Get the Look of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Southern Wedding

Give your wedding a down-home feel by incorporating soft colors and sweet treats.

Get the Look of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Southern Wedding

By Anya Sarre

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Photo: Juliet Elizabeth Photography

Take inspiration from the secret wedding of A-listers Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds who tied the knot in Southern style at the Boone Hall Plantation in South Carolina. They created an intimate down-home affair filled with soft colors, sweet treats, and hospitable charm. Create your own day of plantation perfection and give your guests a night to remember.

Southern-Style Décor
You can achieve the look and feel of a Southern plantation-style wedding at any venue. Draping cream fabrics and using soft lighting can instantly transform any venue into your dream reception. Choose a color palette of soft pastels, and opt for a dessert table filled with bite-size confections and cupcakes. Surprise your guests with a plethora of dessert options instead of one large confection. This way there is something for everyone – and it serves as pretty décor.

Blake Lively Southern Plantation Style Decor

From L-R (top to bottom): Images of button table numbers and barn by Juliet Elizabeth Photography; Flower centerpieces, $350 by Tic-Tock Couture Florals; Cupcake tree with 6" cake on top by Magnolia Bakery; Blank slate chalk sign, $44 by BHLDN; "Le Jardin" invitation suite by Paper Source.

Embellished Bride
It's all about the details of your gown. If your dress features beading or embroidery, you'll want to show it off and coordinate your accessories with the color of your embellishments. After the ceremony, trade your veil for a dramatic bejeweled headband. A chic headpiece will ensure you stand out as the bride without weighing you down. Think long term and select a wedding clutch that you will also be able to use for special occasions after your wedding, not just for one day. 

Blake Lively Inspired Wedding Look

From L-R (top to bottom): Diamond tassel necklace, $75,000 by Martin Katz; Oval diamond ring set in 18K white gold with 46 micro-set diamonds, $119,000 by Martin Katz; Earrings in 18K white gold with oval sapphires in pastel green-blue and diamonds, $59,500 by Martin Katz; "Paramount" jeweled headband, $350 by Ban.do; "BB" crystal pump in silver, $1,685 by Manolo Blahnik; Ball gown with tulle skirt and corset bodice, $9,950 by Marchesa (Photo by Don Ashby); "Brigitte" clutch in white lizard print with Swarovski crystals, $2,780 by Farbod Barsum; Bridal bouquet, $300 by Tic-Tock Couture Florals; "Southern Belle" volumizing mousse, $25 by Drybar; PureGloss lip gloss in Soft Peach, Iced Mocha, and Snow Berry, $25/each by Jane Iredale; Cuff bracelet in 18K white gold with pink and white diamonds, $290,000 by Martin Katz; Duncan Falcon #3 perfume bottle, $1,200 by Lalique.

Floral Rehearsal Dinner Look
Keep your rehearsal dinner look in the same color palette and theme as your wedding to give guests a hint of what is to come.

Blake Lively Rehearsal Dinner Look

From L-R (top to bottom): Pearl pendant, $140 by Sacred Jewels; "Beaded Wave" clutch, $275 by Deepa Gurnani; "Deon" sandal with crystal strap in nude satin, $895 by Tabitha Simmons; One-shoulder cocktail dress in printed taffeta, $298 by Monique Lhuillier; Diamond earrings in 18K white gold, $27,654 by Demarco; "Ombré Flower" cocktail ring in 18K pink and yellow gold, $11,500 by Pamela Froman Fine Jewelry; "Talulah" oval bangles in yellow gold, rose gold, and rhodium, $175/each by Kara Ackerman.

Blush Bridesmaids
Allow your bridal party to choose their day-of jewelry and showcase their unique sense of style. This will allow your girls to feel like they are not wearing a uniform, but rather dressing up for a great event. Give your bridesmaids three choices of nail polish colors that match your color palette. This way, there will be a shade that looks good with every skin tone, and no one will show up with crazy nails. Gift bridesmaids with a bottle of your favorite perfume. It will always remind them of you and your wedding day.

Blake Lively Bridesmaids Wedding Ideas

From L-R (top to bottom): Round drop earrings in 18K silver and yellow gold with lemon quartz and prasiolite, $1,190 by Tacori; "Bella Rosa" ring with pink quartz and diamonds, $4,855 by Doves by Doron Paloma; Bracelet in 14K rose gold with pink mother-of-pearl and diamonds, $7,626 by Kabana; "Signorina" Eau de Parfum, $98 by Salvatore Ferragamo; Strapless gown in blush tulle with trumpet shape, $448 by Monique Lhuillier; "Bull's Eye" clutch, $250 by Sondra Roberts; Tiffany Keys heart key pendant in sterling silver ($125), large blue knot key pendant in sterling silver ($275), both on small chain in sterling silver ($50) by Tiffany & Co.; OPI Nail Lacquer in Don't Burst My Bubble, Lights of Emerald City, and I Theodora You, $9/each; "Astutado" pump, $795 by Manolo Blahnik.

Dapper Grey Groom
A groom in grey is a sharp alternative to traditional black suiting. A grey suit looks amazing with soft pink or lilac accents.

Ryan Reynolds Inspired Groom Outfit

From L-R (top to bottom): Bow tie, $165 by Charvet; Tie, $195 by Ermenegildo Zegna; Giorgio hip flask in stainless steel, $50; "Tramezza Genova" leather shoe, $2,550 by Salvatore Ferragamo; Custom-made three-piece tuxedo in heather grey with lavender faille lapel, $4,250 by Anthony Franco; "Power Force" black headphones, $130 by Spider International Inc.; Tiffany for Men Sport cologne, $95; "Checker Board" cuff links set in 18K white gold with black onyx, $4,300 by Martin Katz; "Sandalwood" shave sampler, $75 by Caswell-Massey

For more rustic or celebrity wedding inspiration, check out our real weddings page to view rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions from across the country and around the world.

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