Charleston Florals

A CHARLESTON EVENT & Bridal Library
Don't forget flowers for your 'meeters & greeters' and Godparents. Let us quote you for an all-inclusive floral package.

Charleston Florals

www.charlestonflorals.com

Charleston Florals is a subdivision of the premier wedding planning company A Charleston Event & Bridal Library. Because we’ve been planning weddings for 30 years, we understand the need for particular attention to detail.

Wedding & Specialty Rentals in Charleston

When planning a wedding in Charleston, the first thing most brides think about is the ceremony and reception location. You dream about the way you'll walk down that aisle, whether its in a church or on a beach. One of the last things brides think about is where they will rent ceremony chairs from though.

As a planner, we have so many brides who contact our company a few weeks before the wedding in a panic looking for chairs for a beach ceremony or tables for their reception site. If you book your wedding celebrations at a restaurant, banquet facility or all-inclusive resort venue, you will not have to worry about this. However, whenever you book a site that does not include rentals, then the search is on.

I wanted to share some valuable sites for rentals with brides and planners who are booking destination weddings in Charleston. Not everyone supplies the same rentals and not everyone has a full inventory of everything.

A Charleston Event supplies specialty rentals such as wrought iron gates, gazebos, candalabras and specialty glassware and props. Because they also have their own floral division, they offer a large selection of floral containers and crystal. The event designers and planners at A Charleston Event work with a selection of the finest linen companies in the United States and locally and offer a huge selection of linens, fabrics, chair covers and aisle runners and other wedding related items.

A Charleston Event's planners will also assist you in your rentals budgeting. Because of their affiliation with Charleston's best names in event rentals, they can make your job so much easier by doing the legwork for you. A small portion of their specialy rentals are listed at their website or you can reach them at 843-494-9502: A Charleston Event Rentals

Photo Courtesy of Exquisite Events by Elyn

Snyder Event Rentals are one of the original rental companies in Charleston and probably have the largest inventory of tents, liners, tables, chairs, catering equipment, china, glassware, linens and specialty items.

While they have always offered furniture rentals, just recently they added onto their inventory - Snyder Lounge Furniture.

Check out their easy-to-use webiste for prices and samples of the new stock. You can also calculate online estimates that will help enormously if you are trying to determine a rental budget. Combine this with great customer service and you're half way there!
3875 Meeting Street North Charleston, SC 29405
Telephone 843--766-3366

Photo Courtesy of A Charleston Event

Out of Hand (Ooh Event Rentals)
Another great company for beautiful and unique rentals such as imported indian fabric tents, gorgeous chandeliers, antique china & glassware and a beautiful array of furniture rentals.

Out of Hand also offer tables, chairs, wonderful bars, containers and specialty rentals. That, combined with their wonderful gift shop and creative floral division on Pitt Street in Mt. Pleasant will make you feel like you're walking into an Aladdin's Cave.

Pictures right are Out of Hand's custom leather settee for a ladies tent.113C Pitt Street, Old Village
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
p (843) 856-3585

All Occasions, the party & event division of AAA Rentals is Charleston's oldest and one of the largest providers of rentals. Everything for all occasions; from the basics, such as linens, tables, chairs and serving ware, to hundreds of unique accessories to enhance events and celebrations of any theme. Their website features the items that are often requested; however, they do have thousands and thousands of items to rent, as well as for sale, at their showroom and equipment center, which is in the north area and located at

3555 Meeting Street If you are looking for a particular item and do not find it listed on their website, give them a call at 843-554-6334.

All Occasions Rentals

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In 2008 Group Dynamics Rentals was created to offer a comprehensive line of event rentals that were not only brand new, but meticulously maintained. Most importantly, we drew heavily on our years of event production experience to develop a customer service team who understood the challenges of executing even the simplest events and the critical importance of being not just your best source for rentals, but also a full partner in ensuring your event is a success.

They offer tables, chairs, china, linens, catering equipment and bar rentals along with specialty items. Along with another option for specialty items, they offer great customer service.

Group Dynamics are located at 1750 Signal Point Road, Charleston, SC 29412 Tel: 843-406-4117

Other rental companies in Charleston:

Steven Duvall Rentals & Decor

Event Works Rentals

One last thing to remember when renting any item from rental companies:

• Rental prices vary
• Rental prices do NOT usually include delivery, damage waiver or tax
• Rental items can also be collected from companies to save the delivery charges
• Rentals are not usually delivered and set up on beaches. There are some exceptions. Check with the rental companies

For personalized assistance or more information on renting items for you wedding day, contact the wedding planners at A Charleston Event at 843-494-9501

Destination Weddings by Melissa Bigner, Charleston Mag

10 Reasons to Get Married in Charleston, South Carolina
by Melissa Bigner, Posted May 7th 2010 1:00PM

Filed Under: Destination WeddingsTaylor Stewart Photography

1. Locations, Locations, Locations!
No matter what flavor ceremony and reception venue you're craving, Charleston's got it. Antebellum manor house? Sure! Plantation? You bet! Verdant courtyard garden? Not a problem. Dune-fringed beach? Coming right up. Fairy-tale church? They don't call it the Holy City for nothing -- Charleston claims more than 300 churches and temples, many of which date back to the late 1600s and 1700s. There's a reason movies like The Notebook are filmed here and why catalogs and magazines shoot here round-the-clock -- everywhere you go, you've got a stunning backdrop, be it naturally or historically so. For couples, that means getting married in Charleston equals a textbook wedding fantasy (and it means you don't have to dish out dollars to create or overdress your location).

2. Tasty Times
For a relatively small town, Charleston boasts more than its share of local foodie celebs, from James Beard Award - winning chefs (and restaurants) to nationally renowned tastemakers. That means rehearsal dinners, reception menus, day-after brunches and sweet treats all along the way are crafted by the best of the best. But don't think it's all old-school Southern fried. These days, mama's specials (like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits) have new twists and boast straight-from-the-low-country-farm and boat ingredients. So whether you're in the mood for an oyster roast, tapas sampler or formal multicourse meal, Charleston delivers.

3. Sweet Treat
The South has long been know for its sweet tooth -- pralines and pecan pie, anyone? -- but Charleston's bakers and cake designers have raised the bar sky-high. From Peninsula Grill's nationally known 12-layer coconut cake to James Beard Award - winner Lauren Mitterer's confections to Jim Smeal's intricate, oft-published cakes and the dessert buffets from Baked, we know how to sate a sugar lover.

4. Turnkey or Do It Yourself?
Charleston vendors have their feet on the ground. It's one of the best things about living here -- that we all know snootiness equals bad manners. So whether you hire a wedding designer and planner to oversee every last detail of your wedding or you elect to DIY and simply need a day-of coordinator and a few pros to pitch in, the wedding folk in this neck of the woods get it and treat you princess-style no matter your budget. And as for their work? Sure, their weddings, florals, images and more grace the pages of all the national wedding mags and litter the pages of "It" wedding books near and far, but even more importantly, their client feedback is pure gold.

5. Play Station
While those in the bridal party typically have full slates on wedding weekends, guests tend to have a fair bit of downtime. That's why hosting a wedding in an easy-to-navigate vacation town like Charleston -- with world-class attractions, golf, spas, beaches, shops, restaurants, history and more -- is a gift to everyone involved in your big day.

6. Romance Rules
Time and again Charleston is voted the most romantic city in the country. Because strolling is THE way to go here (the city's historic neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, pristine beaches, and public gardens are hand-holding central); horse-drawn carriages and couples rickshaws are ubiquitous; and little boys offer handmade palmetto roses to most every passing lady, the accolade comes as no surprise to locals. If you're looking for a wedding spot that's synonymous with romance, we're it, as even the most reluctant romantic gets the love bug in Charleston.

7. Fair Weather, Friend
There really is no wedding season in Charleston. That's because the weather here is wedding-rific year-round. Sure it gets cool enough to know it's winter (think 60s), and yes, the summers can get steamy (July mostly), but that's where a wrap or AC comes in, respectively. And as for sunny skies? We average 209 a year. The wet days? They tend to have only those fleeting, afternoon Southern showers. About snow -- what's that?

8. Weddingmoons?
Have you heard of these? It's the idea that your wedding location is so keen that you're loathe to head out of town and honeymoon elsewhere. Charleston's aforementioned amenities, plus its mix of spoil-me resorts, boutique hotels, B&Bs, beach cottage and town-house rentals and other getaway pads make it a top spot for weddingmoons. If saving on your bottom line while splurging on your honeymoon is a priority, think about staying in the city after you say your I do's; the travel expenses you can pocket and the packages available at many accommodations will do you right and then some.

9. Fashion, Baby!
Maybe you've noticed how Charleston designers keep landing on Project Runway.Charleston Fashion Week each March, as well as its offshoot, the Bridal Couture Runway Show, presented by Charleston Weddings
Why, you ask. Well, it used to be that local fashionistas would have to head to the big cities for top labels and of-the-minute looks, but no more. Thanks to bustling King Street with its scores of chains (from Saks and Brooks Brothers to Urban Outfitters and Cynthia Rowley) and boutiques (like Hampden Clothing, Bob Ellis, LulaKate, M. Dumas & Sons and Billy Reid), Charleston is a style maven's dream town. That means brides, bridal parties, grooms, and mothers and fathers of the couple can find just what they need for wedding attire. Couture gowns, off-the-rack numbers, handmade creations, plus vintage, mod, or custom jewels, and men's attire: It's all here, as preppy, classic, or contemporary as you could wish for. Want to see it on the runway? Check out magazine.

10. Please and Thank You
Charleston was actually honorably retired (with a lifetime-achievement award for good graces) from the Most Mannerly City in America contest because we kept winning first place year after year after year. Tough problem to have. We just can't help opening doors, giving directions, helping strangers with this and that and inviting everyone in, whether in to town, to our gardens, inside for a house tour or who knows what. Really. If you want to surround yourself with quintessential Southern hospitality -- and what better way to kick off a marriage than in play-nice central? -- head this way.

Melissa Bigner is the Editor of Charleston Weddings magazine.
http://www.aisledash.com/2010/05/77/10-reasons-to-get-married-in-charleston-south-carolina/

Wedding Dress Pressing & Preservation

Exquisite Events by Elyn

Your wedding day is almost here and you have all the arrangements finalized. You have your marriage license, your ceremony site and reception site arrangements all taken care of. You’ve checked with your wedding planner and all the vendors are good to go. You know the décor and catering will be wonderful. You’ve even delivered all the welcome bags to all your out-of-town guests.

The one thing a lot of brides from out of town do NOT think about though is who will be touching up their wedding gown so that the bride looks her very best.

Exquisite Events by Elyn ensures that your wedding gown is pressed, hung and displayed like it should be. This is your special day and you’ve ordered a special gown for the occasion. Why wouldn’t you treat the dress as the most important component of the day? You wouldn’t put your rings in a bag in a closet, would you? Your wedding gown should be handled with the same loving care. You’ll only wear it once and it will be spotlighted in every photograph of you on the day. Let us help you achieve a stress-free day by taking care of your attire for the day.

GOWN PRESSING SERVICE

• Gown Pressing starts at $125 and up - Priced on the type of dress (lots of pleats, appliqués, taffeta, etc. costs more).
• Veils $25 and up - Fingertip length veils - included in the dress pressing. (Cathedral veils - $50 and up)
• Bridal Party Dresses $25 for tea length and $50-$75 for gowns.
• Flowergirl Dresses $25 for up to age 8 and thereafter cost the same as adult dresses.
  

We do NOT press tuxedos or suits. Men's Formal Shirts can be pressed for $12 each.

GOWN CLEANING & PRESERVATION SERVICES

• Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation made simple.
• We pick up, prepare your gown and ship it off for you. Gown is carefully dry cleaned and pressed and shipped directly to your door in a beautifully encased window box $179.95
• Celebrity Line Upgrade features Museum quality preservation including a silver preservation chest, unbleached muslin, hand pressing for $229.95
• There is no travel fee within the Historic Charleston area. There is a $50 travel fee to go out to Seabrook or Kiawah Island plus the gate fee.

For more information on our pressing services, please contact our representatives at our sister company –
A Charleston Event on 843-494-9501 or email us at info@ACharlestonEvent.com

Wedding Reference Books

One of my favorite all-time favorite books is the Fantasy Weddings Book by Preston Bailey, Event Designer Extraordinaire.

Printed in 2004, the book still holds a place in our Bridal Library as an inspirational reference to all things fantasy-like when it comes to weddings. The looks that Preston creates is not for the light-at-heart. Each page will grasp your attention as you imagine yourself attending these elaborate affairs. Amazon now has this and many other fine books by Preston Bailey on sale through our Amazon finder. Click the button on our blog to view sale prices now on offer!

Another personal favorite and so very rich with wonderful ideas for weddings is Sasha Souza's fabulous best seller - Signature Sasha, Magnificent Weddings by Design. Each page is documented by outstanding photography and description and holds original and breath-taking ideas. I particularly love the way this book covers REAL weddings. A must for all brides who are looking for bright new ideas for planning their perfect day.

For brides who are thinking about planning a true southern wedding with flare and classic southern charm, Charleston's very own Tara Guerard's Southern Weddings has a glimpse of some of the South's most beautiful properties and Tara's signature style. In true form, the book is full of wonderful ideas, brilliant photography and helpful tips about planning a wedding in true southern fashion. Great sale through Amazon.com on our BLOG. Check it out!

Local Garden Centers

To date, these are probably the cutest and most effective way of decorating your ceremony site yourself. Wrought iron triple hangers as shown here are a perfect way to mark the alter area for your ceremony. Use flowers that have been pre-made or pretty seasonal hanging baskets and you've got the perfect eye-catching area for your nuptials.

Pulling greenery and flowers from your local floral shops, stores and wholesalers is another way of creating simple arrangements that can be placed around your wedding reception. Place small flowering plants in burlap or fabric wraps to go with your wedding theme and you've got something that will double up as favors and/or gifts as well.

Walking through your DIY stores like Lowes or Home Depot, you're sure to find great ideas in the garden section. Garden Centers and Nurseries are full of wrought ironware, trellises, garden urns and ornaments this time of year. You're also sure to find the most gorgeous flowering plants throughout the seasons. Gardenias, Hydrangeas and Rose Bushes are in full abundance right now and all can be replanted into your own home. I like to think that plants that are used during the wedding, should be planted where you can watch it grow with marriage. When you move, you can take clippings or saplings along with you to each location.

Signature Bouquets

One of the Signature Design Bouquets by A Charleston Event & Exquisite Events by Elyn
The beautiful and delicate caging around the bouquet can be done in an array of colors. It is a symbol of protection and encompassing the precious bouquet inside, which itself is the symbol of LOVE on the wedding day. Cages come in medium or small varieties, with or without pearls, rhinestone, and can be reused around vases or jars after the wedding as a keepsake that will last for years to come. They also make the perfect keepsake for bridesmaid's gifts.

Contact us for more information on creating your signature bouquet or to purchase the cages yourself.
A Charleston Event 843-494-9501

Infused Cultures

This was the beautiful backdrop that Sharon and Josh chose for their infused wedding celebrations on May 22. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island boasts on the prettiest backdrops a couple could ask for. An all-inclusive resort located approximately 35 minutes outside of Historic Charleston, it offers everything from accommodation, restaurants, water sports, tennis and one of the world's leading golf courses. Combine that with the gorgeous seaside view, it is the perfect location for your Special Day!

This beautiful wedding was an infusion of two different cultures. Our lovely couple, Sharon and Josh decided to have a non-denominational wedding but wanted to incorporated some of their Jewish and Persian cultures into the ceremony. A Chuppah was constructed on the Grand Lawn of the Sanctuary and the Persian Table of ceremonial sweets, crystal and sweets was set up just outside the reception site so all the guests could witness the culture while awaiting to enter the reception.

During the ceremony, the couple were both escorted down the aisle by their parents in the traditional Jewish custom. During the ceremony itself, they shared both the Jewish custom of sharing of the Wine and feeding each other honey to sweeten the marriage as in the Persian custom. The ceremony ended in the 'breaking of the glass'.

A simple, yet beautiful seated dinner was held in the Oaks Ballroom where a four course meal was served to all the guests. Just outside of the ballroom, place cards were set in front of tall cylinders that were placed on lit turn-tables. When the place cards were gone, the cylinders held a beautiful display along with the small pedestal votives that were placed on the color coordinated wide runners.
The brides favorite flower was Calla Lilies, so it was no surprise when she had asked us to created something very simple and elegant without a lot of flowers. These clean glass containers were illuminated during the course of the evening, which allowed the 'show' of these regal flowers from the center. Lights dimmed and flowers highlighted.

Watch this space for upcoming professional photographs of this wedding shortly. For any questions regarding infused cultures in weddings, please feel free to contact A Charleston Event on 843-494-9501 or email us at info@acharlestonevent.com

Christy & Chris's Wedding

We posted some of the photos from our own Christy's wedding back in January. Here are some others that were taken by Heather Forsythe Photography. This was such a wonderful day and brings back such fond memories. Fresh, simple and fun!

Hydrangeas infused with natural wood flowers

This was probably one of my favorite details. The Perfect Pair was reflected through bartlet pears that were covered in caramel and nuts, then packaged just like candied apples. Badges on the packaging had the couple's name and wedding date just below "The Perfect Pair" logo. I even wrote a poem just for my favorite couple.

Caramel Covered Pears were served during the reception & as favors for guests to take home.

A poem for Christy & Chris

Simple Centerpieces

Beautiful Ceremony Site - this is why we LOVE Charleston.

Casual Seating areas

Cocktail Table Arrangements

Bridesmaid's Bouquets

Mom's Bouquets