Photography: Cameron Flaisch Photography

Whether you’re from the South or not, there’s just something so lovely and warming about sweet Southern charm. Maybe it’s the comfort foods that satisfy our souls. Maybe it’s the politeness, the manners, or the hospitality. Or, maybe it’s the warm breeze under shady trees next to open fields. If you’re planning a Southern wedding, you’ve got the right idea, but where do you start? Read our helpful tips below!

Photographer: Jamie Howell

Choose The Perfect Southern Wedding Venue

In Georgia, there’s no shortage of venues that boast Southern charm, but none of them do it quite as well as Yarborough Mill. Located in the North Georgia Mountains, Yarborough Mill Wedding Venue has everything you need for a perfectly charming Southern wedding. From the beautifully crafted Victorian home to the history of the property, there’s no mistaking this venue is for the couples who are Southern at heart. Walk past the Victorian home down the pebbled path along the river to discover the pavilion, mill, and barn, adding to the rustic elegance of Yarborough Mill.

Photography: Cameron Flaisch Photography

Southern Foliage

Which flowers come to mind when thinking of the South? We always think of gardenias and magnolias, among many others. Their neutral green and brown leaves mixed with bright white blooms make for the perfect balance between simple and sophisticated. On top of looking gorgeous, they also smell amazing! Here are just a few ways you can use these flowers in your Southern wedding.  

• • • • Hair Pieces
      • Reception Table Centerpieces 
      • Invitation Design
      • Ceremony Arch
      • Cake Accent
      • Bouquets
      • Flower Girl Petals
      • Place Cards
      • Welcome Sign Accent
      • Aisle Runners

Photographer: Jamie Howell

Photography: Ginger Snap Studios

Keep It Simple

Having a simple wedding isn’t boring, it’s absolutely beautiful when done correctly. The perfect decorative accents like a few aisle runners, table centerpieces, and sparse foliage will actually highlight the couple and the setting, rather than hiding it. On top of being beautiful and evoking a calming feeling, simplicity will also benefit your budget and the stress of planning your wedding. Keep it simple, Southern brides!

Photography: Ginger Snap Studios

Incorporate Exposed Wood

Forests in the South are some of the most beautiful, and if you’re planning to have a Southern wedding, you’ll want to incorporate that woodland beauty into your big day. Using exposed natural woods like oak, hickory, cherry, and pine will give the rustic, natural feel of being surrounded by the forest in a beautiful, architectural way. Yarborough Mill boasts multiple historic structures on the property that are made from gorgeous, locally sourced wood.

Photographer: Queen Media

Do the Little Things

A Southern wedding would be nothing without the little touches of simple decor, choices of dinnerware and food served, and the details of Save the Date and Invitations. Here are a few more suggestions for simple ways to make your Southern wedding really special.

• • • • Use natural colors, cursive fonts, and floral accents on your invitations.
      • Serve sweet tea and lemonade with decorative glasses or mason jars.
      • Wear cowboy boots if you’re looking for an extra Southern feel.
      • Serve homestyle fried foods and sweet, classic desserts (like banana pudding, yum!).
      • Dance to country music at your reception.
      • Choose sunflowers or baby’s breath to incorporate into your florals.
      • Throw bird seed or flower petals for the send-off at the end of the night.
      • Leave your guests with a sweet southern treat like pecans or homemade brownies as a wedding favor.

Learn More

Are you ready to start planning your dream southern wedding? Contact Yarborough Mill today at https://yarboroughmill.com/contact-us/. We offer venue-only and all-inclusive options, so there’s sure to be a package that fits your wedding day needs. 

Yarborough Mill is located in Fairmount, Georgia. Our North Georgia barn and farm wedding venue is so gorgeous, you have to come see it in person to really understand all of its natural beauty. Tours of the property are by scheduled appointments only. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with us!