So everyone knows you are engaged and they are ALL waiting for their invite to your wedding...is panic setting in yet?  There are a few things that you need to consider before calling the printer and calligrapher.  

BUDGET
For every guest you invite there is a price to consider.  Nothing in this world is free and that holds more and more true when it comes to weddings.  Each person represents:

• More invitations, postage - "What time are we supposed to be at the church?"
• More bar - "Hey bartender, may I have another glass of chardonnay?"
• More food - "I adore these things.  I need one more of those bacon wrapped shrimp?"
• More rentals - "I need to find a seat.  These heels are killing me."
• More centerpieces - "These flowers are lovely...I just love the lanterns and candles."

It isn't a glamorous way to think about it but a budget is so important to consider and things will add to the bottom line.  

VENUE
The location you chose for the ceremony and the reception may also determine your guest count.  In Charleston, you can find plenty of options that will lend themselves well for any size group.  The question is...is it the right venue for you.  While many will hold groups of 100+, there are some that may hold 30.  You need to review the capacity of your venue with both the building coordination and your planner.  Make certain that you also discuss the style of dinner you are considering. Sit down plated, buffet, food stations...all of these things require tables, chairs, and service staff which also takes up a foot print in the venue. 

CREATE A LIST
We have all heard of creating an A/B list while making your guest list.  Although the goal is to invite everyone to celebrate, the reality is that it isn't always possible.  I encourage my brides to create an A/B/C (sometimes) list.  When asked how I know which person to put in each category...this is how I respond.

"My A list are those that I can't live without...there is no hesitation...they have to be there."

Typically the A list are immediate family members and the closest of friends.  No matter what the budget is, they would and always would be at the top of your list.  

"My B list are those that I am close with an would be upset if they couldn't attend.  They are the ones that I connect with throughout the year and are going to want to celebrate this wedding because they know we all have been anticipating it for some time."

For the B list, these would be close family members and friends that you socialize with.  They can also be coworkers or associates that you have befriended.  (they are more than just an acquaintence.

​"My C list are those that I may wave to on a daily basis but I don't necessarily call when I am bored."

I say this because I think of a neighbor that I see each day but then again we don't necessarily call each other friends.  Would it seem reasonable to invite them...yes....but is it necessary....no.  

RELAX
Your wedding day should be full of friends and family that will love, support, and be there for you after the wedding day.  Don't worry about quantity...surround yourself with quality.  

I have received many congratulations through LinkedIn on my work anniversary.  It is hard to believe that 5 years ago, I became the owner of A Charleston Event...and I haven't looked back.  I have been in the industry for close to 15 years in some capacity of events - catering, venue rentals, banquets/receptions, award galas, fundraisers, etc - and it has all paid off to make me successful in living my dream.  
Hard work, dedication, and the love and support of family and friends that have cheered me on have led to my success.  It is the trust and commitment and strong relationships with my brides that keep me excited. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone for believing in me.

I wholeheartedly believe that Everyday is a gift for it to be what you want. I am living my dream. Are you living yours?

The amazing Bob Snow - father of the bride aka BobEtsy - sent this to me yesterday and I just had to share.  
His daughter Elizabeth was married to Jake Oster at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island on Halloween night.  One of their guests staying at the Sanctuary filmed the sunrise for the couple and sent it to them as a gift.  This is so thoughtful and touching...I know that they will enjoy many more sunrises.  What a wonderful  and thoughtful gesture.  

So I admit it.  I am a sucker for these online quizzes especially when it is a late night and I am trying to fall asleep.  Counting sheep doesn't help BUT MAYBE...just maybe figuring out how many wedding movies I have seen would get me to relax my brain and get some shut eye.  
I came across this Wedding Movie Quiz by Popsugar Entertainment and I have to say that I was disappointed in myself.  Out of the 42 movies, I only knew 27!  I could have sworn that I would have known more but maybe it is just the list.
Anyways...would like to know how many on the list you have seen AND what is your favorite wedding movie.  
My personal favorite is The Wedding Date.

Those of us that grew up in Charleston, South Carolina have a special place in our hearts for Folly Beach.  When Alissa and Michael contacted A Charleston Event and said that they planned to take their vows barefoot on the sands of Folly, I jumped at the chance to work with them.  
You could not have asked for a more beautiful couple.  They truly are in love and wanted to make this day special for themselves and their families.  Alissa and Michael included personal touches throughout the entire event that would later be incorporated into their lives together as a married couple - the monogrammed corn hold boards, live plants as centerpieces that would later be planted in their yard, handmade wooden crates that they could use within their home.  It truly was a wedding built around them both.  
I appreciated working with all of the vendors that came together to create this day.  
Thanks again to The Knot for publishing this wedding and to the talented Annie Gannon Kaufman with Photo by Gannon for these beautiful images.  We hope you enjoy the read.  

A Charleston Event's TOP 5 Reasons to Unplug for the Wedding Ceremony (in the voice over that they use on David Letterman)

#5  The bride just tripped over your tripod!
#4  "I was hoping to see the live version but your phone is in the way.  Oh well, at least you have a big enough screen."
#3  "Who am I supposed to smile at?"  (says the wedding party while everyone is telling them to "look here - look here!"
#2  "Click, click, click, click, click, click, click...I can't hear the vows"
and the 
#1 reason...The wedding party wants to get to happy hour!

Let's face it, we ALL have cameras right at our fingertips.  Nowadays, it seems that if it is portable well then it should have a camera in it.  I think all of us have spent a pretty penny on a camera just hoping that we could be the next Ansel Adams (hasn't happened for me yet).  

A wedding ceremony is a joyous occasion and of course you want to document the moment.  But as an invited guest to the ceremony, the bride and groom want you to enjoy and relish in the occasion.  So much time and preparation has gone in to choosing the right vendors...especially the photographer and I think it is time that we leave the "clicking" to them.    

Take a look at some of the recent articles on the web on this issue.  I hope you enjoy.  
"You Might Want to Consider an Unplugged Wedding" 
"Forever Hold Your Tweets"
"Unplugged Weddings:  Why You Should Put Away Your Phone at Nuptials"

Those of you that know me from a personal side know that my grandparents meant the world to me growing up (and they still do).  I have fantastic memories of swinging on the porch with my Grandpa Gose as we played bus stop (he drove a bus).  Listening to my Grandma Gose play the piano and singing "Over the River and Through the Woods."  Going shopping and doing inventory at my Nanaw's store - I think this is where I got my business side.  And going to Dairy Queen with my Papaw and all of my cousins  These are moments that make me smile and they are memories that only I can cherish.  

I can only imagine what the bride in this video's memories are of her grandparents.  They could only be as sweet as the ones I have of mine.  It is so touching that she went to the hospital with her wedding party to surprise someone that obviously means so much to her.  

Your wedding day is a celebration of life, love, and the future.  Take the time on your wedding day to honor and include those that made you who you are.  

So I was on Huffington Post tonight and I saw the article on The Very Real Struggle All Engaged Couples Face by Brie Dyas and I just had to watch the video.  This of course made me laugh which is now why you are reading this blog and getting ready to push play on the YouTube link.  

As a wedding planner, I always ask "What is your fiancé's name" or the bride to be will always offer up "my finance's name is...".  I guess I didn't realize it was such an issue.  

Do you remember it being weird?  How did you introduce your (insert word)?

I am writing this today from the salon chair while I wait for my stylist to mix the solution that will soon hide the...well you know what she is going to hide.

As she walked away I said to her "I trust you."

She knows me. My personal style. Yet when I walk out of here, it may be 6 weeks until I sit in her chair again.

It takes a lot for me to use those words. Think about it. You trust someone with your kids, your livelihood, to ensure your safety on the roads, etc AND then you get engaged....

Of course you know the person that you are marrying and trust him with your heart and future but you now have to trust complete strangers with creating a day you have been anticipating for some time.

I tell my brides all of the time that you have to be comfortable with your decisions. You want to find someone that listens to you, is available to discuss your concerns, and is confident enough to offer solutions that work specifically for you.

This is a relationship that you are building!

Your planner, stylist, photographer, florist, DJ, limo company, caterer...they are all new to you. Make certain that you read reviews, schedule face time, ask questions, and choose professionals.

Your heart led you to the one you will marry and will also lead you to the right vendors.

As for my hair today, I leave the salon with a smile on my face and extremely excited that I again made the right choice.

With the simple words "I Do", a family joins together as one.  For Cate and Andrew, their family of three traveled from Virginia o elope at White Point Gardens at the Charleston Battery on March 8, 2014.  
When Cate contacted A Charleston Event, she had one request - for her to enjoy this moment with her little family and to have no worries.  We accepted the request - everything from the location, the florals, the photographer, a wedding cake, and dinner reservations.  
We wish them much love and happiness on their marriage.