You searched for - Page 2 of 2

How to Choose a Perfect First Dance Song

The beloved tradition of having a first dance is a wonderful moment that signifies the beginning of a newlywed’s exciting journey together. Whether you choose to choreograph a routine or simply sway back and forth, this once in a lifetime moment is by no means supposed to be stressful. That being said, your song selection is a key component in making this moment magical and memorable.

We have created some tips below on how to choose a perfect wedding song that will create an unforgettable experience with your new spouse, allow for friends and family to gather around and admire your love, and kick start celebrating the wonderful night ahead of you!

1. Pick a song that has meaningful/sentimental lyrics to you as a couple; maybe it reminds you of the time you first fell in love, your journey together so far, or a special moment you have shared.

2. Choose something you can dance to. You want to be comfortable with how slow/fast the beat is so you hit those right steps you practiced. And if you miss one, don’t worry! Enjoy the moment and laugh about it together.

3. Find a song that resembles who you are as one. Every couple is unique and so are the endless amounts of songs to choose from! Decide whether you want to go for that romantic, classic, modern, or sheer fun tune.

4. Take into consideration your wedding venue. If you’re hosting a southern wedding, maybe choose an acoustic/country song or if you’re tying the knot at a destination, choose a song that originated from that location!

5. Utilize all the music services offered today. From Apple Music to Spotify and everything in between, there are sure to be tons of pre-made wedding playlists. While browsing, if you fall in love with a song, go for it!

6. Select a song from an artist/band that you both love. When you both relate to the song on a personal level, it makes your dance so much more extraordinary.

Embracing Diversity with Every Design

Something that we take great pride in is our ability to meet any need in any situation. More than the ability to adapt, running a successful event requires the ability to anticipate. Event and hospitality pros are consistently required to respond to the needs of their guests, which far exceed a 7 a.m. wake-up call or a comped meal to apologize for cold chicken. We live in a world where diversity should be celebrated and where individuals are encouraged to express their views and defend their identities. As a result, a well-designed event requires a certain level of cultural competence—the ability to effectively identify and respond to various cultural factors that can have an effect on how a guest responds to an experience.

Here is how we keep cultural competence top of mind when designing an experience for different groups of guests:

1. Stay up-to-date on cultural and social conflicts.
This is basic but essential. It’s important to pay attention to current events and beware of things that could be interpreted as offensive or discriminatory. It’s very possible that a lack of sensitivity could promote harmful assumptions and stereotypes that make certain guests feel out of place or offended.
2. Approach ‘difference’ with curiosity and respect; learn from people who are different from you.
You may even realize that others’ ideals make more sense than what you’ve been taught! For more perspective, consider Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory, which essentially analyzes culture through six indices:
- Power Distance Index
- Individual vs. Collectivism
- Uncertainty Avoidance Index
- Masculinity vs. Femininity
- Long-Term Orientation vs. Short-Term Orientation
- Indulgence vs. Restraint.
The score of each index offers a means to analyze the behaviors associated with each respective dimension. For example, the Uncertainty Avoidance Index measures the scope in which members of a society respond to ambiguity. A high score on this index suggests an aversion to and potential fear of uncertainty, which may help explain why some of your guests ask an overwhelming amount of questions about their ground transportation to the airport.

3. Examine our background and culture.
We challenge ourselves to analyze how our own cultural environment has shaped our attitudes and experiences. When you can understand the logic and context of your own beliefs, it’s easier to be sensitive to the beliefs of others.Questions to consider when constructing a hospitable space or designing an event:
- Are there any cultural or religious conflicts with the location, time, and date of the event?
  Is there disability access to the space?
- Are there food options that consider religious and dietary restrictions?
- Is there a dress code that should be communicated to guests?
- Is there any point where guests will need to disclose information about their gender and/or sexuality?

These questions prompt us to consider how slight adjustments in our planning processes can cultivate a more inclusive environment. Take time to consider some of these to create personalized and customized experiences and different communication channels for different groups of guests.

Most Romantic Proposal Sites in Charleston

With proposal season in full swing, choosing a meaningful location to propose is essential for making the moment unforgettable. Home to romantic plantations and waterfront landscapes, Charleston, SC, has infinite locations to pop the question. We have narrowed down some of the best spots for you to highlight the start of a lifetime of love and happiness.

Botany Bay, Edisto Island

With the beautiful hues of sunset skies reflecting in the ocean, this secluded waterfront location is unlike no other.

Angel Oak Tree

Proposing in front of this astonishing, 1,5000-year-old ancient tree would be a perfect symbol of the eternity for your marriage.

Pineapple Fountain

A quintessential symbol of Charleston, this charming spot paired with a proposal will be a dream.

Magnolia Plantation Garden Bridge

Surrounded by gorgeous blooming flowers and winsome Oaks, proposing here will feel like your in a movie.

White Point Garden Gazebo

Enveloped in oak trees, this classic location combines both waterfront views and a plantation-like atmosphere.

Folly Beach Pier

An exemplary place for ocean lovers, this pier will undoubtedly be coupled with a stunning, panoramic ocean view.

Rooftop Bar at Vendue

One of the best rooftops in Charleston, the 360 degree view of the historic skyline, along with craft cocktails, makes for the unparalleled proposal.

Wild Dunes Resort

Propose and celebrate your special day at this luxury resort and private soft, white sand beaches.

Charleston Wedding Favor Ideas: Unique Sweet Treats

There is no better thank you than receiving a taste of Charleston’s local flare. Wedding favors are the perfect opportunity to share something about yourself and to highlight your wedding’s location. With these memorable Charleston treats you can leave your guests with a little way to savor your big day!

Creatively Clean: Spun With Love!

Spun sugar treats aren’t just for kids!
Pure Fluff Co. is a clean cotton candy cart company located in Charleston. They provide seasonally inspired flavors made with natural ingredients! Bring a unique experience to your wedding day through these whimsical puffs.

Where Mason Jars Meet Mouthwatering Dessert!

Sweet Lulu’s Bakery & Cocktail Caravan is Charleston’s cutest kitchen on wheels. As mentioned in our look at Charleston food trucks for events, Sweet Lulu’s offers delivery services to any occasion directly from their customer built vintage inspired cavern. With personally-tailored labels and birch wood tasting spoons, your guests will fall head-over-wheels with this fun take on cake!

Made By Hand in Charleston! ‘Morning, Noon & Night’

Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit keeps Southern traditions alive. With a variety of locally inspired sweet and savory flavors, Callie’s biscuits are the perfect morning-after breakfast for your guests. Package these puppies in a cute box for guests to enjoy the next day before heading home.

Taste the Original! ‘The New Donut’

Sweet Belgium, Charleston’s own Belgian waffle bakery, is where traditional methods meet exceptional creations. Send your nearest and dearest home with these incredibly fun and versatile bites!

Mix Things Up! ‘One of a Kind Small Batch Beverages’

Crafted and carbonated in Charleston, Cannonborough Beverage Company’s sodas are a playful combination of fresh pressed juices, hand picked herbs, and fruits at the peak of ripeness. Sipping surprises everyone can enjoy are always welcome. Provide a colorful straw and encourage guests to crack their favor during your toast!

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.

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.

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.

A Look at Charleston’s Best Rehearsal Venues

You’ve said yes to your fiancé and to Charleston, now its time to start looking at dates and venues. When you’ve planned your dream wedding day, you want a rehearsal dinner location that matches its charm. Charleston is consistently ranked at the top of the country’s food rankings, and with the plethora of prime bars and restaurants, deciding on the best venue for the day before the big day is no easy task. Take a look at our picks for the city’s top rehearsal dinner venues to help you narrow down your selection.

Leon’s Oyster Shed

We invite you to enjoy a different event experience: a less formal, more relaxed gathering. Kick back, laugh loudly, and enjoy your celebration. Within a historic Charleston home, our space takes cues from much of the reclaimed, comfortable charm that makes Leon’s so inviting.

Search Results for: – Page 2

How to Choose a Perfect First Dance Song

Embracing Diversity with Every Design

Most Romantic Proposal Sites in Charleston

Botany Bay, Edisto Island

Angel Oak Tree

Pineapple Fountain

Magnolia Plantation Garden Bridge

White Point Garden Gazebo

Folly Beach Pier

Rooftop Bar at Vendue

Wild Dunes Resort

Charleston Wedding Favor Ideas: Unique Sweet Treats

Creatively Clean: Spun With Love!

Where Mason Jars Meet Mouthwatering Dessert!

Made By Hand in Charleston! ‘Morning, Noon & Night’

Taste the Original! ‘The New Donut’

Mix Things Up! ‘One of a Kind Small Batch Beverages’

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

1. Organize a detailed timeline

2. Send your invites out early!

3. Contact vendors well in advance

4. Book accommodations for your guests

5. Visit the location in person if possible

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

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

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

9. Consider all weather options

10. Be relaxed and enjoy

Wedding Favor Ideas: Personalized Cold Brew Coffee

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

A Look at Charleston’s Best Rehearsal Venues

Leon’s Oyster Shed

Cannon Green

Charleston Distilling

Ink N Ivy

492

Edmund’s Oast

Élevé

High Cotton

Historic Rice Mill

Magnolia’s

Marions

Palmetto Cafe

Poogan’s Porch

39 Rue De Jean

Stars

The Alley

The American Theater

Virginia’s on King

The Westendorff