one of the best Southern movies ever! (Or at least my favorite Southern movie ever!)

To me, Shelby is the epitome of Southern style. (I mean, she even had a signature color!) Honoring Ms. Robert’s famous “blush and bashful” color palette, we’ve pulled the best pink details we could find for a wedding aesthetic full of style and sophistication.

All photos by Rastar Films, c/o IMDB

Let’s start with attire and these gorgeous blooms, shall we? Bridesmaids, rejoice: I definitely won’t be advising that you wear poofy and overly ruffly Azalea Trail Maids style gowns with matching hats! Instead, try mix and matching frocks in a coordinating color that flatters all different body types and styles like Denise Bovee’s bride did below. Looking to update Shelby’s soft and subtle blush and bashful pink tones? Don’t be afraid to add a little pop of bright pink into bouquets, as shown below. Adding a pop of color to blooms and accessories can really add fun to you big day without being overpowering.

Image credits from top to bottom and left to right: Denise Bovee, second two images Lisa Lefkowitz , Kristin Vining, Drew Newman, Meaghan Elliot via Style Me Pretty, Millie Holloman (see the rest of this gorgeous V3 Real Wedding here and here), Liga Photography and Joey and Jessica.

Up next: details! In one of M’Lynn’s (Shelby’s mother) best lines in the movie, she refers to the church draping and decor as looking as if it’s been “hosed down with Pepto-Bismol!” Taking a tip from the great reception details below, remember to mix in coordinating tones to avoid the Pepto-treatment. I also love how Kristin Vinings’ bride chose white decor with blush-colored lighting for a clean yet romantic feel. And who could forget that tent with paper wedding bells dangling? I sure can’t! For a more modern twist on the plain white tent, try minimal draping with simple paper lanterns like the Adrienne Gunde reception below.

Image credits from top to bottom and left to right: Adrienne Gunde, Captured by Kate via SMP, Kristin Vining, Adrienne Gunde, Captured by Kate, petal aisle runner and invitation and centerpiece by Lisa Lefkowitz , Sky Line Tent Company, Schnack Studios, and Lisa Lefkowitz.

I’m kind of partial to pink and white cakes (since I had one at my own wedding), so let’s take a moment and admire these gorgeous examples of ways you can incorporate soft pink and ruffles into your wedding cake. These cakes definitely won’t be banned to the carport like Jackson’s unfortunate bleeding armadillo. But what about that oh-so-famous red velvet armadillo (pronounced “arma-dilla”) groom’s cake? No worries, you know I’ve got you covered. Seriously, y’all, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw these adorable red velvet armadillo cupcakes from Erin Elizabeth. They’re perfectly inspired by Steel Magnolias with an updated twist! Yum!

Image credits from top to bottom and left to right: Maisie Fantaisie, Martha Stewart Weddings, My Sweet & Saucy, Lisa Lefkowitz, and Erin Elizabeth.

From Clairee’s pillbox hat to stationery sure to make Shelby jealous, our Shopping Guide has everything you need to marry the movie Steel Magnolias:

A. Vintage Ivory Pillbox Hat ($12), B. J. Crew Silk Taffeta Monde Dress ($250), C. Pink Wool Hat ($80), D. Camel Pillbox Hat ($125), E. B. Poetic Shoe Clips ($35), F. Swoozie’s Monogramed Pashmina ($34), G. Modest Peach “Emily” ($190), H. Anthropologie Fleur de lys tumbler ($8), I. Pink depression glass cakeplate (similar available from Bountiful), J. Magnolia Hair Clip ($18), K. Sydney Hale Co. “Rosewood and Magnolia” Candle ($22), L. Crane & Co. “Pink Mist” Notecards ($88), M. Emily Ley Paper “Vivien” Suite (Price Upon Request), N. Luna Bazaar Paper Lantern ($2.65), O. Garden roses (try ordering from Fifty Flowers!), P. Lovely linens from La Tavola, Q. Pink magnolia bloom

What do you think? Do you like this new feature? What’s your favorite Southern movie? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below or send me an email with the Southern movie, play, or book you’d love to see us cover!

Written with love by Marissa