The destination wedding dream for many newly engaged couples often includes historic streets, sandy beaches, and southern hospitality. Many come to fall in love with the traditional homes or unconventional settings to host the big day. This is why we wanted to create a beautiful bridal suite that represents all of what Charleston has to offer.
Intrigue is so excited to share our amazing bridal suite with all of the couples choosing Charleston as their wedding destination. We have over 1200sqft of space that includes a private bridal dressing room, full kitchen, traditional Charleston Piazza, full furnished bridal suite, 52″ flat-screen TV, a beautiful outside courtyard, and much much more!
Our Charleston Bridal Suite has a full kitchen so have fun creating your own catering menu for your special day. If you don’t want to worry about the details reach out to our friends over at Caviar & Bananas and select one of their bridal menus.
In reality, Charleston may not be your home, but we will make sure the Faber Bridal House feels like that on your special day. Above all, you and your bridal party will want to savor every moment together and experience a wedding weekend to remember.
Our couples have the option of bringing in their own stylist or working with the amazing team at Silhouette on Site.
Located in the heart of Charleston at
635 East Bay Street
Charleston, SC
Why choose a hotel when you can have the full Charleston experience.
Oh to be an engaged couple freely pinning on Pinterest. Pinterest is this beautiful shiny black hole that you can easily enjoy getting sucked into. After all, long gone are the days where couples had to create wedding inspiration binders with clippings from magazines, now you can be flooded with grand and gorgeous images and with a click of a button. Regardless, you will find your Pinterest board full of a hodgepodge of color palettes and styles. For instance, having mint and coral beach wedding flowers found right next to the warm-colored cottage backdrop. Pinterest is your best friend until it is not.
With so much inspiration, it can be difficult to pinpoint the direction and focus you want for your wedding. However, this is confusing for you and your wedding planner. Wedding planners receive hundreds of photos and wedding inspiration boards. How will you or your wedding planner ever know exactly what you want? It’s time to clean up your inspiration boards and create style guides that will tie your wedding aesthetic into a pristine bow.
After all, you and your partner are complex humans with so many likes and sources of inspiration. However, it is common to have similar aesthetics or opposite ones that complement each other. Either way, most couples do not know exactly what they want for their wedding and that’s okay! Besides, there is so much to choose from and so many fun options. How can you only pick one!? Maybe you do not have to pick just one. You may be able to find a middle ground or blend styles to make a wedding uniquely yours. Think of a forest, rustic, rooftop wedding. It’s possible!
But first things first, at the beginning of the process, you are all bright-eyed and inspiration hungry. Nonetheless, everything looks so good and the world is full of possibilities, so it’s appropriate to go a little wild. See something you really like that definitely does not match your previous five pins? Save it! You are on a journey to finding the style that best represents your relationship. This is the first step to finding your wedding style. After all, every masterpiece had to begin somewhere and from a pool of ideas. Consider this your time to fill your wedding pool so you have ideas to work with.
But getting excited is such fun! First, there are no restraints, everything is good and all is imaginable. However, you realize that maybe you can not have it all and that having it all may not actually be what you want. In this case, may feel overwhelmed with all of the options, but take a step back and take a deep breath…you got this. Now that the foundation is set, you can comb through your wedding inspiration and choose the ultimate favorites.
First, you will begin to notice a trend in your pins. Follow that trend and you will find that you and your partner are likely leaning towards a theme already.
Then, gain some perspective by thinking about the fact that all of the glamorous shots you are looking at were all staged to look perfect to engage couples like yourself. That delectable five-tier cake is probably not budget-friendly. Additionally, neither is the glass covering every inch of the table and chandeliers. Most of these images are not the most realistic and there is comfort in knowing that you can emulate parts that you like without feeling the pressure to have perfection.
In fact, trust each other and trust your instinct. Choose whatever brings you the most happiness and is a reflection of your love.
Finally, create specific boards and captions. This is the time to organize and clean the aftermath of the wild. You have your style chosen, stick to it, and organize by creating boards for every aspect of your wedding: favors, bridesmaid dresses, linens, flowers, etc.
Now, you can organize on your own but having assistance from a wedding planner can go such a long way. Intrigue Events offers virtual planning so you can plan wherever you are and at any stage in the planning process. By giving you access to virtual consultants that walk you through the planning process, along with access to the Planning Tools, you can find the guidance you need. Also, as a helpful alternative to hiring a full-time planner, they can assist you in using and organizing your inspiration while incorporating both you and your partner’s personalities and styles into your wedding design.
We love using these tools to teach you how to focus your thoughts and ideas. Uniquely, you can use multiple boards, comment on photos, and even add other vendors! We are proud to be able to provide this service and guidance so that you can have your dream wedding style.
Reeling in your inspiration is a very doable and very satisfactory step that will get you closer to having a wedding that feels uniquely true to your love story.
The Best Charleston Wedding Vendors
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Intrigue is here to help you find the best Charleston wedding vendors. We thoughtfully curated a list of the finest wedding vendors in Charleston, South Carolina who share the love for timeless designs, and stylish details. Our Charleston Vendors commit to providing you and your family with the service you deserve. We did the work for you, so start wedding planning with our trusted Charleston wedding resources.
You said yes to your fiancé and to Charleston, now it is time to look at wedding dates and charleston wedding venues. Charleston has consistently ranked one of the most desirable destination wedding locations. With the plethora of dreamy historic properties, outdoor venues, and waterfront options, deciding on the best venue for your wedding day is no easy task. In the meantime, take a look at our picks for Charleston’s top wedding venues to help you narrow down your selection.
You said I Do to Charleston, now it is time to look at Charleston rehearsal dinner venues. Along with planning your dream wedding day, you want a rehearsal dinner venue to match your wedding day charm. Charleston is consistently ranked as one of the country’s food capitals. Given the abundance of prime bars and breweries, restaurants, and unique rehearsal dinner locations, deciding on the best venue for the day before your Charleston wedding can be a feat. Take a look at our picks for Charleston’s top rehearsal dinner venues to guide you in the right direction.
With the excitement of planning your wedding, you should savor each moment. Of course, moments like the engagement shoot, rehearsal dinner, and finally, the wedding day! One thing is for sure, you want to relive your wedding day forever with tangible memories. When it comes to photography, find what appeals to you, and look beyond trends to discover your true taste. Whether your style is editorial, impressionistic, moody, or light and airy, you want to walk away with images that are timeless. Intrigue works with and vets the best photographers Charleston has to offer. Take a peek and discover what style resonates with you.
Photography captures most of your wedding day, however, a videographer ensures you do not miss a thing. Just like photographers, videographers take different approaches to their craft. While Documentary-style videos present the events chronologically, a cinematic film is generally more dramatic. Additionally, a cinematic film using interesting angles for a movie-like feel. Figuring out where to start and how to narrow down the selection of Charleston videographers can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we have done the work for you. Browse our top Charleston Videographers, and see which appeals to you.
Intrigue knows your wedding day is a big deal, and nothing is too small of a detail. A major consideration for your wedding reception is your food and drink selections. Whether you hope for a full-service, sit-down dinner, or a cocktail hour with passed appetizers, the possibilities are endless. From traditional Southern fare to one-of-a-kind dishes, finding your perfect wedding caterer is a key. Hiring a wedding caterer can be complicated, especially as you calculate budget, guest count, and menu. If your wedding venue does not have in-house caterers or preferred vendors, start the search by narrowing down your choices with our list of caterers we absolutely love.
Your wedding flowers might be one of the most important elements of your wedding day. Not only do they provide color and decoration, but they are an expression of your personality. From organic and free-flowing to bold and traditional, the right wedding florist helps make wedding planning a breeze. Here are some of our top Charleston wedding florists, to bring your creativity to life.
Selecting the right mix of entertainment on your wedding day will not only help set the overall tone but ensure your guests have a night to remember. It is important for your entertainment to reflect your style and music taste. However, it is equally important to host entertainment that is appropriate for your wedding venue and guest count. From innovative musicality to elaborate 15 piece ensembles, Intrigue knows how to get the party started.
Of all your nuptial decisions, choosing your wedding day look might be one of the most daunting. After all, you are taking thousands of photos celebrating, laughing, kissing, and dancing the night away. You want to make sure you nail your wedding day do. When choosing, consider your Charleston venue or the silhouette of your gown. Do not fret if you feel completely lost in a sea of pictures on Pinterest and Instagram. Intrigue is here to help you narrow down your beauty look, with these fabulous Charleston beauty experts.
5 Ways to Accommodate for Traveling Guests
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It’s time to polish up the champagne flutes and pop open a bottle of bubbly because you’re getting married! You’ve finally bought your dress, chose your venue, and sent out those gorgeous handmade calligraphy invitations that express you and your fiancé perfectly.
But even if you feel that you’ve figured out all the details of your wedding, you still have out-of-town guests to think about. Because chances are, even if your guests have visited the destination previously, they’ll be looking to you for guidance on how to spend their time when they’re not involved in wedding festivities.
It may feel like yet another stressor to wrangle family together and make everyone happy. But accommodating for traveling guests doesn’t have to push you to elope after all. Read on to learn how you can make everyone feel right at home on your wedding day.
Provide Your Guests a Welcome Bag
When your guests arrive, be sure to have a welcome bag prepped for everyone at the first event. Include items like a map of the local area, snacks, or a bottle of bubbly alongside your wedding itinerary and a personalized note thanking your guests for making it to the wedding. You may also consider including a personalized item like a monogram tote bag or a local magazine sharing the best things to do in the area,
Whether you provide a welcome bag right at check-in or simply wait until the rehearsal dinner, this simple but lovely gesture will help your out-of-town guests feel right at home.
Invite Your Guests to The Rehearsal Dinner
Regardless of where or when you have the rehearsal dinner, you don’t want to skip out on having one if you have lots of out-of-town guests arriving for your wedding. Although your main event may leave you with plenty to do, guests who aren’t in the wedding need to be entertained.
It may also be a good idea to make sure there isn’t too much time before the rehearsal dinner. And, if you’re having a cocktail hour or meet up ahead of the rehearsal dinner, don’t leave too much time between the two events. Keeping your guests on a consistent schedule will make the weekend even more exciting for everyone.
Provide an Itinerary
You don’t want your guests feeling confused or out of the loop. Even if you provide your guests with a wedding itinerary in their welcome bag, make sure to check in with everyone individually if possible.
If you’re having a larger wedding and it isn’t possible to speak with everyone ahead of the wedding, make your wedding website available for people to access the calendar of events. You may also consider putting members of your wedding party in charge of checking in with everyone to make sure they’re settling nicely.
Coordinate a Hotel Block
While some couples simply recommend places for their out-of-town guests to stay, it’s even better to take the extra step of coordinating a hotel block so everyone can stay in the same place. This is among the best ways to make sure your guests feel included in every activity.
Plus, if other guests want to get together and do sightseeing, all they have to do is meet up in the lobby. We recommend using Hotel Planner to coordinate a hotel block. Make sure your hotel is in a fairly central location so it’s easy for guests to enjoy all the area has to offer!
Since most of your guests will likely stay more than one day when traveling for your wedding, give your guests some options of fun things to do outside of wedding festivities! Not only will your guests feel valued, but they’ll also have something fun to do while you’re prepping for the special day.
There are many ways to communicate the activity ideas to your guest. One easy way is to simply include a list with the welcome bag you provide for your guest. You can also include a “Traveling Guest” section on your wedding website in case you do not provide a welcome bag. If you are feeling a bit more creative, try to make a scavenger hunt or a check list of all of you and your significant others favorite places for your guests to visit. This will keep things fun and meaningful.
It can be stressful to figure out how to make all your guests happy but making their stay a little more fun will make the whole wedding experience even more fun for everyone. Of course, the best way to accommodate your traveling guests is to let them know how much you appreciate them. A simple thank you goes a long way!
Blog Contribution – Amanda Moore amandalmoore65@gmail.com
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Charleston Strong
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David Tutera + Lifetime TV meets Charleston
Charleston is a gorgeous city full of unique wedding venues that fit almost any preference. We are so glad David Tutera with Lifetime TV My Great Big Live Wedding, decided to bring this opportunity to our town, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is!
This past February, us gals at Intrigue Design + Events had the exciting opportunity to work with Lifetime TV David Tutera’s, My Great Big Live Wedding, in our location of choice—Charleston, South Carolina! Okay, so maybe we are biased since we are based out of this breathtaking place on the water called the Holy City. Charleston has an abundance of unique venues to choose from, and David and his crew certainly took advantage of this opportunity and we were honored to share in the process!
Having the opportunity to assist David and his team as well as these two high school sweethearts Chris Singleton and Mariana De Andrade, have the wedding of their dreams was priceless. With Chris’s love for baseball and starting spring training with the Chicago Cubs just a few days after he said “I do” we knew we couldn’t just have a their wedding at any venue. Can you guess? I am sure baseball park came to mind, but can you imagine building a full ceremony & tented reception in the middle of the field facing the water and centered off home base. Thanks to Shipyard Park we were able to create something these two would never forget. However, a baseball field doesn’t come fully equipped with a wedding setup (weird, right?). Our team faced the task of utilizing our Charleston vendor relationships to construct this fabulous wedding venue! Charleston’s industry talent, such as Loluma Events, Queen Street Catering, Darby Events, and Event works Rentals, were happy to lend their helping hand to David and his team to get this tremendous feat accomplished for this deserving couple.
Shipyard Park was nothing short of accommodating for David’s plans, organizing its baseball practices around the production teams schedule and lending help when needed. Southern hospitality extends beyond everyday manners, it would seem—most venues in Charleston have offered assistance and thoroughness beyond what might be expected. In addition to this, the city’s various event spaces are unique due not only to their Charleston charm but their own distinctive features as well. Our city offers a multitude of centuries-old locations that are filled with gorgeous vegetation and seaside views, as well as more modern settings such as renovated historic buildings and newly-constructed ones. Examples, such as Lowndes Grove Planation, the William Aiken House on King Street, 159 Rutledge, Legare Waring House, and many more!
We are so glad David Tutera decided to bring this opportunity to our amazing city, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is. We travel the world for our couples and have visited cities such as Sydney Austria, Toronto Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, and many other city’s across the US and we are always humbled to share Charleston with our amazing couples. Creating a venue on a baseball field was definitely new for us and our city, but with the help of David’s crew, Chris and Mariana’s good-heartedness, and Charleston’s natural beauty and experienced vendors, our teamwork produced a memorable day for this young couple with memories to last a lifetime.
Vendors
Venue | Shipyard Park
Floral | Lush Flowers
Rentals |Eventworks Rentals
Lighting | Loluma
Cake | Cakes by Kasarda
Photography | Kim Craven Photography
Entertainment | Darby Events + Cece Winan
Catering | Queen Street Catering
Bridal Ensembles | Focus on the Bride + Bari Jay Fashions
Elope or Bust?
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You Decide
Wedding planners + married couples know how much preparation goes into a wedding—there are hundreds of little choices to be made and not a lot of time to execute the end result. But ultimately, it’s worth it….Right?
A lot of couples consider eloping because of that very question: Is planning a big wedding really worth it? Obviously, this is a complex thing to consider. There are all kinds of benefits and drawbacks to elopement and traditional weddings, but one thing is certain: the common perception of both events is changing.
Most people have heard their share of anecdotes about eloping. Spontaneous “Vegas weddings,” boat ceremonies in international waters, and simple courthouse services have started to become more popular; this probably has to do with a change in the perception of elopement over the last few decades. It’s gaining a more positive reputation, rather than being seen as a sneaky way for couples to wed without their parents’ approval or as a secretive last-resort for couples These days, the act has gained more respectability as an intimate, financially sensible choice. The increasingly positive perception of elopement is even reflected in pop culture. Spontaneous, secret, and low-key marriage ceremonies seem to turn out well!
As for traditional weddings, their reputation has remained fairly consistent, although many spouses-to-be are opting for ceremonies that break smaller traditions and better suit their personal interests. People are getting creative. There are a lot of options out there, and our understanding of what a wedding should look like is changing. Still overwhelmed? Planners love offering elopement packages as well..So, is elopement the way to go, or does the bad still outweigh the good?
All Cards on the Table..
Positively Pro
Attractive Price Tag
It’s true: weddings can be insanely expensive. You’re paying for every detail—from chairs and tables to flowers and sparklers. With elopement, most of those details aren’t included, so you don’t have to abuse your bank account over them. Due to the lack of guests, you won’t have to pay for catering, seating, transportation, decorating a large venue, or even accommodation (if it’s a destination wedding). The only things you’ll have to worry about buying are the necessities for you, your spouse, and whoever will be with you during the ceremony.
Stress Free is the Way to Be
For most of us, saving money decreases stress, but there are plenty of other things that you can avoid stressing over if you opt out of a traditional wedding. With an elopement, there are fewer guests to manage, fewer decorative elements to tweak, and a much looser schedule to follow—and even those things are assuming that you have any guests, decorations, or schedule in the first place. In the end, a smaller ceremony lets you take your mind off of the little things and focus all of your attention on your new spouse. In fact, that’s a pro of its own:
Intimacy is Key
Without a doubt, having your wedding day all to yourselves is special and personal beyond compare. Although a bigger wedding would allow more people and extravagance, the romance and intimacy of elopement cannot be overlooked; optimally, there are no distractions from one another during the ceremony that binds you and your partner together for life. It’s about just the two of you and your connection, rather than you as a couple in the wider family/community.
More Marriage, Less Wedding
In that same vein, elopement can make your big day all about marriage itself, focusing your attention on the lifelong love and commitment between you and your partner. A traditional wedding, on the other hand, usually requires that you split your attention between your new marriage and the party that surrounds it. Although a celebration can emphasize the excitement of marriage, it can also take away from the solemnity of the day itself.
You Me and Spontaneity
Up until now, I’ve mostly been concentrating on planned-out elopements, but it’s important to note that elopement is the perfect method for getting married without any planning at all. There’s something to be said for the passion and excitement that accompany spontaneity, especially with a decision as big as marriage. If you think you want to get hitched but you want it to happen in-the-moment, elopement is probably the best way to go.
Candid Cons
Where is the Personality
Although intimate, elopement doesn’t let you make the hundreds of little choices that typically go along with a big wedding, meaning that you might not feel like the ceremony is as tailored to your taste. There probably won’t be as many decorations, so choices like color scheme, types of greenery, and furniture arrangement won’t be as impactful to the ceremony’s overall look.
Lost Loved Ones
Some elopements include a few close family members or friends, but the guest list still has to stay relatively limited. Even if you have ten of your closest people with you, there will probably be others that you wish were there, too. Also, many couples consider eloping without anyone but an officiary and a required witness. This method, though very private and significant to the participants, is even more likely to result in regret over absent parties. Getting married can be stressful regardless of how it’s done; eloping may not bring as much pressure as a traditional wedding, but you still might want someone other than your spouse there to support you and calm any nerves.
Is Bigger Really Better
For many people, the festivity and socializing that come with a bigger wedding are an important element of their big day. Also, a little vanity can be justified—a lot of couples look forward to all of the attention being focused on them, their love, and their bond for just that one day. With elopement, there won’t be as many people there to give you the gift of their attention, excitement, support, or mere social presence. The lack of attendees and celebration can impact the significance of the ceremony, as well, making it feel like less of a big deal. So, these factors shouldn’t be considered lightly. They can be really important parts of a couple’s wedding day, but they may not be necessary for everyone.
Too Much Drama Mama
If you look up “elopement ideas” online, a lot of the results include tips on how to handle your family’s reaction to the concept. Along with judgement, you should also prepare yourself for drama or resentment from the people who hear about your plan to elope. More conventional people, especially family members, might feel that a wedding is a right extended to the couple’s family and friends rather than a privilege. They may take it personally that you’re not having a ceremony to which they will be invited, and these feelings could create tension between yourselves and your loved ones that you might not consider worth the trouble.
So, those are the ups and downs of eloping. What do you think—is it worth it?
A Mindful Bride: Yoga Retreat
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As a Bride,
you go to great lengths planning your wedding day to ensure everything will be picture perfect, enjoyed by your guests, and seamlessly executed. Of course all of these elements are extremely important, however, it is crucial to take time to prepare yourself mentally and physically for your big day! Yoga is the perfect outlet to rejuvenate your mind and body during the stress of wedding planning, and the perfect opportunity to relax with your bridesmaids before the big weekend. Treat yourself and your crew to a yoga session and brunch party here at the Rutledge House. Breath, let go of stress, relieve tension, enjoy the moment, and stretch your body. Have the instructor read passages that invoke thoughts of love and happiness. It will be the calm before the storm, literally!
Ditch The Studio: To make your yoga session an intimate affair, researchvenuesthat have private popup event packages, equipped with vendors and specialized personnel that will take care of the logistics and legwork for you.
Home Grown: After taking time to replenish your spirit and your mind, you and the girls can refuel your bodies by partacting in a healthful brunch. Take advantage of local artisans and indulge brunch-y selections such as cold pressed juices, Kombucha, organic blends of hot tea, chia seed pudding, homemade granola with almond milk, acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and fresh heirloom bruschetta.
A Not So Basic Bachelorette Weekend
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Goodbye to nuptial traditions & hello to modern couples eager to travel!
The uptrend in both domestic and international destination weddings means saying goodbye to nuptial traditions, hello to modern couples eager to travel, and welcoming the bridal party to do the same. We can part with the days when throwing a bachelorette party meant a one night affair filled with bar hopping, tacky matching attire, and far too many shots! The bachelorette party is all about the bride making special memories with her closest friends, and a one night rendezvous just isn’t going to cut it. Bachelorette Weekend it is – and even better – make it a destination…maybe even to Charleston, SC! Organizing activities and getting a group somewhere for a destination weekend can be a tough task! Here are some of our favorite tips + ideas to make your weekend away (or stay) as smooth as possible, and fun for the whole group!
Land Your Lodging: Try an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel
There is no better way to bond with the entire group than sharing a common space such as a home in the destination you are visiting. Everyone is able to get ready together, encouraged to hangout and chat in lounge areas, and eliminate any left out feelings within the group. Not to mention, splitting the cost of an Airbnb property can be substantially less expensive than buying individual rooms in a hotel or resort. ProTip: Buy communal snacks and drinks to keep in the kitchen for your clan, to satisfy any munching or quick bite needs.
Value in a Venue: If your lodging can’t accommodate all your activities, rent a swanky venue to host the weekend’s festivities! Check out venues that offer special packages specifically for bachelorette weekends or popup events for small groups. Check out one of our favorites here!
ProTip: Here are some unique private event ideas to host during your bachelorette weekend
Sweat It Out – Jumpstart your day and spend the morning breaking a sweat to getting those endorphins flowing and burn some wedding planning stress. A cardio, pilates and/or dance class at The Rutledge House is the perfect start to the weekend for you and your girls. After, reward your hard work, by indulging in a yummy brunch. Get more info about their yoga & brunch special here!
Belt It Out – Let’s be honest…We all love karaoke, but hate doing it for the whole bar to see. Host your own karaoke night and let loose with your ladies. I promise, Insta-worthy stories and videos will commence, especially with a group of ladies who feel no shame in belting their favorite 90s pop melodies.
Paint & Prosecco – Give your gals an opportunity to tap into their imaginative side and pour their creativity onto a canvas! Pop some bottles, sip on some bubbly, and paint away! Not only does this create lasting memories, it leaves you with a piece of artwork to cherish after the weekend is through.
Private Affair:
It can be tough establishing reservations for meal times that accommodate larger groups, especially when seeking a dining experience. Host a private dinner with an entirely chef selected menu. Set up a wine or beer tasting with appropriate food pairings. Showcase a chef demo with interactive elements. These intimate experiences will cater to everyone’s needs, and make the most out of your use of a venue. The Rutledge House Wine Cellar is the perfect backdrop for wine tastings and private dinners, and we offer a variety of options for you and your group. Check more info here!
Caffeine Crawl:
Get that pep back in your step after the weekend and try an unconventional approach to Sunday Brunch. Go on a caffeine crawl! Research local Coffee Shops, Tea Artisans, and Bakeries to try a little bit from everywhere. The fresh air and cups of joe might just be your bridal party’s saving grace.
Hire a Photographer/Videographer:
Quick, add this to your list of bachelorette weekend must-haves! Gone are the days of alternating between which girls take what photos, and the stress of posting photos in the moment. Why not hire a killer photographer/videographer to capture you and all your best gals during the celebration? Any photographer & videographer would be happy to capture these moments for you! ProTip: Plus..it’s the perfect surprise gift for the bride!
Chasing After Charleston’s Adventures
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THE GEMS OF THE LOWCOUNTRY
With the ever-growing popularity of the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina, visitors are certainly greeted by boundless opportunities to explore during their time in the Lowcountry. From the enchanting Oak tree lined driveways to the historical cobble stone streets, the city’s remarkable ambience is sure to leave its guests dreaming of their next visit. To ensure that your trip, regardless of the occasion, exceeds all your expectations, read about some of our favorite activities and locations below!
Tour the Timeless Plantations
Step back into the past and uncover the plantation’s operations and elite family histories created on these historical grounds. Discover where the scenes captured in the famous romance movie The Notebook were held at the picturesque Boone Hall Plantation, wander throughout the mystical gardens (best in the springtime) at Magnolia Plantation, or pose for a photo in front of the breathtaking 1,000-year-old Oak tree at Middleton Plantation.
Lined with exquisite wrought iron gates and majestic private gardens, there is no wonder why locals consider this to be one of the most beautiful streets in Charleston. The Preservation Society has displayed informational plaques outside these grand houses that chronicles the events and people that once filled these homes with life. Reminisce in the rich history of this noteworthy street.
Located on East Bay Street, this bold line of vibrantly hued, stucco houses captivate the artistic essence of the city to perfection. From spiraling shrubbery to colorful hanging flower baskets, the abundance of character each house displays will certainly make for an ideal photo opportunity.
Known for its spacious white sands and beautiful dune grasses, this beach displays a remarkable sunset show every night. Station 11 offers a direct view of downtown and the Ravenel Bridge, allowing for the city lights to compliment the soft, sweeping colors in the night sky. Lay out a blanket or walk the beach, we are sure you’ll be mesmerized by Charleston’s natural beauty.
Offering both BYOB workshops and unique shopping, Candlefish allows you to explore your creativity through concocting your own candle scents. The serene atmosphere and modern decor makes for the perfect place to unwind and be innovative. Stop by and create custom gifts for family and friends that will fill their homes with the fragrances of Charleston.
There is no better way to combine waterfront dining, the Charleston sunsets, and live entertainment than climbing aboard the Spirit of Carolina. The staff of Spiritline Cruises bestows upon the guests’ exceptional hospitality while serving a traditional, southern inspired meal sure to satisfy any food connoisseur. Indulge in a romantic and tranquil evening you’ll never forget.
A quaint and scenic area, Shem Creek is home to incredible seafood restaurants, shrimping boats, and winding boardwalks extending out to the Charleston Harbor. Get up close and personal with the spectacular wildlife Shem Creek shelters with one of Coastal Expedition’s thrilling adventures. With a wide range of kayak tours, SUP rentals, and boat tours, it is likely that a dolphin may swim by to say hello during your outdoor experience.
This remarkable structure acts as the most stunning artery that links downtown to some of Charleston’s surrounding islands. Runners, bikers, and walkers alike can traverse along this scenic 2.7-mile-long overpass at their leisure. Capture panoramic views of downtown, the USS Yorktown, Fort Sumter, and even dolphins frolicking in the astonishing Charleston Harbor.
Witness Strand Feeding
Charleston is one of the few locations in the world in which Bottlenose dolphins utilize their echolocation and group work techniques to perform this astounding feat of strand feeding. Take a trip out to the pristine and lively beaches of Seabrook and Kiawah Island to see this spectacular event unfold before you.
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!
