Charleston Wedding {Puppy Attire}

I'm a sucker for any wedding that includes a dog.  After seeing all of these keepsake images of a bride with her dog(s), I kinda regret not having my little pup, Huckleberry, around the day of our wedding.  It was probably for the best since I'm sure he would have misbehaved (he's a jumper AND a licker).  I know some people think it's strange to dress up dogs but don't tell me you don't like it when they sport their formal attire.  We've rounded up quite a few wedding day pooches and dressed in their Sunday best and even provide our favorite place to find their perfect accessories!  I do love seeing a Lowcountry pooch in a bowtie!

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silly buddy...

Thanks to Charleston bride-to-be Jen, I found this awesome Etsy Shop, Silly Buddy.  Based out of Chicago, Silly Buddy provides a wide array of collars, leashes and bowties!  Check out the website to see sweet Buddy himself model the large variety of sizes, colors and patterns.   How precious is Buddy? Such a stud.

   

Follow Silly Buddy on Facebook and Twitter!

Charleston Weddings {Pretzel Station}

It might have a little bit to do with my past experience in catering but my favorite part of a wedding is ALWAYS the food.  How I see it, a Charleston wedding can be absolutely exquisite but if the food is blah or just flat out bad that will be the only thing guests take away from the evening.  On the other hand, if the food is out-of-this-world and they can experience items differently, either by presentation or taste, I can promise they will be raving about your big day for years to come.  I always love dreaming up menus that put a fun twist on an old favorite, so recently when I was snacking on a soft pretzel at a USC baseball game, it hit me...I love pretzels (of all shapes, sizes and flavors!) and I'd die for a late night pretzel station.  This is what I'm thinking...

Pretzel bites or miniature pretzels served warm in a variety of flavors like: original (all nice and buttered up!) cinnamon sugar, garlic or even stuffed like a little pizza with pepperoni and mozzarella.  For sauces: mustard, marinara, cheese and chocolate.  Present them in cute baskets (below) and have cups or pretzel bags available (that you can coordinate with your wedding colors) to allow guests to move freely around while snackin' and dippin'!

Most importantly, don't forget include some chocolate covered pretzels!

Spotlight: Carol Hannah

Ever since her stint on Season 6 of Project Runway, fan favorite Carol Hannah has been focusing her talents on designing classic, feminine gowns for brides' and their bridal parties'.  But Charleston holds a special place in our hearts for this South Carolinian because her designs bring that Southern grace and charm that every Lowcountry belle is looking for in her gown.  Not only are her dresses a hit at any Charleston wedding, but they've graced brides throughout the country.  From the coast to the big city, every woman can appreciate a charming Carol Hannah design.

This gorgeous wedding took place at a signature Lowcountry venue, Lowndes Grove, where the bride and her maids donned Carol Hannah originals.  Love. It.

Recently, she showcased her 2012 Spring/Summer Collection in New York City and it did not disappoint.  Her whimsical gowns are filled with so much movement.  They look like they floated right across the runway...

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for the 'maids...

All images by Gayle Brooker Photography

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for the bride...

 

 

All images by Gayle Brooker Photography

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charleston fashion week...

Carol Hannah also graced us with her presence at this year's Charleston Fashion Week's Bridal Show and wowed us with this stunner...

Image via The Connelly's

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don't you just loooove it?!?

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You can find Carol Hannah's designs right here in town...

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Maddison Row                                             Bella Bridesmaid

   171 Spring Street                                      341 King Street, Suite C

Charleston, SC 29403                                 Charleston, SC 29401

843.720.7979                                                 843.425.8079

Charleston Hotels: Wedding Group Blocks

You've been planning your dream Charleston wedding for months and have been slowly checking things off your to-do list and it's now time to take care of your guests' accommodation.  As seasoned hospitality professionals, the team at A Lowcountry Wedding is happy to assist in crossing this ‘to-do’ off your list. Our complimentary service is quick, easy and allows you to connect with the Lowcountry’s top hotel partners in Charleston, Savannah, Hilton Head & Myrtle Beach for an effortless experience in reserving your room blocks. Our experience in both the wedding and hotel industries allows us to deliver our couples a seamless process with noticeable savings and reduced stress. Ready to get started, fill out our questionnaire and we’ll touch base with you within 24-48 hours to begin planning hotel room blocks. In the meantime, read up on a few pointers and recommendations below…

Things to take into consideration:

• The best time to begin gathering information on room blocks is about 9 months prior to your wedding. Most hotels are unable to quote rates for a wedding that is more than nine months away. At the same time, keep in mind, it is important not to wait too long because hotels usually only offer a certain number of discounted group rooms.

• To be considered a group block and receive a discounted rate for your guests, you must plan to block 10 rooms per night.

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• Depending on the size of you wedding, consider booking 3 hotels in varying price ranges to accommodate everyone's budget. Make sure at least one property is downtown so out-of-town guests are able to enjoy the sites!

• It's okay to tell the Group Sales Coordinator the price range and amenities (like free breakfast, wi-fi or shuttle service) that are important to you and your guests.

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• If you think some of your guests might arrive early or stay a little longer it might be beneficial for them if you extend the block from Thursday-Monday instead of just Friday and Saturday evening.

• Be prepared to hear higher rates during peak months and especially if you are marrying over a busy Charleston weekend like; Spoleto Festival, SEWE or Citadel/CofC Graduation.

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• Be prepared to sign some sort of group agreement or contract laying out all the terms of the group block and the policies of the property.

• In order to hold the rooms, some hotels will include an attrition clause that will require you to give a credit card number in case some of the rooms are not picked up. In this case, if all of the rooms are not reserved you will be charged.

• It's worth asking for...

  • A Custom Web Page. Larger chain properties (like a Marriott or Hilton) can offer a custom wedding web page that you can send out to your guests. It's like your own little Expedia page with your group rate pre-loaded so guests don't even have to call the hotel itself.

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• A complimentary upgrade or even a room/bridal suite. Some locations will offer a complimentary upgrade/room depending on the amount of rooms your group books.

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When the cut off date will be. The cut-off date is usually 30 days prior. After this date, all remaining rooms will be released back into the hotel's inventory. At that point, your guests will be unable to take advantage of the discounted rate but can still book a room based on availability.

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Work with your Group Sales Coordinator throughout the process to monitor the pick-up over the next few months and determine when and if it is necessary to add more rooms.

When sending out your save-the-dates, be sure to include each properti’s name, phone number, address and website.  If you are getting hitched during the summer months it might be a good idea to include the contact info of a beach house rental property in case your guests are planning to make a long vacation out of it!  Lastly, don't forget to add the information to your wedding website, as well. 

Ready to reserve your room blocks? Shoot us an email at hello (@) alowcountrywed.com to get started.