Advice for picking rentals from a pro at EventWorks

You’re getting married. It’s official. Woo!

It’s time to make your vision of the perfect day come to life, and that all starts with the rentals. Between the essentials such as chairs, tables, bars, and dinnerware to unique crowdpleasers like games extra decor pieces, possibilities are endless and can make decision-making a bit overwhelming. We asked Ashely Von Rosenberg of EventWorks for some tips when picking rentals. According to Ashley, the most important thing when picking rentals is to make choices early in the process and order in advance.

“Items are available on a first come, first serve basis,” she said. “While we have a large inventory with depth due to our three locations, some items we have limited quantities available. It’s important to lock in your items, which can be done by paying a deposit to reserve an order. At EventWorks, our deposit is 25%.”

Beth & Brian’s wedding at Legare Waring House in Charleston, SC. Photo by Kaitlin Poirier.

We’ve used rentals in fun ways, such as making crescent bars into a 360 bars and using greenery walls as backdrops and overhanging bars. When thinking about your rentals, take pieces that can have many uses into special consideration.

“Clients have used our bookshelves to display escort cards, used our Wood Serving Blocks as centerpieces, or even our Bohemian Beaded glasses to serve small salads. Be creative with your search!” Ashley said. “Even some of our lounge tables have doubled as unique cake tables! We love seeing clients plan and design beyond the norm.”

Drew & Frankie’s wedding at William Aiken House.

Do you need a tent? This is one of the most discussed details when it comes to rentals. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the venue and the season. Each venue has it’s own policies for tenting as well as unique perks and challenges, such as space limitations and how they affect design or what parts of venues are allowed to be tented. Seasonal weather is probably the biggest factor to consider. In Charleston, for example, fall weddings can be the most susceptible to surprise weather due to hurricane season. Ashley said she always recommends that clients put tents on reserve just in case.

“We have a Rain Reserve policy, which is 35% of the total cost of the tent to hold for your date with the decision needed three days prior to delivery by noon,” she said. “I always recommend this because we have had many busy weekends where we are simply maxed out on tents and labor.”

Layne Johnson + Pablo Hofman’s wedding at the William Aiken House in Charleston SC. Photo by Amelia + Dan.

Emily & John’s wedding at Kiawah Ocean Course. Photo by Aaron + Jillian.

Rental setup can begin anywhere from days to hours before the wedding, depending on the size of the tent, amount of rentals, and your venue. Make sure you’re prepared in advance, so you can spend your wedding day enjoying your beautiful tent without worry.

A Corporate Retreat with Lexus

We were so thrilled to design a weekend getaway to Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina for Lexus! As part of an incentive for their top performing reps, we handled the design and logistics to show them the best of the lowcountry. Forget the norm of golf and tours, we helped them do something different. We got them into the southern spirit with painting classes, local chef demos, wine tastings, and much more!

20 Southern Fashion Bloggers You NEED to Follow

It’s hot. The beach is calling. Fall is coming. There are decisions to make.

If you’re trying to up your style game, these girls (and guys!) are sure to get you inspired to make the most out of your look this season and next. Some are household names on the ‘Gram in these parts, while others are fairly new to the scene. Whether you’re a local or visiting our region for an upcoming wedding or event, these 20 fashion bloggers are all must follows!

Color by K

Kristin Chambless is a blogger located in Charleston SC. Her blog and Instagram will inspire and help you style your life with more color.

Instagram: @KrisinChambless

Blog: Color By K

Millennielle

Coco, a native of Nigeria, calls Atlanta her home! She uses her blog to share positivity about what it’s like to be a millennial woman today. Her gorgeous blog focuses on travel, fashion, and beauty.

Instagram: @CocoBassey

Blog: Millennielle

Kerrently

Courtney Kerr, a Dallas native, runs online magazine Kerrently. Based off of her impeccable fashion sense, it was created after several TV show appearances when viewers were dying to know about her clothing.

Instagram: @Kerrently

Blog: Kerrently by: Courtney Kerr

Gal Meets Glam

Julia Hengle is from San Fransisco but now resides in Charleston. Her love for all things feminine is what makes her Instagram, blog, and clothing line so popular. She has a post up now about finding the perfect wedding guest dress for next season!

Instagram: @GalMeetsGlam

Blog: Gal Meets Glam

KCDoubletake

Kenzie and Carol are twins living in Charleston, SC. Their relaxed take on Charleston style, along with their natural chemistry on camera, is what makes them so appealing to many. Double the style, double the fun!

Instagram: @KC_Doubletake

Blog: KCDoubleTake

Dannon Collard – Like The Yogurt

Dannon is a professional makeup artist in Charleston, having been part of the Hair and Makeup Team for Charleston Fashion Week for 2014 & 2015. Her instagram and her lifestyle blog, Like The Yogurt, are dedicated to her style and design. We can’t get enough of her clean white aesthetic!

Instagram: @DannonKCollardMUA

Blog: Like The Yogurt

Mumu and Macaroons

Katy Harrell lives in Charlotte, NC where she runs her fashion blog Mumu and Macroons that is ALWAYS full of inspiration. She is your go to girl for all things summer in the south, as we particularly love her fun dress choices!

Instagram: @Mumuandmacaroons

Blog: Mumu and Macaroons

Chelsie Ravenell

Chelsie is a fashion designer for the Kenneth Beatrice line, as well as a consultant for popular Charleston department store Gwynne’s. Take a look at his Instagram feed for some inspiration on old school southern meets modern mens fashion.

Instagram: @Chelsieravenell

Blog: akillalife.tumblr.com

The Bowtie Gent

Louis Matthews is a 22 year old who runs the PR firm GRAND in Charleston. His unique and exquisitely elegant ideas (powered by bowties!) are perfect for the southern gentleman.

Instagram: @Thebowtiegent

Blog: The Bowtie Gent

BonnieKateZ

Bonnie Kate Zoghbi is a native to Louisiana who now travels the country with her husband Max in their airstream. Her gorgeous Instagram gives our news feed life! We love keeping up with her travels and how she meshes her style with her journey.

Instagram: @BonnieKateZ

Blog: Be AdventurUS

Madison Shaffer

Madison lives and blogs in Charleston. She incorporates her experience with Charleston Fashion Week and local favorite boutique Maris DeHart into a warm and sunny feed full of nostalgic vibes.

Instagram: MadisonShaffer

Blog: Meowing Mads

Mckenzie Sanders

Mckenzie is a model, living part time in North Carolina and part time in New York, who just recently launched her fashion and lifestyle blog! We love her versatile style and her accounts of her life as a model around the globe.

Instagram: @mckenziepaigesanders

Blog: Life + Style by: Mckenzie Sanders

Boho and Bows

Savannah is a blogger with tremendous taste and a unique perspective: she’s a mother of two! You’ll find her Insta and blog full of great summer finds as well how she handles life with her children and husband, providing tips and inspiration for so many angles of life.

Instagram: BohoandBows

Blog: Boho and Bows

Andi Eaton

Andi is a creative director, stylist, and writer. She is located in New Orleans, but is usually traveling all over. We love looking at her relaxed boho style and fun adventures all over the world!

Instagram: Ouiwegirl

Blog: Oui We

Goldfishkiss

Rebekah Steen, located in Pensacola Beach, FL, can be located on the beach at all times it seems! Her blog and Instragram are focused on her feel good moments, beach watercolors, and fashion tips. We love her honest mom moments about her son and her amazing beach style we all wish we had!

Instagram: Goldfish_kiss

Blog: Gold fish kiss

The Fashion Poet

Annie Vazquez is one of the best fashion bloggers in Miami! We love her work not only because of her fashion sense and travel exploits, but her continuing message of body positivity for women.

Instagram: Thefashionpoet

Blog: The Fashion Poet

Mary Ralph Lawson

Mary Ralph is a 20 something year old from Austin, now living in Malibu. Her Instagram puts a smile on our face because of her fun beach style! She works for Bumble and her adventures will keep you swiping for more (see what we did there?).

Instagram: mralphlawson

Goldwill Digger

Betsy, from Nashville, TN, runs a site entirely based on value shopping. Possessing a self-proclaimed “champagne taste on a beer budget”, she will help you find inspiration by combining awesome pieces at Goodwill! Saving while finding satisfaction in a great find is a no brainer.

Instagram: goldwilldigger

Blog: Goldwill Digger

KB Styled

Brooke is a wife and mom in Nashville, TN. She focuses on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle but what we like most about her is that she isn’t just a fashion blog. Her blog has restaurant reviews as well as home design tips! A one stop shop for our key interests.

Instagram: KBStyled

Blog: KB Styled

The Dainty Darling

Courtney is living in Charlotte, NC while running her site The Dainty Darling. You might mistake her blog for a magazine, as her chic style spans across hotel reviews, life adventures, and chronicling being a young mother.

Instagram: Courteink

Blog: The Dainty Darling

Visiting Charleston? Unique Things to Do This Summer

Whether you are new to Charleston, lived here for many years, or came on vacation, you are probably looking for something to do this summer. We have done the research for you and have found several unique events for you to attend. All these all-ages events embrace what Charleston has to offer!

Weekend Wine-Down:

Every Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Deep Water Vineyard, Charleston’s only vineyard, is the site for a fun night of food, wine, and live music. Located on Wadmalaw Island, Deep Water Vineyards is proud to host their very own unique wine event every Saturday. Whether you live in Charleston or are visiting for a vacation, Weekend Wine-Down is a perfect place for socializing and making new friends. If you want to try something new this summer, Weekend Wine-Down is worth the drive!

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Charleston River Dog home game

If you want to join the locals for a night full of fun for all ages, a Charleston River Dogs is a great place to take the family. Located on the downtown peninsula, its a great place to head to before dinner or drinks! Check the schedule here to see upcoming home games. Weekday games start at 7:05, Saturday games start at 6:05, and Sunday games start at 5:05.

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Charleston Farmers Market:

Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m head downtown to Marion Square Park to get some local produce, food vendors, and products from local artists. Charleston Farmers Market is a great place to take the family for a fun day activity. Located between King Street and Meeting Street you will be in the middle of plenty of other shopping and restaurants!

Shagging on the Cooper:

If you are looking for an exciting event with live music, head over to the Mount Pleasant Pier for some fun dancing and live music. This is a great family event, located under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge with incredible views of the Cooper River. On a hot summer evening come join charleston locals dance the night away in the cool breeze over the water!

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Wannamaker Movie Night

Looking for a fun night in the park? Wannamaker County Park has you covered! Bring your own chairs and blankets, take a seat in the park, and enjoy a movie with the Charleston community. When the sun goes down the movie comes on! Check here for the movie schedules.

View on Maps

Charleston has so many things to offer to its visitors, from an exciting downtown area, a beautiful view of the Cooper River, to the stunning outdoors away from the city. Come take a look and enjoy different things that Charleston puts on for its community. Come bring your family and friends and enjoy your night with us!

Top Bridal Trends for the Months to Come

As spring weddings approach, we are seeing confident and feminine looks that put a fresh spin on the classics. Trends that channel every bride’s inner personality and create a look that is less than traditional and out of the ordinary. The rise of temperatures in the spring and summer months brings inspiration for new bridal looks that are vibrant and enhance a seasonally appropriate feel. Consider design elements like ruffles, florals, color and cuts to add a playful vibe that suits this time of year!

Color Me Pretty: In bridal, ivory, white and alabaster reign supreme, but of all seasons this is the time to experiment! If you are unsure about wearing white, consider taking a risk with color. Choose soft pinks, pastel floral prints, butter yellow, something soft blue and pistachio greens for a look that feels fresh in the months where everything is in bloom – transforms the most traditional silhouette into something unexpected – or go bold with multicolor embroidery!

Back to Black: Black and white are a match made in heaven when it comes to everyday wear, and now the classic pairing is making a splash in the world of bridal fashion. A simple black belt can add a hint of edge to a sweet gown while black velvet ribbon accents provide visual interest without overwhelming a look. Even opt for a piece of dark jewelry or make a splash with a black shoe.

Short Story: From sassy minis to sophisticated tea-length dresses to romantic high-low hems, this trend is not afraid to play with length, and you neither should you. Raising your hemline does not require you to lower expectations for a dramatic dress moment. Shorter skirts feature embellishments and textures and allow for spunky layering. Bonus Perk: Showcasing your fabulous legs – or adding the perfect pop of color with an outrageous shoe.

Bang for Your Bow: Let’s be honest—putting a bow on a wedding dress isn’t exactly revolutionary. But bows are back and even bow-lder than before. This ultimate feminine detail softens up otherwise sultry looks but with ads a sophisticated spin. Asymmetrical bows stand out against clean lines and can introduce subtle volume to your sleeves. The trend has never felt fresher.

Hot for the Cold Shoulder: This trend may have already made its way into your closet—now the cold shoulder look is begging to be featured in your wedding. Strapless used to reign supreme, and then off-the-shoulder made its debut – now this neckline has proved it not going anywhere anytime soon. Add interest to a classic shoulder-bearer with ruffled, off-shoulder sleeves or a cut-out version that still feels fresh. This is the happy medium between a basic strapless gown and anything with sleeves. Bare shoulders and peek-a-boo cutouts highlight your enviable frame and infuse a soft and sexy appeal that feels right for the season.

Playsuits, Yes Please: In months where easygoing minis, blouson gowns and effortless A-lines are the best bets, try for something even more easygoing–a jumpsuit or palazzo panted set that feels as special as any bridal gown could. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be the world’s sharpest dresser to pull off an all-in-one wedding-day look! Hint – the same rules for accessorizing apply! Don’t worry.

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.

What’s up Charleston? Things To Do: April-June, 2018

It’s not just a city, but an experience!

Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place. Our beautiful city manages to preserve its historic architecture, prime coastal settings, picture-perfect landscapes, creative culture, southern charm and friendly locals. There is no question as to why Charleston remains one of the most notable destinations to visit- and to live! On top of everything Charleston has to offer, here are some upcoming things to do to that might make you excited for the months ahead!

Cooper River Bridge Run: April 7th, 2018
The 2018 Cooper River Bridge Run is right around the corner! The Bridge run is the 3rd largest 10k and one of the largest road races in the U.S. This is not your average marathon, the one-way course is just as scenic as it is challenging. So what are you waiting for? Put on your running shoes and experience it for yourself!

Flowertown Festival: April 6th – 8th, 2018
The 46th annual Flowertown Festival is almost in bloom! Every spring, thousands visit Summerville SC, to see the beautiful bounty of colorful florals. Consistently ranked one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast, the three-day festival transcends the gracious Southern town into one of the largest arts and crafts festivals around!

Second Sunday on King Street: April 8th, 2018
Happening every second Sunday of the month, enjoy an afternoon of shopping, sipping, snacking, and socializing along King Street. This pet-friendly event features new product launches and showcases Charleston vendors.

North Charleston Art Festival: May 2nd – 6th, 2018
The 36th Annual North Charleston Arts Fest is not one to be missed! Attracting more than 30,000 residents and visitors, the festival offers a number of unique opportunities with a vast array of arts and cultural offerings. The annual multi-day celebration highlights national, regional, and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, and literature.

Charleston Gallery Association Art Walk: May 4th, 2018
Named one of The Best Free Things To Do in Charleston, the Art Walk welcomes art lovers, architects, and history buffs out for a night of appreciating our city’s exceptional talent and beauty. With more than 40 art galleries in pursuit of gaining the world’s recognition of Charleston as a global art destination, the Art Walk showcases local, regional and national artists.

Piccolo Spoleto: May 25th – June 10th, 2018
Focusing primarily on artists of the Southeast region, Piccolo Spoleto is the perfect complement to its parent festival, Spoleto Festival USA. Annually presenting over 500 events, the 17-day Piccolo Spoleto Festival transforms Charleston into an exhilarating celebration of the cultural vitality and diversity of the Lowcountry. With a majority of free admission offerings, Piccolo Spoleto provides a varied program including visual arts exhibitions and performances of classical music, jazz, dance, theatre, choral music, ethnic cultural, poetry readings, crafts, and film. From classical to contemporary, from traditional to cutting-edge – Piccolo Spoleto has something for everyone!

Spoleto Festival USA: May 25th – June 12th, 2018
Now approaching its 42nd season, for 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s historic theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists and emerging performers in opera, theater, dance, chamber, choral, and jazz music. With programs of the highest artistic caliber exhibiting dedicated young artists, a passion for contemporary innovation, and an enthusiasm for providing unusual performance opportunities the Spoleto Festival is one for the books!

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.

Crafty Ceremony and Reception Ideas

While preparing for the happiest day of your life, you’ll be creating amazing memories and keepsakes along the way. The only question is, what makes the perfect wedding craft? Here is some inspiration for getting in touch with your creative side to seamlessly infuse your personalities into crafty touches for the big day!

Ceremony and receptions signs are extremely helpful in directing guests where to go. Why not make those signs a little more personable? Incorporating your theme into these focal points will help frame your picture perfect day. The possibilities are endless. Take a look at this customized seating chart design from one of our weddings at Harborside East!

A great way to showcase your wedding’s location is to integrate it’s natural elements into the design. Photo displays are a sentimental way to feature special moments or to honor loved ones. Peek your guests’ exploratory interests while giving them a glimpse of some family memorabilia with this crafty family tree…literally!

Cocktail hour provides guests with a little downtime to mingle and relax before the big wedding celebration. Give them something to talk about and consider adding a little floral fun to your signature drinks. These stunning edible flower ice cubes are impressive yet incredibly easy to execute. After all, who doesn’t love a little botanical pick me up? Check out how-to instructions.

The wedding guest book is for capturing the names and special wishes of those individuals who celebrated your wedding. Personalize this wedding detail by transforming it into an interactive, DIY activity that makes it memorable for you and your guests. Get creative and be unconventional.

Pro tip: Try a guest recipe book! Start by sharing your favorite recipe, ingredients, or restaurant as inspiration, and throughout the ceremony guests can join in the fun. How fantastic would it be to try out their suggestions throughout your marriage?

The newlywed send-off is a magical tradition that is meant to bring good health and prosperity to your marriage. Sparklers, confetti, and rice are typically the go-to wedding send-off, but why not shake things up? Ring in the start of your new journey with these DIY lace tambourines. This sweet craft will help end your celebration on a positive note, that will resonate with your guests afterwards. Check out how to make these here.

We’re always striving to do something different, and there is no better way than to be crafty and creative with elements from each part of your big day. For more inspiration, head over to Charleston Crafted for some unique, locally-made items that can be incorporated into your design to make the day even more memorable.

New Event Rentals at EventWorks

We stopped by EventWorks, one of the southeast’s largest event rental companies, to chat with Ashley about what they offer for events as well as all of their new amazing rental options for 2018!

Search Results for: – Page 15

Advice for picking rentals from a pro at EventWorks

A Corporate Retreat with Lexus

20 Southern Fashion Bloggers You NEED to Follow

Color by K

Millennielle

Kerrently

Gal Meets Glam

KCDoubletake

Dannon Collard – Like The Yogurt

Mumu and Macaroons

Chelsie Ravenell

The Bowtie Gent

BonnieKateZ

Madison Shaffer

Mckenzie Sanders

Boho and Bows

Andi Eaton

Goldfishkiss

The Fashion Poet

Mary Ralph Lawson

Goldwill Digger

KB Styled

The Dainty Darling

Visiting Charleston? Unique Things to Do This Summer

Weekend Wine-Down:

Charleston River Dog home game

Charleston Farmers Market:

Shagging on the Cooper:

Wannamaker Movie Night

Top Bridal Trends for the Months to Come

How to Choose a Perfect First Dance Song

What’s up Charleston? Things To Do: April-June, 2018

It’s not just a city, but an experience!

Embracing Diversity with Every Design

Crafty Ceremony and Reception Ideas

New Event Rentals at EventWorks