Why choose Charleston?

1. CHOICES, CHOICES

Being a wedding musician in Charleston for five years, I have experienced a diversity of venues; the romantic sunset-dressed beach ceremony, the serene historic plantation wedding featuring the signature aged oak trees and Spanish moss backdrops as well as the sophisticated and classy downtown hotel wedding. What makes Charleston so perfect for weddings is you can pick your ideal “backdrop” where you want your wedding to take place from a wide range of venues that fits your style as well as budget. Charleston, being known as the “holy city” houses some of the most exquisite churches and synagogues built as early as the mid-1700’s. Budget-wise, it is very easy to get married in Charleston without sacrificing the beauty of the surroundings. Locations such as Charleston’s beaches and City of Charleston parks offer an untouched and natural setting but for a lot less.

2. STICK AROUND FOR THE HONEYMOON

To top it off, Charleston creates the perfect romantic atmosphere for honeymooners coming from other locations or couples just getting married in Charleston. Charleston offers high-end luxury accommodations for couples looking to start off their new life together in luxury. There are also many wonderful tucked-away bed and breakfasts located in historic downtown mansions and homes as well as marvelous ocean-front villas at the beaches. Here, Charleston can successfully work as a wedding AND honeymoon destination.

3. WEATHER

The Lowcountry experiences more than half of it’s year in temperatures where its ideal for being outside which is what makes the outdoor wedding a staple here in Charleston. Between the months of March-June as well as September and October, the temperature is the most comfortable and enjoyable to have an outdoor wedding. In July and August, when the South is in the lazy, hot days of summer, picking an early morning or evening ceremony time (6:00 PM or after) for an outdoor wedding might be the best choice to limit being out in the heat, humidity, possible mosquitoes or afternoon thunderstorms. The other choice is always having the wedding indoors! There are many wonderful indoor options for ceremonies and receptions downtown and beyond.

Now, I didnt mention January and February – the months people tend to crinkle their faces when they think of getting married then. January especially can be a wonderful time to get married. First off, the prices for venues and wedding services are much cheaper than the early fall and spring months. You will probably have your pick on wedding dates since places are not booked up. Right after the New Years, prices drop, and it may be good for families especially since the kids will still be on their Christmas break. It may be a bit brisk, but doing a quick ceremony before it gets too dark (possibly a 4:00 ceremony) may work very nicely, who knows, there maybe a crystal clear winter sunset to complete the picture!

4. TOP CHEF(S)……..AND PHOTOGRAPHERS, FLORISTS, CAKE DESIGNERS, MUSICIANS, ETC…

Charleston is well-known for great restaurants, hotels, and bed and breakfasts making it a hospitality and tourism friendly town. There are two college programs for culinary school and three for hospitality programs, therefore bringing fresh, new faces into Charleston’s hospitality community. There are also many veterans that have been in the wedding business for decades and haven’t left because of the high demand for weddings and special events in Charleston. Same goes for wedding photographers, florists, cake designers, and ceremony/reception musicians. As a result, there is a plethora of choices in wedding vendors and services at all different levels and prices. Okay, words of advice: If you are local, talk to people that got married in Charleston, best way is through referral. For out of town as well as locals, give yourself plenty of time to research. Weddingwire.com is good for bride’s feedback and comments on vendors. Also, try to interview in person and write out all your questions to ask the vendors. During the interview, listen to how they answer the questions, if you don’t get a good sense, you are probably right. Move on to the next vendor.

5. WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS…(I MEAN) CHARLESTON

You can go to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, St. Lucia, heck..even Paris. Not to say they are beautiful and very desirable destinations for weddings but I do think of one or two words when I try to describe each of those places. They all seem to come with a label on their name. With Charleston, several adjectives float pleasantly in my head: Historic, sophisticated, distinctive, outdoorsy, laid-back….In Charleston, whether you are a nature girl, glam, artsy, or just a minimalist planning your wedding, Charleston has wonderful venues and locations to suit everyone’s tastes.