January 2018

Tying the Knot Abroad: Ten Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

With weddings planned and coordinated in Sydney, Toronto, London, and Cancun, Intrigue has no shortage of experience throwing a great party across the globe (not to mention countless destination weddings in Charleston!) To help you create a remarkable & unforgettable celebration, we have prepared a list of ten planning tips to make your visions come true.

An Intrigue wedding in Sydney, Australia.

 

1. Organize a detailed timeline

This includes for the day of as well as the days leading up to your wedding. If working with a wedding planner, collaborate with one another to create a timeline that makes the event move seamlessly and naturally. For meetings, calls, and appointments, be sure to use an intricate calendar to mark all your deadlines.

2. Send your invites out early!

By doing so, your guests will have enough time to RSVP and make travel arrangements. Additionally, getting a precise headcount will allow you to receive a precise quote from your vendors.

3. Contact vendors well in advance

With plenty of time to research vendors in the area, you will be able to compare their services and find those that are applicable for your wedding style.

4. Book accommodations for your guests

Be sure to block out hotel rooms and offer a few choices to ensure you meet the needs and budgets for all your guests.

5. Visit the location in person if possible

You want to ensure that everything appears as it does online. If you cannot, we recommend having your planner do a video walk through with you.

One of our many clients who picked Charleston as their location for a destination wedding.

6. Bring your dress on board the plane with you!

If it will be bunched up in a tight space, make arrangements for someone to professionally steam it upon your arrival at your destination.

7. Take into consideration the exchange rate if your wedding is international

Your budget at home can go a lot farther, or shorter, in another country. The customs in different locations will also be reflected in your budget (see #8).

8. If marrying overseas, learn the culture of the other country

You may want to add some of their traditions into your ceremony or reception. For example, Italy offers more orthodox wedding ceremonies while in Colombia the celebration lasts for an entire 24 hours! Adopting these rituals can alter your budget.

9. Consider all weather options

If you are getting married in an outdoor venue, be sure to have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Look at the potential indoor space and learn the layout to strategically plan for the set up of stations and seating to ensure your wedding runs smoothly.

10. Be relaxed and enjoy

This is the most wonderful experience of your life! By planning ahead, everything will fall perfectly into place that you and your guests will want to do it all over again!

An Intrigue wedding in Cancun, Mexico from 2012.

A Romantic Night Out for Two

Whether its a first date or an on-going ritual, all perfect date nights in Charleston must be romantic. In a city so saccharine, there’s no excuse for a night that leaves a bland taste in your mouth. So, let’s meet at a quintessential Italian eatery WAY North of Broad.

 Trattoria Lucca on Bogard Street features a vibrant array of authentic Italian cheeses, meats, wines and the freshest low country harvest. Let the owner and executive chef, Ken Vedrinski, do the cooking and tempt your taste buds with homemade pasta and riso like Tagliolini which features blue crab, anchovy, lemon & breadcrumbs.

If you’re not rolling out of Trattoria Lucca, hop on a pedicab to the bustling nightlife on Upper King and sneak into The Belmont for a night cap at a vintage themed bar. Their craft cocktails, such as their signature espresso martini, won’t disappoint and calls for a great end to the evening.

Local Tip!

 Trattoria Lucca is old school, so remember to call in order to make a reservation. Their menu changes daily, so every experience is unlike another. Buon appetito!

A few of our other favorites for an intimate date night:

Wedding Favor Ideas: Personalized Cold Brew Coffee

What do we all need the day after an event? Coffee! Get to know Chatterbox, an all-organic Charleston coldbrew brand that offers delicious blends in fully customizable packaging for your big day. We sat down with Owen, owner and founder, to discuss how he got started, how he makes cold brew coffee, and what special benefits make Chatterbox perfect for wedding & event favors.

Want to Stand Out in 2018? Consider Designing with the Color of the Year

2018 is sure to be a vibrant year full of changes. Need proof? Take a look at the Pantone Color Institute’s official color of the year. Pantone, widely considered the world’s color expert for designers since 1963, named “Ultra Violet” the color that will define the next 12 months. The dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future. Make a lasting impression at your wedding or event by featuring the color that will be remembered for 2018.

Whereas recent years have seen trends of neutral colors and muted tones in event design, with an emphasis on creams, blushes, mauves, and greys, this year its time to shake things up with the bold and vivacious. Enigmatic purples have long been symbolic of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic brilliance, with icons Prince, David Bowie, and Jimi Hendrix bringing shades of Ultra Violet to the forefront of western pop culture as personal expressions of individuality. Nuanced and full of emotion, the depth of Ultra Violet symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.

We look forward to incorporating fresh perspectives into floral and linen design for 2018, making your event as vivid and eye-popping as you are.