17 Iconic Southern Wedding Dresses

How many of these iconic dresses do you recognize?

Julia Roberts in "Steel Magnolias," 1989
Photo: TriStar Pictures via IMDb

Some are long, and some are short. Barefoot brides wear some and others by fictional movie characters. The South's most recognizable wedding dresses are just about as varied in appearance as the lucky men waiting for them at the end of the aisle, but they are all distinctly Southern. If you're planning the perfect southern celebration, look no further than these iconic wedding dresses.

From the gowns of country stars to the dress of a future First Lady, these little numbers prove Southern women know how to wear white (or whatever color their heart desires).

01 of 17

Ava Gardner

Ava Gardner
Via Pinterest

This dress was for the North-Carolina-born actress's third wedding and Frank Sinatra's second wedding. The two married in 1951 but divorced in 1957. Ava's dress redefines the typical white wedding gown.

02 of 17

Barbara Sinatra

Barbara Sinatra
Via Pinterest

Missouri-born Barbara Sinatra was the fourth and final wife of Frank Sinatra. Barbara's silk, asymmetrical neckline dress is now on display at Sunnylands Resort, where the two were married.

03 of 17

Kimberly Williams

Kimberly Williams
Via Pinterest

In March 2003, the actress married country music legend Brad Paisley. The reception was a backyard barbecue-style affair. Kimberly's simple silk dress is stunning.

04 of 17

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton
via Pinterest

Everything that Dolly does is iconic, and her wedding to husband Carl Thomas Dean in 1966 is no exception. The two met at a Wishy-Washy Laundromat. Dolly's dress shows that short wedding dresses can shine.

05 of 17

Faith Hill

Faith Hill
Via Pinterest

Country music may not have a more dynamic duo than Faith and Tim. The two wed in a ceremony that came as a surprise even to their closest friends. Tim wore blue jeans, and, rumor has it, Faith was barefoot.

06 of 17

Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Steel Magnolias)

Julia Roberts in "Steel Magnolias," 1989
TriStar Pictures via IMDb

This classic Southern movie has inspired plenty of Southern brides to copy Julia Roberts's off-the-shoulder lace masterpiece. And, perhaps, even a few armadillo cakes too.

07 of 17

Rosalynn Carter

Rosalynn Carter
Via Pinterest

Wife to future President Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn wore a wedding outfit that complimented his Naval uniform.

08 of 17

Joanne Woodward

Joanne Woodward
Via Pinterest

Joanne Woodward, a Georgia native, Oscar-winning actress, and wife of Paul Newman, married in 1958. She wore a non-traditional wedding gown with a round collar, fitted bodice, and full skirt.

09 of 17

June Carter

June Carter
via Pinterest

June and Johnny set high relationship goals for all Southerners. The two were married in Franklin, Kentucky, just one week after Johnny proposed while performing together in Ontario.

10 of 17

Allie (The Notebook)

Allie Calhoun (The Notebook)
Via PInterest

Although Allie (played by Rachel McAdams) doesn't follow through with the wedding, her dreamy lace dress still makes us swoon.

11 of 17

Jenna Bush Hager

Jenna Bush Hager
Getty / Shealah Craighead / Handout

When she wed in 2008, Jenna Bush Hager was the first daughter of a sitting President to marry in sixteen years. We love the modern silhouette of her lace gown.

12 of 17

Priscilla Presley

Priscilla Presley
Getty / GAB Archive / Contributor

Priscilla met Elvis while he was stationed in Germany, and she was living on a military base with her Air Force Captain father. Her dress epitomizes 1960s fashion in the best way.

13 of 17

Scarlett O'Hara (Gone With the Wind)

Scarlett O’Hara (Gone With the Wind)
Getty / Silver Screen Collection / Contributor

While the gown Mammy made out of velvet draperies was perhaps the most iconic frock from the 1939 classic, the gown Scarlett wore while wedding Charles Hamilton definitely deserves a shoutout.

14 of 17

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles
Getty / Josh Brasted / Contributor

The Louisiana-born artist wed in New Orleans in 2014, wearing an elegant cream jumpsuit. She and her husband, Alan Ferguson, rode bikes through the French Quarter.

15 of 17

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon
Via Pinterest

The Tennessee sweetheart married Jim Toth in 2011 in a custom-designed blush gown by Monique Lhuillier.

16 of 17

Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson
Via Pinterest

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson tied the knot at one of the South's most luxurious resorts, Blackberry Farms, in Walland, Tennessee. Temperley Bridal designed her dress.

17 of 17

Jenny Curran (Forrest Gump)

Jenny Curan (Forrest Gump)
Via Pinterest

When Jenny and Forrest finally marry, our hearts rejoice. Jenny's style evolves throughout the movie, and her flowing gown matches her signature hippie attire.

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