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.  

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.  

He's the first man that held your hand.
To kiss your cheek.
To hold you close and whisper "I love you."
You probably stood on his feet while you danced your first dance in the living room.  

On your wedding day, he is the one that cries when he sees you dressed in white.  
It's his arm you take to walk down the aisle to the man of your dreams.
He's the one dance partner that you know has dreamed of twirling you on the dance floor since the day you met.  

For this bride, the absence of her father on her wedding day was devastating.  It was the thoughtfulness of her brother and the love and support of her family that allowed her still have this special moment that is usually only shared between a father and his daughter.  

Although I never met this bride, the moment that is shared in this video brought me to tears.  I wish her the best of love and luck and hope she knows that her father was with her in spirit at this joyous occasion.  

During a wedding, many couples like to include a unity ceremony as part of the program.  The unity candle and the blending of sand have been extremely popular throughout the years.  Many couples are very familiar with these options so they always ask:  "Is there something unique and different to do instead?"  
A few years ago, I was introduced to the Unity Cross and thought it was one of the most beautiful additions to a wedding ceremony that I had ever seen.  Not only is the cross elegant and an actual work of art, but its the explanation and interaction of the bride and groom during this time that is memorable.  
Take a moment and review the video to see if the Unity Cross is what you would like to include in your wedding ceremony.  

The elegance of a Charleston event doesn’t end once the festivities are over. Historic Charleston is home to some of the finest accommodations that Southern hospitality has to offer. Of all Charleston’s historic inns, The Governor’s House Inn offers by far the most romantic grandeur. A bed & breakfast with a history almost as interesting as its location, the Governor’s House was named the most glamorous of Charleston’s inns by one travel magazine, and it’s easy to see why.

The Governor’s House Inn was built in 1760, and served as the residence of Edward Rutledge from 1776 until his death. Mr. Rutledge served in both the First and Second Continental Congresses, and was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. His integral role in the formation of our country led his home to be named a National Historical Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Though Mr. Rutledge only served as governor for two years, 1798 until his death, it is from him that the inn got its name. The Governor’s House Inn now pays tribute to this founding father with a portrait hanging in the foyer beside a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Aside from its fascinating history, the Governor’s House Inn boasts a variety of beautifully decorated rooms and suites. The gourmet breakfast includes traditional southern favorites on a rotating menu including homemade quiche, sausage cheese bake, and banana French toast strata with amaretto sauce. Taking Southern hospitality seriously, the inn also offers afternoon tea, evening sherry, and wine and cheese.

The Governor’s House is also located conveniently near many of Charleston’s finest attractions. Just a short walk from the legendary Battery, Old Market, and Spoleto Venues, the Governor’s House is a perfect spot no matter what your business in Charleston. A short drive will also take you to four of South Carolina’s most beautiful beaches- Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, and Sullivan’s Island.

The rich history of the Governor’s House Inn combined with its tradition of hospitality make a stay here unforgettably Southern. The glamour and sophistication of the house itself is echoed in magnificent drawing rooms, boudoir staterooms, and expansive verandah porches, calling to mind images of a genteel lifestyle native only to beautiful Charleston. 

What a way to honor the month of March but by recognizing The Wedding March in C Major by Felix Mendelssohn.  Whether the tune is echoed by a harp, violin, organ, piano, or trumpet, the song itself in recognizable as one of the most popular tunes for the wedding recessional.  When the first few bars of this piece are played, you can envision the bride and groom recessing down the aisle as husband and wife with their friends and family cheering them as the exit the church doors. 
The Wedding March was written by Mendelssohn in 1842 for Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream."  I can't say that I remember too much about this play but the marriage was between the Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon Queen, Hippolyta.  
In 1847, the song was used at the wedding of Dorothy Carew and Tom Daniel at St. Peter's Church.  But it was in 1858 that Queen Victoria's daughter, Victoria, chose the song for her royal wedding to Prince Frederick William of Prussia which made the piece popular for weddings to follow.  
This piece is timeless and traditional.  
What song will you recess to?

Dating back to the Civil War, the Palmetto Rose has been a symbol of everlasting love and devotion.  Before a lady's true love departed for war, they would weave this special rose from the leaves of the State's tree - the Palmetto.  Soldiers would tuck them into their hats and ride off to battle with this token of devotion that was to keep them safe from harm
Here in Charleston, this beautiful creation is alive and well and can be seen downtown Charleston along the Market.  While many visitors purchase these items as a memento of their visit, many brides are incorporating them into their wedding decor.  
In centerpieces and bouquets to boutonnieres and party favors,  these unique roses offer a touch of Charleston charm to any wedding.  
The Palmetto Rose - a beautiful keepsake for your next event.  

While sitting down to dinner this Thanksgiving, I started to think of the many brides that I had the privilege to work with over the year and wondered how they were planning to spend their holidays with their new family.  
Every family has its own traditions and no one really ever wants to see those traditions end.  
I know that for many years, I have been at my mother's house the 2 days prior to Thanksgiving assisting with the cooking and the baking.  Then there is the day-of festivities of baking the turkey, chasing the men out of the kitchen, agonizing over another Thanksgiving football game, searching through the Black Friday deals, eating dinner, searching through more ads, eating again, and then shopping with the girls til 6am.  
Of course, when families grow some of those details have to change.  Its called compromise and it isn't always easy.  Maybe you spend Thanksgiving with your family and Christmas with your spouse's.  Maybe you spend your first Thanksgiving as husband and wife in your own home and call your mother for all of your favorite recipes (fresh cranberries).  
Whatever you decide to do, remember that the holidays are about family and you must compromise to include all traditions.  Breathe...you will get through it.  
Would love to know what traditions you and your spouse couldn't live without.