Bridal Guide 2017 Hilton Head & Bluffton

2017

BRIDAL GUIDE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON & THE LOWCOUNTRY

YOUR

ultimate

RESOURCE FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT

wedding

ANNUAL BRIDAL GUIDE

HILTONHEADBRIDALSHOW.COM

BRIDAL GUIDE | intro

BRIDAL GUIDE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON & THE LOWCOUNTRY

wedded bliss W PHOTOGRAPHY

Putting the ‘Happy’ in Your Happily Ever After

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raditions evolve and trends change, but weddings will always elicit the same emotions, whether you’re the groom or the guest. And any event filled with love, joy and hope deserves to be breathlessly anticipated and exceptionally well planned.

That’s why we’re here to help. Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and the surrounding Lowcountry are spectacular places to marry, and thousands of weddings are held here each year. From small budgets to large, beach to

country club, traditional to modern, this area sees them all. And with the demand for weddings in our area, you can be sure that we have some of the finest wedding professionals around. Consider them the best in class when it comes to paper, photography, planning, catering, cakes, flowers, rentals, lighting and everything else you need to plan the perfect day.

The 2017 Bridal Book is designed to be a resource guide and inspiration source for brides, grooms and their families. We give you the

lowdown on details like how to get a marriage license, how to hire the professionals (and where to find them), how to manage a guest list, how to organize your ceremony, and even how to plan your budget.

We cover fun stuff, too, like choosing your flowers, your perfect first dance song and so much more.

With equal parts reality and romance, we hope this guide will supply the perfect blend of inspiration and resources you need to plan your dream wedding here in our beautiful Lowcountry. BG 2017 Bridal Guide 1

BRIDAL GUIDE | contents

inside

6 | REAL WEDDING

Michelle and Jason Munsell learned the Lowcountry’s beauty and resilience cannot be downed by wind or rain.

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10 | W EDDING BUDGET 101

Whether you have $1,000 or $100,000 to spend, you can achieve the wedding you always wanted with a bit of careful planning.

14 | SAYING "I DO”

The ceremony is perhaps the most important part of your wedding. Make sure it’s both memorable and official.

18 | F IND THE DRESS OF YOUR DREAMS

Wedding gown shopping can be overwhelming. Know your body type and style preference before you begin the search.

22 | F LOWER POWER

There are a million ways to have flowers at your wedding.

Find tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.

26 | EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Every wedding guest secretly hopes for amazing food.

Planning a standout menu is easier than you think.

30 | MAKE A LIST, CHECK IT TWICE

Who’s invited to the wedding? Who isn’t? Commonsense ways to get your guest list under control.

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32 | L EAVE IT TO THE PROS

Though plenty of people can pull off a wedding on their own, almost every wedding will go smoother with the help of at least a few professionals.

36 | MUST-DOS BEFORE THE I-DOS

Planning a wedding isn't all pearls, peonies and parties.

Prenup discussions and marriage license applications are every bit as essential as the fun details.

40 | THE SOCIAL NETWORKING BRIDE

Create more excitement and buzz around your wedding with photos, videos and other digital tools.

MORE BRIDAL RESOURCES ONLINE AT HILTONHEADBRIDALSHOW.COM

BRIDAL GUIDE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON & THE LOWCOUNTRY

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44 | I T’S PARTY TIME

With all the fun that you will have planning your wedding, perhaps the part most enjoyed by brides and grooms is planning the reception.

52 | ESSENTIAL INFO

Perfect first-dance songs, traditions, superstitions, toasts, a handy timeline and a complete directory of local businesses and professionals.

PROVIDED BY KELLI CORN | PHOTO BY MARK STAFF

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BRIDAL GUIDE | helm

HERE COME THE

brides

will help you decide which vendors will help you accomplish your vision for the perfect wedding day.

Whether you are the bride, the groom, a family member or a close friend, you are embarking on one of the most magical experiences in your life, and we’re thrilled to be right by your side throughout the planning process.

Lori Goodridge-Cribb lori@hiltonheadmonthly.com

With gorgeous surroundings, beautiful weather year-round and a variety of luxurious accommodations, the Lowcountry is a world-class wedding destination.

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ll of these factors draw many highly talented wedding professionals to the area, but with so many fabulous vendors and venues to choose from, how do you know where to start?

The 2017 Bridal Guide was created to help you navigate the complicated process, from the engagement ring all the way through the honeymoon. We feel it is the one thing you can’t live without while planning your perfect Lowcountry wedding.

Inside, you’ll draw inspiration from the beautiful stories and stunning photography of real local weddings. You’ll find comprehensive listings of local wedding vendors, as well as in-depth profiles that

Whether you’re newly engaged, in the midst of your planning, or are eagerly awaiting your engagement, we’re thrilled you’ve turned to us for your inspiration.

This guide is available at key rack distribution points, bridal shops and other high-end stores across the Lowcountry.

You can also pick up a copy at the 2017 Hilton Head Bridal Show on Feb. 19 at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. For the bride on-the-go, a mobilefriendly digital guide is available online at hiltonheadbridalshow.com.

We feel we’ve created the Ultimate Bridal Guide, full of the most useful information that a couple needs to plan their wedding. It is an instruction manual, a shopping list, a local contact list, a designer’s reference and a glossary all in one beautifully designed handbook.

It is your direct connection to a network of wedding professionals who look forward to meeting you and bringing your vision to life.

We hope you enjoy the guide! BG

ABOUT THE COVER Special thanks to W Photography for providing our cover image. It was taken at the wedding of Caroline Santorum and Lee Ayres at Sea Pines Country Club.

BRIDAL GUIDE HILTON HEAD, BLUFFTON & THE LOWCOUNTRY address PO Box 5926, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 offices 843-842-6988 web hiltonheadmonthly.com CEO Marc Frey marc@hiltonheadmonthly.com PRESIDENT Anuska Frey afrey@freymedia.com PUBLISHER Lori Goodridge-Cribb lori@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-816-5838 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lance Hanlin lance@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-422-9544 ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Swartz jeremy@hiltonheadmonthly.com DESIGN Charles Grace charles@hiltonheadmonthly.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Hopkins, Arno Dimmling, Rob Kaufman, Mark Staff, W Photography, Donna Von Bruening, Joy Marie, Landon Jacob, McCully Healy, John Brackett, Ivan Wedgeworth, Amy Arrington, Vitor Lindo Photography, Jade + Matthew CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dean Rowland, Robyn Passante ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Rebecca V. Kerns rebecca@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-816-2732 Cathy Flory cathy@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-1538 Majka Yarbrough majka@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-290-9372 Mary Ann Kent maryann@hiltonheadmonthly.com 843-384-9390

CONTRIBUTORS Robyn Passante is the author of two books on weddings, “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Wedding Etiquette” and “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Wedding Vows.” She is a freelance journalist and a regular contributor to Hilton Head Monthly.

Passante also helps clients write and edit wedding vows, readings and toasts through her business, WellPhrased.com.

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Dean Rowland has been writing since he was a kid. He majored in journalism at Ohio University, vagabonded throughout Europe for a year after graduating early, and then moved on to his career at small and mid-sized newspapers before landing at one of the biggest newspapers in the country in Newark, New Jersey, as a writer and editor. Now he lives where he wants to live and still does what he wants to do — write.

real wedding MICHELLE & JASON

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BRIDAL GUIDE | real wedding

When Michelle and Jason Munsell set their wedding date for Oct. 30, 2016, Michelle’s father cautioned them about the time of year they were planning to say “I do.”

PHOTOS BY JOHN BRACKETT

"My dad kept saying, ‘It’s hurricane season. Are you sure you want to do it in October?’” says Michelle. But given the Lowcountry’s history with hurricanes, the couple knew chances were slim that their destination wedding would be derailed by weather woes.

And then, three weeks before the Atlanta couple’s nuptials, Hurricane Matthew struck the island. Michelle and Jason followed weather updates from their home in Atlanta while trying to think positively. Her parents had secured wedding insurance, which covers any

losses due to natural disasters. But the couple had no interest in putting off the party they’d spent more than a year planning.

“When our wedding planner, Beth Baldwin, was talking with us about what was going on after the hurricane, she kept using the word ‘devastation.’ She told us a lot of trees were down, and she kept saying ‘devastation.’ Finally I said, ‘I swear to you, Beth, if you use that word anymore I’m going to lose it,’” Michelle laughs. “So we didn’t know what to expect.”

What they learned, however, is that the Lowcountry’s beauty and resilience cannot be downed by wind or rain; its businesses and communities rallied in a way that makes it obvious why this area is such a perennial wedding destination.

“We were completely impressed by The Westin’s ability, and the island community itself, to pick up the pieces so quickly,” Michelle says. “Even though The Westin was hit and there were areas where they were doing construction, you couldn’t really tell and no one really acted like something had just happened three weeks before. Our day was as perfect as it would have been if no ‘devastation’ had happened.”

The couple had chosen Hilton Head because of Michelle’s family ties to the island; they’d been vacationing here for more than 20 years. The two sweethearts met in an English class at 2017 Bridal Guide 7

BRIDAL GUIDE | real wedding

the University of Georgia, where Jason graduated in 2010 and Michelle a year later. In May 2015, Jason invited his then-girlfriend back to campus under the guise of preparing for a work presentation. He proposed in the same classroom where they’d met.

“I had a feeling that weekend he was going to propose, because I really wanted us to be by ourselves. I wanted to enjoy the moment with him,” she says.

“So I didn’t know exactly. But I’d gotten my nails done, just in case.”

With Michelle hailing from Atlanta and Jason’s friends and family mostly coming from his native Cleveland, Ohio, they knew there was going to be some significant travel involved for a lot of their guests no matter where they picked to wed.

“All of our friends are getting married – we’ve been on the wedding train for the past 2-plus years – so we wanted to do something different,” Michelle says. “His side of family and friends would have 8 hiltonheadbridalshow.com

had to travel anyway, so we said ‘Let’s do something no one has done yet.’”

No one had done a destination wedding on a picturesque island a short drive from Georgia. So Michelle and Jason, along with 175 of their friends and relatives, descended on the island that last weekend in October to celebrate a love story and cement its future. Their original rehearsal dinner site, Port Royal Golf Club, was out of commission due to the hurricane, so the Westin Resort accommodated the party instead, and everything went off without a hitch.

The following day the Georgia fans hosted a tailgate party for all of their out-of-town guests, as they watched the Florida Gators defeat their beloved Bulldogs. “We had bar food, beer and wine, and everyone was invited to that,” Michelle says of the casual, sportsthemed pre-party.

The wedding itself was on Sunday evening, so the bridal party – eight brides-

maids and 10 groomsmen – relaxed during the day and slowly got ready.

Michelle’s gown was a stunning V-neck ivory Monique Lhuillier mermaid-style gown with lace overlay. Her bridesmaids wore varied styles of the same chiffon dress in a deep eggplant color called “ink.” Dawn Kiritsy of A Floral Affair created bouquets of purple and green succulents to complement the dresses. But her finest work was with the chuppah, the traditional Jewish wedding canopy that stood overlooking the ocean on the Westin’s outer deck.

“Our chuppah was the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen,” Michelle says. “I envisioned this very natural-looking floral vision with purple and green succulents and flowers and driftwood, and it was amazing to see it all come together.

Dawn is an artist and I told her what I was thinking and gave her some pictures and she just kind of went with it.”

After all the anticipation and planning, Michelle says the walk down the aisle toward her groom was the most memorable part of the day.

“Really what stood out to me was seeing Jason for the first time, and seeing him seeing me. He was jumping up and down at the altar,” she says. “And seeing all my guests, and looking around and seeing that all these people were connected through me and Jason.”

The couple’s two rabbis traveled from Atlanta to lead the ceremony, which included the signing of the ketubah in front of the wedding guests. When the nuptials were complete, the cocktail hour was held on the same outer deck while guests soaked in the sunset and ocean breezes. Reed Richmond, who’d played acoustic guitar for the ceremony,

continued to play for the cocktail hour as photographer John Brackett took some formal pictures of the bridal party in front of the setting sun.

Then it was inside for the reception, where the RiverTown Band played a customized version of Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man,” the song the couple had chosen for their first dance.

“Jason and I’s first dance really sticks out for me because we didn’t practice at all. I remember going out there and I thought I was going to be very nervous, but it felt like we were the only people in the room,” Michelle says. “It was just fun to dance to this song we’d been planning to for a year and a half.”

The Westin’s staff provided a plated salad and several stations of delectable dishes, including salmon wrapped in phyllo dough and beef tenderloin, before a multi-tiered marble cake with white chocolate mousse icing was presented for slicing and serving. But the party was the focus, and the happy couple and all their guests danced – and sang – the night away.

“I loved the party. I had forewarned the band that I was going to need a microphone,” Michelle says. “I sang everything. Bon Jovi, ‘Sweet Caroline,’ Taylor Swift.”

Except for a Georgia football win, Michelle and Jason say the weekend couldn’t have gone any smoother, and they were thrilled with their Hilton Head wedding experience – thanks, in large

part, to the amount of professional help they received to pull off the perfect party.

“Beth Baldwin was phenomenal. I called her the captain of my ship. I had no worry in the world; she was on top of it from the get-go,” Michelle says.

“She was the first person I called to interview for wedding planners, and within one minute I knew this was the woman I wanted.” BG

VENDORS

Wedding planner: Beth Baldwin Weddings Cake: Frankie Cakes Photographer: John Brackett Videographer: Hilton Head Video Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals Lighting: JLK Music, Ceremony & Cocktail: Reid Richmond Music, Reception: Rivertown Florist: A Floral Affair Stationer: Pretty Papers Hair & Make Up: Bride’s Side Beauty Live Canvas Artist: Artistic i Wedding 2017 Bridal Guide 9

BRIDAL GUIDE | budget

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arrying the love of your life is a dream come true. But in all the fun of dreaming up the details of your big day, it’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy — and forget all those magical little elements really add up. That’s why it’s important to be realistic about your budget.

What exactly does a wedding cost in the Lowcountry? Here are some numbers that might help get your feet planted firmly on the ground, while your head is in the clouds.

According to The Wedding Report, couples spend between $24,641 and $41,069 for a wedding on Hilton Head Island. That includes an average of just over $15,000 on the venue, catering and rentals. The local average cost is a nudge above the national average of $26,645, although The Knot pushes the national figure to $31,213, based on nearly 16,000 surveys filled out by newlyweds in 2014.

PYRAMIDS

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BRIDE'S SIDE BEAUTY | PHOTO BY THE 2654 PROJECT

Setting – and sticking to! – your wedding budget is the key to pulling off the perfect party without losing your shirt.

2017 Bridal Guide 11

PHOTOS BY RUTHE

Despite the cost, the Lowcountry is a super popular setting for weddings. Last year, 1,984 weddings were held in Beaufort County, an increase over the previous year that cements it in the top 10 percent of the nearly 3,000 counties nationwide. And sure, some of those have been over the top, ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 and featuring lavish elements like pumpkin-shaped, horse-drawn carriages Cinderella would envy and Swarovski crystalstudded gowns. But with the help from the area’s wedding professionals and a little careful planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams, no matter your budget.

Here are a few tips that can help keep your spending down:

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• Invite fewer guests.

• Provide a buffet, not a plated dinner.

• Have your wedding earlier in the day, serving a light brunch or appetizers instead of a full dinner.

• Skip videography.

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• Hire a venue that offers chairs, flatware and table linens so you don’t have to rent them.

BRIDAL GUIDE | budget

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• On the flip side, if you have room in your budget, consider these extra elements that will add to your big day: • Use extravagant lighting with dimmers and colors to create a graceful ambiance for your reception. Decorative hanging lamps or crystal chandeliers are showworthy.

• Create a “wow” factor with décor at the entryway to the reception.

Have your florist assemble a showpiece display at the escort card table, and make sure servers offer champagne or a special signature cocktail to guests as they enter.

• Install a photo booth so your guests can create keepsake pictures, which then can be displayed over the dance floor for everyone to see.

• Surprise your guests with short performances by a cellist, a jazz trio or belly dancers before the reception kicks into high gear. Something special and unexpected will be long remembered.

• Liven up the party near its scheduled end by having a food truck roll onto the premises serving tacos, pancakes or late-night munchies. Or provide a hot coffee bar with special liqueurs, syrups and toppings.

KEEPIN’ IT REAL There may be a gap between what you want and what you can afford that needs to be bridged from the beginning. Along with your families, it’s important to talk honestly and openly about what kind of reception you can afford, and how many people you can invite.

Weighing your priorities and possible tradeoffs from the beginning of the planning process will save you time, money and heartache as you prepare to walk down the aisle. Just remember – you already found your perfect match, which is the most important, and priceless, detail of all. BG 2017 Bridal Guide 13

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MARRIAGE

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BRIDAL GUIDE | ceremony

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LISA KENWARD EVENTS

The reception details take considerable focus, but the ceremony itself is the main event. Plan ahead to ensure your nuptials are both memorable and legally binding!

T A FLORAL AFFAIR

he ceremony isn’t just a beautiful moment between two people in love; it’s a binding event in the eyes of both the local government and, depending on your personal preference, your house of worship, and there are several things you need to do before you say “I do.” Before you can walk down the aisle, you need to make sure you’ve filled out all the forms — dotting your “I”s and crossing your “T”s.

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BRIDAL GUIDE | ceremony

HAIG POINT

MAKE IT OFFICIAL Before your big day, you and your fiancé will need to apply in person for a marriage license. The main office of the Beaufort County Probate Court in Beaufort and the Hilton Head Island satellite office have different hours and appointment requirements, so make sure you check before you make the drive. There is a 24-hour waiting period after you submit your application before your license will be issued, so don’t wait until the last minute. For more on marriage license requirements in Beaufort County, go to http://bit. ly/1TVqcGE.

SONESTA | PHOTO BY JEFF GENTER AT JEFF & MOLLIE WEDDINGS

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Of course, you’ll need more than a marriage license to make your union official. You’ll also need to make sure you have an officiant to perform the ceremony.

Certain members of the clergy, chiefs or spiritual leaders of recognized Native American tribes, judges and notaries public are authorized to administer the oath and sign the marriage license; it’s up to you whom you

select. There is usually a fee for a registered officiant, but some clergy will perform the ceremony in return for a donation to the church. Expect to pay between $500 and $800.

Once you have your marriage license and your officiant, you’re ready to plan your ceremony. Let your officiant guide you in what a “traditional” service in that faith or style typically includes, but speak up if you want to add or amend things to make your ceremony uniquely yours.

A traditional service starts with the procession down the aisle, followed by the officiant’s opening remarks and any readings, the exchange of vows and rings, the marriage pronouncement, the kiss and the recessional. You can personalize your ceremony by selecting music and readings that have significance, or add elements like a sand-pouring ceremony or unity candle to symbolize your new union. And of course, don’t be afraid to write your own vows.

VOWS THAT WOW We’re all familiar with the traditional vows — for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Though the wording varies slightly from religion to religion, all include the same themes of love, bonding and faith to a higher being — though some couples today eliminate the “honor” and “obey” wording. One way or another, however, traditional vows usually end with the officiant asking the couple if they will take each other as husband and wife, followed by a blessing over the newly married couple.

BETH BALDWIN Planning a wedding in the Hilton Head Island area?

Wedding planner Beth Baldwin shares the top 5 wedding day surprises the DIY bride might not be prepared for: #5. Not accounting for check-in/check-out traffic on a Saturday. Transportation logistics can pose a challenge for a wedding on a Saturday, especially during the summer months. #4. Choosing vendors based on price. Just because a wedding vendor has the lowest price doesn’t make them the best option for you personally.

Thoroughly vet each and every vendor to make sure they fit your vision, style, and needs.

A handful of nontraditional wedding vows have become standard choices for couples who opt not to embrace traditional or personal vows. Regardless of which nontraditional vow is chosen, they all touch on common themes such as the constancy of love, celebration of life, trust, sharing of dreams and pledging faithfulness.

#3. Not having a rain backup plan. The Lowcountry is known for weather that can change pretty quickly.

Always have a backup plan for your ceremony and/or reception set up.

Personal wedding vows are just that: personal. Your love is personal, the relationships you both have with your family and friends are personal, and the hopes and dreams you share are personal. If you choose to write a personal vow, ask yourself what matters most to you both. Express it in words, but also think about and agree on what tone to use — funny, serious, a little of both? And when in doubt, keep it short.

#1. Not hiring a day-of coordinator, at least 30 days out.

Without a day-of coordinator, you (or your mom) will spend all day setting everything up and stressing out, instead of experiencing the joy and celebration your wedding day should be!

#2. Wedding dress malfunction. This is the toughest one to manage! Our wedding day emergency kits are literally suitcase-sized so we can handle practically any kind of dress disaster.

Want more information? Call, text, or email Beth to find out how she and her team can help you enjoy a stress-free wedding day!

After you and your fiancé have exchanged your vows and presented each other with rings, you’re ready to head back up the aisle and hit the reception as a married couple. BG

Full Service Planning | Day Of Coordination 843.290.8727 bethbaldwinhhi@hotmail.com P

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Say ‘Yes!'

TO THE DRESS

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

fashion

You’ll be the belle of the ball no matter what you wear, but finding the perfect gown is easier with a little fashion know-how.

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT

On PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

the day of your wedding, all eyes are on you.

You’ll want to look and feel your best, which means finding the dress that fits both your style and your personality. But how to find “The Dress” out of the millions of beautiful wedding dresses out there?

Start by knowing you own personal style. If you are very fashion-forward in your daily attire, a high couture gown could be perfect for you. But if you tend to prefer more conservative, classic styles, it’s a smart choice to go with a classic gown. On your wedding day, you want to be the best version of yourself, not someone else.

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fashion

With that in mind, flip through wedding magazines, scroll through Pinterest, and start visualizing your dream dress. This is one of the best parts of wedding planning, so dive in.

BLEUBELLE | KELLI BOYD PHOTOGRAPHY

When you’ve got an idea of the styles you like, book an appointment at a bridal salon — and be sure to bring your mother, other relatives or close friends to give you a second opinion. Many bridal salons offer private consultations, complete with mimosas or champagne to make the process less stressful and exciting. Your consultant will take your measurements and pull samples for you to try on. Even if you think you know what kind of dress you’re looking for, be open to a variety of dress styles. Dresses might look very different on than they do on the rack, and you might be surprised by the dress that you fall in love with.

Your consultant might mention many types of styles; don’t be overwhelmed by the selection.

Know your dresses: • Ball gowns are perfect for the quintessential Cinderella moment.

• A-line dresses feature fitted bodices that flow from the waist into an “A” shape.

• Modified A-line dresses are slightly looser than A-line gowns, but still flow from the waist.

• Mermaid-style dresses were 2016’s most popular.

They hug the upper and lower body and flair out at the calves.

• Trumpet dresses are similar to mermaid dresses, but less form-fitting. They accentuate the hips and waist.

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• Sheath dresses are meant to flatter the bride’s body without being too form-fitting.

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• Tea-length dresses fall to mid-calf; they’re popular with trendy brides or at more casual weddings.

• Mini dresses are usually reserved for the after-party because they’re so short and flirty; you’ll rarely see a bride sporting a mini dress at the altar.

PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

As you’re trying on dresses, have fun but be practical. You’ll want a dress that fits both your ceremony location and reception venue. A Cinderella ball gown with a long flowing train might be difficult on the beach; a tea-length silk number might be better suited for that locale.

And of course, you’ll want to make sure your dress is comfortable enough so you can dance the night away at your reception.

It’s best to start looking for your dress about six to eight months before your wedding day. Dresses are usually made to order, which takes three to four months. Once it arrives, you’ll need to schedule at least one or two fittings to ensure a perfect fit, which will also take several weeks. On the day before your wedding, you’ll want to make sure that your dress is steamed and free of wrinkles.

If you have selected a second look to wear late at night or for dancing at the reception, make sure it is delivered to your venue for an easy outfit change.

PICKING ATTENDANTS’ ATTIRE These days, just about anything goes when it comes to bridal party attire. A good rule of thumb is that the more formal the wedding, the longer the bridesmaids’ dresses should be, but gone are the days when the maids all wore the same dress. Different necklines, lengths and silhouettes to fit each bridesmaids’ body and style are the norm. Some brides even choose to mix patterns and colors.

For the groomsmen, you can go with the traditional tuxedo or suit, or relax a little with dress pants, button-down shirt and a vest, but no suit jacket. To spice things up and add a little panache to the day, fun socks or bow ties are trends to consider.

Whatever you and your bridal party wear, make sure it’s comfortable and suits the time of year in which you’re getting married. No one looks good in clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable. Stay true to your fashion sense and be “the best version of you” on your big day. BG

THE PORCUPINE That special dreamy person has popped the question!

Your day has come. Let Roxanne and our staff at The Porcupine help create your vision. Whether you are dreaming of lace or bling, vintage, romantic or sophisticate, accessories can add a bohemian touch or sentimental feel using the sleeves from your grandmother's gown. We offer dyeable shoes, to beach sandals for the bride, mother of the bride, and guests.

Options are endless.

This is why we have consistently won "Best of Hilton Head" formal wear year after year. Whether it is a beach wedding, the 18th at HarbourTown, under city lights or the barn, let us fit you for your magical day.

Enjoy our website as our designers and selections are constantly evolving.

1000 William Hilton Parkway, E4, The Village at Wexford 843.785.2779 PorcupineStyle.com P

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

flowers

Wedding flowers pack a punch that’s way more than just fragrant.

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et creative with your use of greenery and blooms! Go over-the-top with mounds of arrangements in opulent vases or settle on an understated look with simple stems in mason jars. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

flowers

STICK WITH SEASONAL PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

Though it’s possible to get any flower at any time of year, your costs will skyrocket if you select flowers that are not in season. Do your homework. Know what will be in bloom when you are getting married and go with those options for your centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, petals for the flower girl and any altar decorations. On average, flowers usually make up about 5 percent to 12 percent of a bride’s overall wedding budget.

Not sure what’s in bloom when? Here are a few examples for each season: WINTER: Cedar, lemon leaf, succulents, garden roses, Lisianthus, burgundy orchids and tallow berries.

SPRING: Poppies, tulips, jasmine, delphinium, lilacs, sweet peas, peonies and ranunculus.

SUMMER: Freesia, dahlias, carnations, poppy pods, wax flowers and hydrangeas.

FALL: Thistle, garden roses, winter eucalyptus, Nigella and brunia berry.

‘SOMETHING BORROWED’

FLOWERS BY SUE | PHOTO BY MARK STAFF

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One of the best places to find flower ideas is Pinterest.

Get inspired by beautiful bouquets, innovative ideas and pretty things in bloom. Blogs like Snippet & Ink, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes and Brides have a ton of ideas, and some allow you to search by color scheme, season or favorite bloom. Look for ways to use floral decorations from the ceremony, such as bouquets and altar arrangements, to decorate your reception site to save a little money. The Internet is your flowery inspiration destination.

ASK THE PROS Hire a local, experienced professional to help keep you and your flowers in bloom and on budget. Rarely does a bride do all the flowers herself — almost all hire a florist to bring their floral visions to life.

When interviewing florists, ask to see a portfolio of their work. Many professionals will keep a Flickr gallery or post their work on Instagram, making it easy for you to view a large variety of the centerpieces and bouquets they have assembled. You’re looking for a florist whose style fits your vision as well as your budget. Make sure you ask about any deposits, fees and payment schedules before you sign a contract.

Selecting the flowers can be one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding. It’s an opportunity to incorporate your theme, your season and your color scheme all in one place, and the flowers will be a highly visual and photographed portion of your wedding.

Whatever your budget, feel confident that you can pull off something beautiful — greenery doesn’t cost as much as fresh-cut blooms but still adds a natural, elegant touch — and you’re sure to find a local professional who will be more than happy to make your dreams come true. BG

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EAT, DRINK AND

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

food & drink

You’ll know it’s a good party when palates are pleased and plates are empty.

Make sure your menu’s a winner with some careful planning.

F

orget flowers and favors for just a moment: The one component you won’t want to skimp on at your wedding is the food. Aside from the music (which often translated to “how the party was”) and how the bride looked, the food is one of the most talked about elements of a wedding.

Ever been to a wedding with bad food? Don’t let sub-par selections or flat flavors steal the spotlight on your big day. Here are Hilton Head Monthly’s biggest tips to ensure guests leave the table sated and impressed — no matter your budget.

COCKTAILS AND HORS D’OEUVRES

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY WICKED CAKES

Choose crowd-pleasing favorites like crab cakes, oyster shooters, baby lamb chops, tomatoes and mozzarella skewers, peanut satay chicken, or shrimp and grits in martini glasses. Make sure to offer at least one vegetarian option for your 2017 Bridal Guide 27

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food & drink

guests. If passed hors d’oeuvres are not within the budget, choose an antipasto platter or artful presentation of cheeses and meats.

The signature cocktail continues to be a strong trend, too, so pick a mixed drink that fits your theme or season, and let the signature sipping begin.

DINNER MENU Plated dinner menus are still popular, with many brides choosing to serve a three- or four-course meal.

Local chefs and caterers generally source local foods and work within season to bring fresh food to the table, so consider the time of year you are getting married when planning your menu. Consider fresh and innovative salads like watermelon and feta in the summer, and surf-and-turf combinations for the main course.

FOOD STATIONS/BUFFET Chef stations and buffets are back with a bang and are fancier than ever. Searing, sautéing and carving presented with nice surrounding items, vegetables, sauces and garnish components — sometimes in miniature form like tapas-style — are very popular. Try a sautéed foie gras station, presented with toasted fig brioche, caramelized onion jam, marinated frisse and black currant jus. Shellfish presentations, with mounds of oysters, mid-Atlantic clams, Alaskan king crab, and split lobsters on the half shell are also popular.

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PROGRESSIVE DINING Why not serve your guests all night long? Instead of a cocktail hour followed by a multi-course dinner, set up stations that are open all night so you can partake in one big feast.

Guests can graze on foods that can follow a variety of themes, or offer a little bit of everything.

This dining option is becoming very popular with brides.

THE CAKE Of course, the real star of the menu is the wedding cake. All kinds of designs are available, and regional bakers are experimenting with new techniques like handmade sugar flowers. Natural flowers die quickly when not in water, so using handmade sugar flowers are an edible and practical solution. Other wedding cake trend is the ‘naked’ cake, a multi-tiered cake that’s unfrosted, revealing the layers of cream and cake in a supremely understated yet decadent style. You also can have a separate groom’s cake that is a little more fun and reflective of his interests.

SWEETS TABLE Many top-notch local venues will create an incredible sweets display that goes beyond the traditional cake.

Handmade macaroons, éclairs, puff pastries, cookies, milkshake shooters, donuts, cake pops, mini cupcakes, cronuts, or a candy bar are popular with today’s couples.

LATE-NIGHT FOOD FOR THE AFTER-PARTY The party doesn’t have to end as the reception winds down. End the evening by serving comfort food with a classy twist, like truffle French fries, mini sandwiches, sliders, cheeseburgers and even hot dogs. Or offer a bonfire and S’mores with creative toppings that go beyond just marshmallows and chocolate. These party foods will give your guests one final snack after the last dance.

Work with your local professionals to find the menu that’s right for you on your wedding day BG 2017 Bridal Guide 29

BRIDAL GUIDE | guest

list

the list

MAKING

(AND CHECKING IT TWICE!)

Wrangling the guest list is a tough job, but keeping it under control is possible with fair play and an ‘eyes on the prize’ focus.

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ne of the biggest decisions in planning your wedding is the guest list. The size of your wedding can affect so many other aspects of your big day. If you are planning a large wedding, you’ll need a venue that can accommodate many people; while if you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you’ll want to find a more intimate space. Your guest list will also need to work with your budget — obviously, the more people you invite, the higher the cost.

So how to settle on a guest list that works with your budget and your friends' list? To start, think big and write down the names of everyone you would like to attend. Suddenly facing a list as long as your arm?

Time to start whittling.

EVEN STEVEN Traditionally, the couple gets to invite half of the total number of guests. The bride’s parents choose 25 percent, as do the groom’s. (Even if there are multiple sets of parents on one side of the family or the other, the split remains the same.) But the equation can get a little dicey if only one set of the parents is contributing financially or if the couple is footing the entire bill. If fairness is the final criterion, then the traditional split as mentioned likely would prevail.

PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

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The two most important factors in arriving at a manageable number of guests are your budget and the venue size. Be conservative, because you can always add more invitations from your B-list after the initial round of RSVPs start rolling in.

Don’t feel obligated to invite every cousin, especially if you’ve never met some of them. And don’t feel obligated to invite each of your co-workers because, let’s face it, you might not even like some of them. And decide up front if you want to include children; for sure, kids under the age of 12 are fun at a family gathering, but maybe not at $80 a head at your reception.

And don’t forget that it’s your wedding. No bullying or pressure allowed by anyone.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED Typically, invitations are mailed six to eight weeks before the wedding, or three months out if it’s a destination affair. Save-the-date cards should arrive six to eight months ahead of the wedding. The deadline for RSVPs should be two to three weeks prior to the wedding. If the deadline passes, it’s OK to follow up with those who haven’t responded to see if they’ll be attending.

Invitations should list each guest by name; never reference “and guest” unless you’re fine with your friend or relative bringing the stranger of their choosing. If a guest is not married and is not in a serious relationship, it’s perfectly fine to invite just that person — don’t worry, Emily Post concurs.

Try to pick an invitation style that matches the style of your wedding. If you’re having a casual ceremony on the beach in flip-flops, you might not want to send formal, lacy invitations. And keep in mind that the more embellished and detailed the invitation, the pricier it will be.

There are many options when it comes to invitations —floral, lacy, custom designs, letterpress, foil-stamped, laser-cut and more, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Just stay true to your own tastes and the style of your wedding.

Keep the content simple by noting the full names of the couple and the place and the time of the ceremony and reception. That’s all that’s really necessary, though some brides like to include information about nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests and directions from the ceremony site to the reception venue if the two are held at separate locations.

Include a stamped envelope so your guests can easily return their RSVP cards. The return address should be secured on the back flap of the envelope, as well as on the RSVP envelope with postage inside.

Once you’ve got your invitations in the mail, the hardest part is over. Now you can just sit back and wait to find out who will be joining you at your celebration. BG 2017 Bridal Guide 31

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professionals

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ith a plethora of Pinterest ideas and online info at every bride’s fingertips, today’s wedding couple can do plenty of planning on their own. But everything goes smoother with the help of professionals. Luckily, the Lowcountry is home to topnotch wedding industry pros to fit every bride’s budget, style and personality.

There are common-sense guidelines for hiring the best florist, caterer or wedding planner that your budget allows. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you hire professionals to help with your wedding:

Necessary

EXPERIENCE:

• Book vendors as early as possible. If they’re really skilled and accomplished, their calendars will be as full as yours.

• Never put down a deposit unless you have a fully detailed contract in hand that has been thoroughly reviewed with the vendor.

• Don’t be swayed by your emotions; consider each vendor contract as a business deal.

• Contact vendors’ references, ask if any of their clients have been unhappy and why, and sit down with the pro personally. Ask to see examples of the work they’ve done for other weddings and events, and make sure you feel comfortable with them. If you want to be very thorough, check with the Better Business Bureau and the local chamber of commerce to see if any complaints have been filed against the vendor.

• Research, research, research. Use friends, websites and chat rooms as tools to help you make the most wellinformed decision.

• Ask lots of questions. You’ll want to know what they charge and what’s included in that fee, if a deposit is required and how much, and if there is a cancellation fee or any additional fees. Also, ask whether they carry liability insurance, if they will be present at the venue during the wedding or reception (and if so, what they will be wearing) and if they have worked at your venue before. If vendors are hesitant to provide any information or seem to be deflecting your questions, move on.

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• After the contract is signed, stay in contact with them throughout the planning process. It can be as simple as a quick phone call or email, and timely responses should be expected by both parties. Frequent communication will prevent unexpected surprises.

SETTING THE MOOD WITH MUSIC • What kind of music and vibe will fit best with your personality, your guest list and the venue? Do you have room in your venue for a multi-piece band, or do you want to dance the night away to your favorite songs?

These factors can help you decide whether you should go with live music or hire a DJ. • The options are endless: a harpist, pianist or string quartet for a small, intimate gathering; a live band that can inject energy on the dance floor; or a DJ whose flexibility as a performer can switch gears instantly.

Many couples opt to hire two different types of entertainment for the ceremony and reception.

• Your search should begin at least six months before the wedding day. You’ll want to listen to audition tapes, check references, conduct interviews to discuss musical selections and their experience performing at weddings, discuss costs and performance logistics, and review the song list — which, if it will cover the reception, could include up to 100 or 200 songs.

LOVE IN BLOOM • Before beginning your search for a florist, there a few questions you should ask yourself: How much do we want to spend, and what kinds of flowers and floral designs — think classic or modern, wild or romantic — do we like best?

• Then realize that one flower and one floral design do not fit all needs. You’ll need several different flower arrangements, including the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, centerpieces (large and small), ceremony arrangements, additional arrangements and cocktail arrangements.

• Once you’re ready to begin contacting florists, have your list of questions in hand. You’ll want to ask about their experience in their field and at the venue, to see samples of their work and a list of references, as well as information about available services like setup and delivery, sit-down consultations to go over each detail, and fees.

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HOW SWEET IT IS • Would you like one, two or three tiers? Fondant, buttercream or fruity filling? Traditional chocolate with a sports team symbol for the groom’s cake? Which cake topper best represents who you are as a couple? Cakes can be complicated.

• Most bakers and pastry chefs charge by the slice, based on your guest list, and those fees can range from $1.50 to more than $12 a slice, according to The Knot. The more intricately detailed your cake is, with multiple flavors and difficult-to-pulloff icing and decorations, the more expensive the per-slice fee will be.

• After you’ve done your homework, here’s a short list of questions to ask: When will the cake be baked? Who actually bakes it? Are there extra charges like a fee for utensils? Do you deliver and set up the cake display? How will the cake be displayed? How do you determine per-slice cost?

GOING THE DISTANCE • Are you planning on a silver Rolls, antique Bentley or the traditional white stretch limo to get you to the church on time? How about a horse-drawn carriage with Spanish moss and live oaks as your backdrop, or a boat to help you really make waves?

There are also trolleys available to rent on Hilton Head Island for a quaint and fun way to arrive in style.

• In addition to the transport itself, keep in mind whether you’ll want any refreshments on board — Champagne, anyone? — or if there’s music you’d like to have playing or anything special you’d like your driver to wear. If your ceremony and reception sites are far apart, you may want to consider providing a shuttle for your guests.

• Most rental companies charge by the hour, typically $40 to $75 per vehicle, with coach or shuttle buses for your guests from $700 to $1,200 per hour.

PLANNING PROS • “Hands downs the best money I’ve ever spent,” many brides say of their wedding planners. A planner or coordinator can be involved from the minute you are engaged, organizing every step of the planning process, or their role can be limited to “day of” coordination to ensure things run smoothly with your team of vendors on the big day. How much you want them involved depends on your budget and level of comfort.

• Be sure to ask how much a planner charges for full-service design and coordination versus day-of coordination for the wedding weekend. Ask if they take commissions on products they sell. And remember to ask when payments are due.

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PRETTY AS A PICTURE

LIGHT IT UP

• There are no shortages of spas, makeup artists and hair stylists ready to make you picture-perfect. Hire expert bridal makeup artists, especially ones who are well-versed in makeup for the Lowcountry’s heat and humidity. You’ll need someone who understands how to keep your face fresh and which products won’t melt in the South Carolina sun. It is not as easy as painting on a little foundation.

• Lighting is one element of a wedding that’s often neglected but is money well spent. Hiring lighting professionals can ensure you have spotlighting on key centerpieces, mood lighting in romantic spots at your venue, and the perfect highlighting accents near your sweethearts’ table. Lighting professionals can set the mood for an amazing party, so don’t forget to consider your lighting as an important part of your wedding design.

• Consider a trial run of your wedding day hair and makeup. In many cases, this is included upon booking your day-of wedding services. Pull inspiration from your favorite wedding magazines and Pinterest and bring your desired look to your consultant to try out.

CATER TO THE COUPLE • Catering is likely offered by your venue if you are getting married at a hotel or resort, but what if you are tying the knot in another Lowcountry locale? The area is full of fantastic chefs who are capable of catering to hundreds in a variety of unique settings. See our resource guide for a complete list of trusted professionals.

SOMETHING BORROWED • Depending on where you are getting married or hosting your reception, you may have all the linens, tables and chairs that you need. Or the venue may have them but they aren’t quite up to your style. In this case, consider sourcing event rentals locally. These vendors are able to offer unique chairs, tents, gold flatware, dishes, cups, linens, chargers, furniture, pillows, vases and anything else you can imagine. If you need it, they’ll find it for you – for a price, of course. BG

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BRIDAL GUIDE | must do's

first steps TOWARD FOREVER

PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

From the proposal to the prenup, there are a few nitty gritty details that need to be handled before that sweet walk down the aisle.

Y

ou’ve met the love of your life and you’re ready to tie the knot. But how should you propose, and what will you need to make it down the aisle? Here are a few tips to help you on the road to wedded bliss.

WILL YOU…?

This act can be as simple and direct and traditional as the getting down on one knee in front of family and friends and presenting a ring. Or it can be as creatively imaginative and romantic as your thoughts allow.

The ring can be hidden in a coffee cup early in the morning — without the coffee, of course. You can arrange the proposal at a Savannah Gnats baseball game in the summer and have it flash on the scoreboard. You can go the beach with your sweetie in the late afternoon, build a sandcastle together and position the ring on the highest tower. You can sneak in early to your girlfriend’s classroom or office and write out the proposal on her desk or classroom blackboard.

And when it comes to the ring and the all-important four “C”s — clarity, cut, color and carats — the cut is the most important; it determines the shape and quality of the finished stone. It’s also not a bad idea to take your fiancée ring shopping before purchasing a sparkler, or ask her close friends or her mother about any jewelry preferences.

Just remember, wherever and however you choose to propose, it will take on a life of its own afterward.

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MAKE IT OFFICIAL Here’s Here’s what you’ll need to apply for a marriage license in South Carolina.

You and your fiancé will need to apply in person at the office of the county probate judge.

The application will ask for your full name, Social Security number, age and place of residence. Because this is a sworn statement, it must be signed by both of you and notarized in the office.

You will need to show a government-issued photo ID, like your driver’s license.

The license costs $50 if both applicants reside in Beaufort County, $75 if neither resides in Beaufort County but at least one applicant resides in South Carolina, and $95 if neither resides in South Carolina.

Fees are payable in cash.

There is a 24-hour waiting period after the application is filed before you can pick it up. If you’re getting married over the weekend, make sure you apply for the license earlier in the week.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent, but you will have to show identification. If you are younger than 18, parental consent can be given for boys and girls who are at least 16. All minors must file an original birth certificate or certified copy, and the parent or legal guardian must be present at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a consenting form to the marriage.

If you want to change your last name, use an online marriage name change kit.

Both parties must be present in a proxy marriage.

A South Carolina marriage license is valid for six months from the date it was issued. If not used within the six-month period, the application process, including payment of fee, must be repeated in its entirety.

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In South Carolina, proof of a divorce is not required if married previously (unless you legally changed your last name back to your maiden name). Common-law marriages are not allowed, and no blood tests or physical exams are required.

PRE-PARTY PLANNING A bridal shower is usually held four to six weeks prior to the wedding, and is hosted by one or more of the bridesmaids. Invitations these days can be informal to the guests invited. Those who are invited also are invited to attend the wedding.

THE MAJOR PLAYERS Everyone in the wedding party has certain duties to fulfill. Here’s a summary: Bride’s parents. Historically, they footed the bill for most of the wedding expenses and hosted the first engagement party. These days, expenses are being shared by many. The mom will help with the guest list and choose attire. The dad gets fitted for formalwear, escorts his daughter to the ceremony site and walks her down the aisle. After the reception, he traditionally pays any outstanding bills.

Groom’s parents. They may host their own engagement party and provide a guest list to the couple. They also usually host the rehearsal dinner and may contribute to some of the wedding expenses.

Maid of honor. She’s the bride’s go-to person. She will coordinate all bridesmaids’ activities, help dress the bride, arrange her veil and train during the processional and recessional, and make sure pictures are taken after the ceremony.

PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

Bridesmaids. They assist the maid of honor and help out in any way before the ceremony.

They pay for their own attire and personal expenses, and walk in the processional and recessional.

Best man. He assists the groom however needed before, during and after the ceremony. He also usually organizes the bachelor party, coordinates the wedding toasts, confirms honeymoon reservations, and makes sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time. He will hold the bride’s ring and organize the groomsmen for formal pictures. BG

PYRAMIDS Pyramids has the perfect gifts for all the parties — engagement, shower, wedding, and even the bridal party. There's fabulous dinnerware and serve ware from Vietri , Arte Italica , Calaisio, Good Earth Pottery and Terrafirma Ceramics; monogrammed glassware from Southern Jubliee; and personalized Vermont maple cutting boards.

Or choose from our exquisite linens or unique decor items. Jewelry by Mariana, Elizabetta Ricciardi, Sarah Cavender and Canoe or Lady Primrose Bath & Body luxuries make wonderful bridesmaids gifts.

For groomsmen, there are Brackish bow ties, Taki watches, Jack Black grooming products, and a choice selection of wallets and belts from their favorite college. And your out-of-town guests will love gift baskets filled with locally made specialties.

Bridal Registry • Complimentary Gift Wrapping Free Local Delivery • Nationwide UPS shipping

Pyramids on Hilton Head Island 316C The Shops at Sea Pines Center | 843.363.2040 1600 Main Street | 843.689.6367 PyramidsHiltonHead.com P

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social media

Build a buzz around your wedding with photos, videos and other digital tools.

tech tips

TO MAKE YOU A

HappyCouple

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he band or DJ will stop playing; the cake and food will be eaten; the flowers will sadly die. How will you make your memories of this day last? Turn to your photos and videos. This area is home to many fantastic photographers who fit any budget — from students to celebrity photographers who have retired to the Lowcountry.

But it’s not just still photos you’ll want to consider. In today’s social media world, you’ll want to think about how you’ll deal with the instant sharing of photos and videos snapped by your friends and family.

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PRO PICS Although there will be no shortage of wedding photos to sort through online and on your smartphone once you can relax, you’re hiring professionals because you want professional images. Keep in mind that you likely will spend 10 percent to 15 percent of your total wedding budget on photography/ videography.

Be sure to check personal references for your professionals and arrange a sit-down interview to go over any images or angles you know you want the photographer to capture.

BE A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Social media is perfect for milestones like your wedding day. But before you announce your engagement by changing your relationship status on Facebook or Instagramming the perfect shot of your ring, make sure you let your closest friends and family in on your big news. And then be ready to watch your social media channels light up with “likes.”

For your big day, think about creating a personalized hashtag for your guests to use to tag their photos. If you don’t want pictures of your dress to get out immediately after the ceremony, ask guests not to post photos or restrict friends from publicly tagging you

in photos by changing your privacy settings to “private.” This way, you can view all photos you’re tagged in and select the ones you want to share.

You can also set up a Facebook page dedicated to your wedding or an album just for your wedding photos.

Just be sure not to overwhelm your friends with posts about the stress of wedding planning or other bridalrelated complaints.

Some couples are encouraging their guests to unplug for a techfree wedding. This helps ensure all attention is on you and your celebration, not your guests’ electronic devices. If it’s important to you that your day is smartphone-free, consider posting signs asking guests put away their phones.

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

D

social media

igital tools and applications can help keep you organized and on track — and maybe reduce some stress. They’re called “smartphones” for a reason.

Here are five apps that can lend you a hand:

APPY COUPLE

• Evernote. This app allows you to share all your notes and images with others and keep everyone in the loop with updates — including your soon-to-be spouse. It also can help reduce paper clutter while keeping you organized with to-do notes.

• WedPics. This wedding photo app allows you to invite your guests to share their wedding photos with you through your unique Wedding ID. A convenient way to keep everyone’s pics in one place for you to browse and share.

• Cozi. This shared calendar app with alert options keeps everyone informed about the myriad appointments for fittings, hair appointments, etc.

ZOLA WEDDING REGISTRY

• Appy Couple. This app, which has a one-time fee, consolidates everything into one tidy package, making it easy to create a customized wedding app site, establish timelines, set up gift registries and sort through images.

• Zola Wedding Registry. This digital-friendly device can scan barcodes on gifts and help organize your registry.

• WeddingHappy. This app serves as a virtual wedding planner to back up your backup ‘to do’ lists. Preloaded with tasks to guide you through your neverending lists of things to get done, WeddingHappy will keep you happy and on track.

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WEDDINGHAPPY

www.photosbyruthe.com

party time!

IT'S

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reception

Complete your perfect day with a memorable reception.

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ith all the fun that you will have planning your wedding, perhaps the part most enjoyed by brides and grooms is planning the reception. Who doesn’t love a party?

Especially one where they’ll eat, drink, dance and be merry with their family and friends, celebrating their marriage.

It can be daunting, but knowing your wedding style, the size of your guest list and the mood you want to create for your guests will help ensure you end up with the celebration of your dreams.

Here in the Lowcountry, you can throw an epic reception at one of the many four-star hotels, event halls, country clubs, plantation clubs, restaurants, or local venues like Honey Horn.

The following are a few tips on planning the perfect reception party.

PHOTO BY JOHN BRACKETT

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reception

A GRAND RECEPTION Choosing the reception site is one of the biggest steps in wedding planning, and the research should begin shortly after the engagement. Step one of many is determining the guest list, even if it’s just an estimate. This will allow you to target venues based on facility size. Here are a few other things to keep in mind: • Make sure the venue is roomy enough for all essentials — tables, chairs, stage, bar, etc. — while still providing plenty of elbow room for your guests.

• Try to visit the venue at the same time of day you’ve scheduled your reception and in the same month or season in order to get a first-hand natural experience.

• Determine what kind of setting you want — something outdoors, something by the water, something urban or a rustic locale.

• Check out everything at the venue: the hall itself, restrooms, dressing rooms, the foyer, acoustics, indoor and outdoor lighting, and parking.

ROY'S PLACE CAFE & CATERING

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• Be sure to also check the linens, tables and other items that might come with the rental to ensure that you are pleased with the offerings. In many cases, you may want to rent different chargers, plates, chairs, flatware or even furniture.

Not all reception facilities are equal. Is the venue full-service? Is it handicap-accessible; does it have any restrictions on music or liquor service, and does it offer security service, coat check, staff on site, and liability insurance? Are there overtime fees? Are there local ordinances on noise and event ending times? The staff at most Lowcountry venues will be able to guide you through this process. Be sure to ask questions and take notes.

When it comes to the rental contract, be sure everything is in writing, from the time of the deposit and the payment of the final bill to the cancellation policy, details of all services performed, taxes and service charges. Also document all your conversations with the professionals you hire. Make a folder with your email correspondence and save everything.

CELEBRATIONS CATERING

SAVANNAH SPECIAL EVENTS BY RANCO

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reception

HOTEL ROOM SERVICE Some hotels offer discounted room rates when a certain number of rooms are reserved and filled by your party, while others charge regular room rates for guests but provide the bride and groom’s suite free. Either way, blocking rooms ensures that your guests have suitable accommodations.

Typically, rooms should be reserved for about 50 percent of the total number of out-of-town guests you invited. So for example, if there are 150 people on your guest list and 60 are out-of-towners, you should book 30 rooms. Most of these guests will spend two nights at the destination, and they’ll probably hope the hotel will offer an early check-in, be close to the reception site, have free Wi-Fi and serve a free breakfast. Post all the relevant information about the hotel on your wedding website.

When you call hotels for room rates, discounts, special requests and policies, expect to sign a contract to confirm reservations. This should be finalized about a month prior to the ceremony.

RECIPES FOR SUCCESS This exercise should be mouth-wateringly fun. Who doesn’t love planning a sit-down dinner with appetizer and entrée selections? Or maybe you’re going with a buffet, a handful of meal stations for custom-sliced prime rib and Italian antipastas, or a family-style meal with bowls and platters set on the table.

Having trouble deciding on the menu? Think about what you like to eat, as well as the favorite foods of your family and friends. Take advantage of local delicacies, like seafood fresh from Lowcountry waters and home-grown produce. Also think about the flow of the evening; you don’t want your main course to be ruined if the cocktail hour runs a half-hour later than planned because of photographs or a delayed start to the ceremony.

As social maven Martha Stewart says, the standard of today’s wedding menu is not yesterday’s of filet of beef with twice-baked potatoes. Now, anything goes, with selections coming from all over the globe — think Spanish tapas, Chinese dumplings and Italian-grilled panini for the cocktail hour. At dinner, try a small plate of artfully arranged salads or garlicky prawns for the appetizer, followed by the main course of filet mignon or poached salmon with a starch and veggies and a lemon tart for dessert.

A buffet dinner should be overwhelming in its variety: wild mushroom tartlets, miniature crab cakes, smoked salmon, bow-tie pasta in a cream sauce, spinach dip with toasted pita triangles and Lowcountry roasted turkey.

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HAIG POINT The 1100 acre Haig Point Club and Community on the northern tip of Daufuskie Island has a vast array of amenities that make it the perfect destination for a Lowcountry wedding. Perform your ceremony in front of Haig Point’s iconic lighthouse nestled along the shoreline of the Calibogue Sound, then ride via horsedrawn carriage to the majestic Beach Club where you’ll enjoy the finest dining around.

Additional offerings are available for wedding parties including accommodations in Haig Point’s historic Mansion. But most importantly, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the mainland behind. Travel by private ferry; then commute by golf cart in this picturesque, family-friendly community.

There’s no better way to have an exclusive wedding ceremony than at Haig Point.

Haig Point 10 Haig Point Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC info@haigpoint.com | 843.341.8148 HaigPoint.com P

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CAROLINA WEDDINGS / MEETING DYNAMICS | PHOTO BY MARK WILLIAMS STUDIO

PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS The professional wedding planner can do as much or as little as you want her to do, given your budget and comfort zone. Wedding planners can take care of every detail from start to finish for a hefty fee, or they can hands off until the big day when they can coordinate every step of the celebration. Ask plenty of questions as you discuss with them how much help you think you’ll need and what, exactly, you’d like them to do.

At the initial consultation, discuss your needs and wants, and ask about their expertise and experience. A full-service planner will manage your budget, vendor negotiations, venue details and wedding day logistics.

A day-of coordinator will execute and manage all of the plans you’ve made, finalize details with all of the vendors you have chosen, work with the venue personnel, oversee setup of the ceremony and reception sites, make sure everyone in the wedding party is escorted in on time, and serve as the liaison between you and the rest of the world on your big day.

EXCUSE ME, IS THIS SEAT TAKEN? Unless you’re hosting a buffet, you’ll probably want to establish a seating chart. The focal point of the room is the bridal table, where the groom sits to the bride’s right next to the maid of honor and the best man sits to bride’s left. Other wedding party attendees also are seated at the bridal table, if room allows.

Seat both sets of parents near the bridal table, along with grandparents, siblings not in the party, the officiant and other close friends. The rest of the seating is the wild card; it makes sense to seat people next to those they know. Just be sure you don’t leave one person out of the mix, and don’t separate couples. BG 50 hiltonheadbridalshow.com

BRIDAL GUIDE |

reception

AMAZING EVENT RENTALS

TRENDS NOW, TRADITIONS LATER? There are traditions and there are trends. Some trends flash and fade, and some become tradition. Here’s what’s going on now: • Mixing it up at the cocktail table like a premier mixologist would, down to the shape of the ice.

• Pairing the dessert sweets with coffee and espresso bars with a dash of Kahlúa, Tia Maria or Irish Mist.

• Handing out a handful of selfie sticks complete with cameras. Collect the cameras at the end of the night for a candid look at the festivities.

• Trying new flowers like sweet peas and garden roses in the bouquet.

• Giving your bridesmaids a little glitz and sparkly with glittery dresses, shoes or headpieces.

• Partying hard with cocktail parties that allow guests to mingle, big time.

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15

PERFECT FIRST-DANCE

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

Pearl Jam

Etta James

songs

Billy Joel

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t’s your first dance as husband and wife, and you probably have considered dozens of songs to capture that special moment at the reception. Here are 15 popular songs in all different styles that would make a great first dance.

TIMELESS CLASSICS: “At Last” — Etta James (Or go for a modern spin with Beyoncé’s cover) “Unforgettable” — Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole “Can’t Help Falling In Love” — Elvis Presley THROWBACK TUNES: “True Companion” — Marc Cohn “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You” — Van Morrison “Just The Way You Are” — Billy Joel COUNTRY CROONERS: “You’re Still The One” — Shania Twain “To Make You Feel My Love” — Garth Brooks “I Hope You Dance” — Lee Ann Womack CONTEMPORARY STANDARDS: “Marry Me” — Train “Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran “All of Me” — John Legend OFFBEAT CHOICES: “Anyone Else But You” — Moldy Peaches “Just Breathe” — Pearl Jam “1, 2, 3, 4” — Plain White T’s 2017 Bridal Guide 53

BRIDAL GUIDE | toasts

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hile most toasts are for the bride and groom, there is much to be celebrated at a wedding. The newlyweds may toast their bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as their families, friends and guests.

Make a toast sweet and short, try to include something personal, and consider throwing in a famous quote that will make those in attendance smile or laugh. Here are some classic quotes perfect for wedding toasts:

“My heart is ever at your service.”

— William Shakespeare “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

— 1 Corinthians 13:7 “By all means, marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll be happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”

— Socrates “Unable are the loved to die, for Love is Immortality.”

— Emily Dickinson “Where love reigns, the impossible may be attained.”

— Indian proverb “The course of true love never did run smooth.”

— William Shakespeare, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" “Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupery, “The Little Prince”

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edding traditions are as old or new as the couple wants them to be. Here are seven common examples of bridal traditions:

• Exchanging vows. This centuries-old tradition avows his and her commitment to each other. The ring exchange can be personally written by the couple, or borrowed in full or in part from the familiar vows first written by the Anglican church in the 1500s: “I take thee to be my lawfully wedded…”

• The bouquet. Originally considered a symbol of happiness, bridal wreaths, garlands and bouquets were made of herbs to thwart evil spirits. Over time, herbs were replaced by flowers. Today, the single woman who catches the tossed bouquet at the reception is said to be the next to be married.

traditions WEDDING

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• Something blue. The old saying “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe” dates back to Victorian times in England. The saying symbolizes purity, fidelity and love, and the silver coin in the shoe is a good-luck token to bring the couple wealth.

• The rings. The engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because ancient Romans believed that a vein connected that finger directly to the heart. A sapphire in the wedding ring means marital happiness.

• The groomsmen. Back when bridal capture was a popular way to “settle down,” the groom would bring along several of his strongest friends to help fend off the bride’s family members who tried to keep her from being taken. Those buff boys were the world’s first groomsmen. These days, a groomsman’s toughest job is planning the bachelor party.

• Breaking of the glass. The highlight of a Jewish wedding is to shout “Mazel Tov” as the bride and groom step on the glass together to signify the fragility of human relationships and to act as a poignant reminder that marriage changes the lives of the couple forever.

• The threshold. According to ancient tradition, the groom would pick up and carry his bride into the bedroom to protect her from evil spirits. In the old days, the bride would often resist and not give in to her new husband’s intentions.

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PHOTO BY MARK STAFF

BRIDAL GUIDE | traditions

BRIDAL GUIDE |

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ONE YEAR OR MORE  Announce your engagement.  Meet with both families to discuss budget, style, priorities and dates.  Start looking at the ceremony and reception sites.  Start looking at wedding gowns.  Start interviewing florists, caterers, entertainers and photographers/videographers.  Select and invite attendants.  Select your ceremony officiant.  Create a new email address just for wedding correspondence.  Attend a bridal show.

PRETTY PAPERS

 Set up your gift registry.

6-9 MONTHS  Reserve your reception site.  Reserve your caterers.  Finalize your guest list.  Decide on the invitations.  Decide on your entertainment.  Plan your engagement party.  Start thinking about your honeymoon.  Start planning your menu.

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BRIDAL GUIDE |

timeline

THREE MONTHS  Order the invitations.  Shop for the bridal party dresses.  Shop for the rings.  Book your honeymoon and make passport arrangements, if necessary.  Order the wedding cake.  Shop for bridal party gifts.  Reserve formalwear for the groomsmen.  Confirm orders with the florist, entertainers and reception site.  Set up the bridal gift registry.  Make any special arrangements for the wedding party, like spa treatments or hair and makeup appointments.  Reserve blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.  Plan all parties, showers and luncheons.

TWO MONTHS  Address and send invitations.  Book transportation.

SOUTHERN COMFORT LIMOUSINE

 Choose all music for the ceremony and reception.  Determine ceremony protocol.  Confirm ceremony details with participants.  Purchase bridal party gifts.  Finalize rehearsal dinner plans and reception menu.  Design and print wedding programs.  Arrange fittings for the bridal party.

ONE MONTH  Submit wedding announcement to local media.  Choose all accessories.  Sit for bridal portrait.

HILTON HEAD ENTERTAINMENT

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 Write thank-you notes for any gifts received.

 Apply for your marriage license.  Send rehearsal dinner invitations.  Draft a seating chart, if necessary, for the reception.  Finalize details with all hired professionals.  Finalize jewelry.

TWO WEEKS  Complete floor and seating plans for the reception.  Wrap gifts for everyone involved.  Start working on speeches and toasts.  Finalize the receiving line.

ONE WEEK  Pick up formalwear and ensure it fits appropriately.  Make sure passports and marriage license are in hand.  Pack for the honeymoon.  Pamper yourself with a massage, manicure and pedicure.

DAY BEFORE  Put rings and license in a safe place.  Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Pack wedding-day items.  Pay the vendors.  Give gifts to attendants.

WEDDING DAY  Deliver bridal clothing and honeymoon clothing to the reception venue or staging area.  Have hair styled and makeup applied.  Review your checklist.  Have candid pre-wedding pictures taken.  Get dressed.  Enjoy your special day. BG 2017 Bridal Guide 59

WEDDING DIRECTORY 2017 6060 hiltonheadbridalshow.com hiltonheadbridalshow.com

ALTERATIONS Chicas Bridal & Boutique 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J, Bluffton 843-837-2002 chicasofhiltonhead.com Island Soiree The Village at Wexford, C7, Hilton Head Island 843-338-0307 islandsoiree.com

Signe’s Heaven Bound Bakery & Cafe 93 Arrow Road, Hilton Head 866-807-4463 signesbakery.com Sweet Carolina Cupcakes 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head 843-342-2611 sweetcarolinacupcakes.com

Kim Custom Tailors 500 Plantation Club VI #500, Hilton Head Island 843-842-9492

The French Bakery 28 Shelter Cove Lane, #120, Hilton Head 843-342-5420 frenchbakeryhiltonhead.com

Lam’s Tailors & Expert Alterations 12 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island 843-681-7807

The Sugaree 142D Burnt Church Road, Bluffton 843-290-8585

Lowcountry Bride & Gown 59B Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton 843-338-0206 lowcountrybrideandgown.com The Alteration Shop 138 Burnt Church Road #B, Bluffton 843-757-3143 BAKERIES & CONFECTIONERIES Baby Cakes 95 Matthews Drive, Hilton Head 843-681-2253 babycakeshhi.com Brown Sugar Custom Cakes Beaufort 843-441-3975 brownsugarcustomcakes.com Frankie Cakes 124 Pickett Creek Lane, Okatie 843-290-5916 Hilton Head Cookie Co. 498 Browns Cove Road, Ridgeland 843-808-8755 hiltonheadcookies.com Hilton Head Social Bakery 17 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head (843) 715-3349 hiltonheadsocialbakery.com Island Fudge Shoppe Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head 843-842-4280 islandfudge.com Lowcountry Flour Girls 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton 843-837-2253 lowcountryflourgirls.com

Midnight Baker 14 Promenade Street, Bluffton 843-815-5355 Pan Fresco Ole 55 Matthews Drive #200, Hilton Head, 843-681-5989 Pino Gelato 1000 William Hilton Parkway, G1, Hilton Head 843-842-2822 pinogelato.com

CATERERS A Catered Affair 40 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head 843-842-0029 Bess’ Delicatessen & Catering Specialists 55 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head 843-785-2377 bessdeli.com Bluffton BBQ 11 State Of Mind Street, Bluffton 843-757-7427 blufftonbbq.com Bluffton Oyster Company 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton 843-757-4010 blufftonoyster.com Bluffton Seafood House 27 Dr Mellichamp Drive #108, Bluffton 843-757-0380 Celebrations Catering & Events 12 Capital Drive, Hilton Head 843-689-7526 wecelebrateyou.com Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-681-2582

Twisted European Bakery 1253 May River Rd. Unit A Bluffton 843-757-0033 twistedeuropeanbakery.com

Downtown Catering Co. 107 Mellichamp Drive, Bluffton 843-815-5335 downtowncateringcompany.com

Wicked Cakes 38 Whitaker St. Savannah 912-298-0040 wickedcakesofsavannah.com

Dunes Catering & Events Hilton Head 843-686-9142 palmettodunes.com

CALLIGRAPHY & REGISTRY J Banks Design Group 35 N Main Street, Hilton Head 843-681-5122 jbanksdesign.com Le Cookery of Hilton Head 1000 William Hilton Parkway 843-785-7171 lecookeryusa.com Pretty Papers & Gifts 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite E, Hilton Head 843-341-5116 prettypapershhi.com

Marché de Macarons 32 Palmetto Bay Rd 3A, Hilton Head 843-785-4466 marchedemacaroons.com

Pyramids 316C, The Shops at Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head 843-363-2040 1600 Main Street, Hilton Head 843-689-6367 pyramidshiltonhead.com

Ronnie’s Bakery & Cakes by Lou 1308 Fording Island Road, Suite C, Bluffton 843-836-2253 ronniesbakeryandcakesbylou.com

The Roost Host & Home 1299 May River Rd Bluffton 843-757-0417 theroosthome.com

Easy Street Catering 69 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island 843-785-7700 auntchiladashhi.com Hilton Head Distillery 14 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head 843-686-4443 hiltonheaddistillery.com Kitty’s Touch of Elegance Beaufort 843-379-7120 kittystouchofelegance.com Lori Craven Catering, Inc. 7 Deerfield Court, Hilton Head 843-689-9499 loricravencatering.com Lowcountry Kitchen 258 Red Cedar, Suite 15, Bluffton 843-290-4388 lowcountrykitchen258.com Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island 843-842-8000

Port Royal Clubhouse 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-681-1700 Roy’s Place Cafe & Catering 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head 843-785-4646 roysplacehhi.com R&R Catering 7 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-816-7601 The Sea Pines Resort 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-785-3333 seapines.com Two Tomatoes Catering 237 Whooping Crane Way, Hilton Head 843-422-2666 twotomatoescatering.com NOTE: Most of the 250 restaurants in the Lowcountry also provide catering. Find a complete list of restaurants at hiltonheadmonthly.com CLOTHING The Back Door Shops at Sea Pines Center 843-671-3677 Belk Shelter Cove Towne Center 843.686.8710 Belk.com Birdie James Shelter Cove Towne Center 843-842-2622 TheBirdieJames.com BleuBelle Bridal 5500 Abercorn Street, #42, Savannah, 912-355-2502 shopbleubelle.com Chicas Bridal & Boutique 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J, Bluffton 843-837-2002 chicasofhiltonhead.com Coastal Bliss 38 Shelter Cove Ln #126, Hilton Head Island 843-802-4050 coastalblisshiltonhead.com Copper Penny 38 Shelter Cove Ln, Suite 123, Hilton Head Island 843-505-6252 Francesca’s 40 Shelter Cove Lane 843-785-2223 Island Child 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite G-4, Hilton Head 843-686-5437 islandchild.com

BRIDAL GUIDE | directory Island Girl Coligny Plaza 843-686-6000 IslandGirlHHI.com

Embellished Events P.O. Box 827, Bluffton 843-757-7762 embellishedweddings.com

Gardenia’s Event Floral 14 Vine Street, Hilton Head 843-837-6655 gardeniashhi.com

Knickers Harbour Town 843-671-2291

Eventscapes Ltd 917-539-8589 eventscapesltd.com

Lowcountry Bride & Gown 59B Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton 843-338-0206 lowcountrybrideandgown.com

Lisa Kenward Events 843-338-7883 lisakenwardevents.com

Island Flowers 117 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head 843-681-4145 hiltonheadislandscflorist.com

Palmettoes Shops at Sea Pines Center 843-363-6800 Radiance 843-363-5176 Harbour Town RadianceHiltonHead.com Saks OFF 5th Tanger Outlets, 1260 Fording Island Road #400, Bluffton 843-815-2717 S.M. Bradford Co. Village at Wexford 843.686.6161 Harbour Town 843-671-9191 The Porcupine 1000 William Hilton Parkway, E4, Hilton Head 843-785-2779 porcupinestyle.com DANCE Amazing Event Rentals 352 Argent Boulevard, Hardeeville 843-837-5093 amazingeventrentals.com Bluffton School of Dance 59-D Sheridan Park, Bluffton 843-815-2619 blufftonschoolofdance.com Fred Astaire Dance Studio 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843-837-6161 fredastairehiltonhead.com Seaquins Ballroom 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843-227-5929 seaquinsballroom.com EVENT PLANNERS Amanda Rose Weddings 843-757-9205 amandaroseweddings.com Beth Baldwin Weddings 843-290-8727 bethbaldwinweddings.com Concierge & Co. 33 Office Way, #A-301, Hilton Head 843-842-7688 conciergeandco.com

Patti Shea Signature Wedding & Event Design Hilton Head 843-681-9164 pattisheaeventdesign.com Southern Weddings P.O. Box 23644, Hilton Head 843-757-8400 southernweddings.com Sparks & Hearts, LLC Hilton Head, Bluffton 888-456-5555 sparksandhearts.com Spencer Special Events 843-589-9099 spencerspecialevents.com Stella Jane Events 724-812-6628 stellajaneevents.com Weddings with Leah Hilton Head 843-263-7001 weddingswithleah.com FLORISTS A Floral Affair 20 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head 800-898-0289 afloralaffair.com August Floral and Event Design Savannah 404-536-3056 augusteventdesign.com Berkeley Flowers & Gifts, Inc. 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton 843-706-9747 berkeleyflowers.net Branches 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite E6, Hilton Head 843-785-2535 branchesdesigns.com Circle of Life 14 Vine Street, Hilton Head Island 843-837-6602 circleoflifehhi.com

Johnson's Florist 287 Wild Horse Road, Hilton Head 843-681-5107 hiltonheadflorists.net Make It Pretty 59 Sheridan Park Circle, Suite B, Bluffton 843-247-3411, Makeitprettyweddings.com Mum’s The Word Florist and Gift Gallery 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J7B, Hilton Head 843-785-7899 mumsthewordflowers.com Old Bluffton Flowers and Gifts 142 Burnt Church Road, Bluffton 843-757-2742 oldblufftonflowers.com Rose’s Flower Shop 328 Buck Island Road, Bluffton 843-757-6527 FORMAL WEAR A Floral Affair 20 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head 800-898-0289 afloralaffair.com BleuBelle Bridal 5500 Abercorn Street, #42, Savannah 912-355-2502 shopbleubelle.com Brooks Brothers Outlet 1254 Fording Island Road, #255, Bluffton 843-837-3400 Chicas Bridal & Boutique 1 Sherington Drive, Suite J, Bluffton 843-837-2002 chicasofhiltonhead.com Island Child 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite G-4, Hilton Head 843-686-5437 islandchild.com

Coastal Custom Floral 1253 A May River Road, Bluffton 843-816-6165

Jos A Bank 36 Shelter Cove Lane, #171, Hilton Head 843-842-5200 josabank.com

Flowers by Sue 72 Arrow Road, Hilton Head 843-842-8778 flowersbysue.com

Lowcountry Bride & Gown 59B Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton 843-338-0206 lowcountrybrideandgown.com

The Porcupine 1000 William Hilton Parkway, E4, Hilton Head 843-785-2779 porcupinestyle.com

Pretty Papers & Gifts 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite E, Hilton Head 843-341-5116 prettypapershhi.com

FURNITURE/KITCHENWARE

Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers The Village at Wexford, 1000 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island 843-342-6663 villageatwexford.com/quinnsdiamond-jewelers

Bleu Co. 807 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head 843-341-2538 bleucompanies.com Bed Bath & Beyond 1460 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843-836-2855 bedbathandbeyond.com J Banks Design Group 35 N Main Street, Hilton Head 843-681-5122 jbanksdesign.com Le Cookery of Hilton Head 1000 William Hilton Parkway Hilton Head 843-785-7171 lecookeryusa.com

Robert’s Village Jewelers 1201 Main Street, Hilton Head 843-681-5822 Touchstone Crystal by Swarovski 203-736-4438 touchstonecrystal.com/sbrowne The Blue Parrot Fine Gifts 1000 William Hilton Pkwy E8, Hilton Head Island 843-785-9877 MUSIC & LIGHTING

Le Creuset 1256 Fording Island Road, #105, Bluffton

A Sound Celebration 114 Weston Court, Bluffton 843-368-4140 asoundcelebration.net

Pyramids 316C, The Shops at Sea Pines Center, Hilton Head 843-363-2040

All About You Entertainment 404 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah 912-897-0518 allaboutyoudjs.com

1600 Main Street, Hilton Head 843-689-6367 pyramidshiltonhead.com

Deas-Guyz Hilton Head 843-246-2555 deas-guyz.com

JEWELRY Andrews Jewelers 32 Office Park Road, #118, Hilton Head 843-785-7661

EastCoast Entertainment 1039 Anna Knapp Blvd, Mt. Pleasant 800-521-2007 eastcoastentertainment.com

Forsythe Jewelers 71 Lighthouse Road, #311, Hilton Head 843-671-7070 forsythejewelers.biz

Crush Entertainment Hilton Head 414-617-8916 crushisland.com

Golis Family Jewelers 1008 Fording Island Road, #D, Bluffton 843-815-4367 Heritage Fine Jewelry 28 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 114, Hilton Head 843-689-2900 heritagejewelershhi.com Island Gold Works 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Suite A-11, Hilton Head 843-686-6001 islandgoldworks.com PANDORA Tanger Outlets, 1414 Fording Island Rd F115, Bluffton 843-837-2211

HHI - DJ Alan hhidjalan.com Hilton Head Entertainment P.O. Box 23554, Hilton Head 843-689-3445 hiltonheadentertainment.com JLK Events 484 Browns Cove Rd., Bluffton 843-384-4748 jlkevents.com Meeting Dynamics/Carolina Weddings 5 Enterprise Lane, Hilton Head 843-681-6950, 843-304-6968 (cell) carolinaweddings.com Moon River Productions 317 Mill Pond Road, Bluffton 877-238-0855 moonriverproductions.com 2017 Bridal Guide 61

WEDDING DIRECTORY 2017 6262 hiltonheadbridalshow.com hiltonheadbridalshow.com

Paramount Dance and Entertainment 18 Oak Marsh Drive, Hilton Head 843-683-2561

Rev. Dr. David E. Leininger 4 Indigo Lane, Hilton Head 843-363-6161 leiningers.com/weddings

Island Photo Place 30 Matthews Drive, #115, Hilton Head 843-290-5766 islandphotoplace.com

RIM Photography 631-8 Promenade Place, Columbia 803-622-4054 rimphotography.com

Ross Brown Productions 301 Central Ave, Suite 226, Hilton Head 843-342-5228 rossbrownentertainment.com

Southern Weddings with Style P.O. Box 23644, Hilton Head 843-757-8400 southernweddings.com

IWL 843-816-1012 (cell)

Ross Brown Productions 301 Central Ave, Suite 226, Hilton Head 843-342-5228 rossbrownentertainment.com

Target, the Band Hilton Head 843-816-1090 targetbandhh.com Westwind Entertainment 83 Victory Square Drive, Hilton Head 843-816-1090 westwindentertainment.com OFFICIANTS Amenities Southern Style 2300 Wilson Drive, Beaufort 843-379-6099 A Wedding by the Sea 13 Fairway Drive, Bluffton 843-342-3981 A Wedding in Paradise 4 Indigo Lane, Hilton Head Island 843-363-6161 a-wedding-in-paradise.com Barefoot Weddings Hilton Head 843-2470693 barefootweddingshhi.com Beach Weddings by Holly Brown 6 Pine Burr Rd E Hilton Head 239-860-7677 hollybrown.com Blaine Waller 45 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head 843-686-3940 Creative Wedding Ceremonies 60 Club Course Drive, Hilton Head 717-873-4861 creativeweddingsonhhi.com Eileen Cavanaugh Notary & Wedding Ceremonies 843-705-7027 Honorable Weddings PO Box 24008, Hilton Head Island 843-342-7473 honorableweddings.com Ilene Shiansky 16 Pine Forest Drive, Bluffton 843-384-1221 123notary.com Rabbi Dr. Arthur & Ellen Segal Family Charitable Trust for the Arts, Cultural Diversity and Health Care hiltonheadjewishweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS 33 Park Photography 843 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head 843-682-2212 The 2654 Project 94 Bridge Street, Bluffton 561-373-0809 the2654project.com Beach Photography Hilton Head 843-714-9000 beachphotographyhiltonhead.com Brackett Photography 843 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head 843-298-7427 brackettphotography.com Caroline Hilty Hilton Head 614-408-8062 carolinehilty.com

J&J Silver Photography and Video Productions 37 Trotting Hill Lane, Bluffton 843-271-2754 Jackson Productions (video) 24 Old S Court, #D, Bluffton 843-757-7083 Kaufman Photography 33 Office Park Road, #A-252, Hilton Head 843-837-9993 kaufmanphotography.com Kellie McCann 181 Bluffton Road, Ste F 103, Bluffton 843-338-0843 kelliemccann.com Kreative Productions 119 Rachelle Court, Brunswick 843-290-5920 kreativedigitalproductions.com Main Event Video Productions 1 Baldwin Lane. Hilton Head 843-363-5575 maineventvideo.com

Celia G Photographie, LLC 843-360-9894 celiagphotographie.com

Mark Staff Photography 61 Widewater Road, Hilton Head 843-689-5270 markstaffphotography.com

Coastal Wedding Films 17 Sherington Drive, Hilton Head 843-298-7335 coastalweddingfilms.com

Memory Lane Portraits 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head 843-363-6600 memorylaneportraits.com

Evangelista A-Z Creative Hilton Head 843-304-3356 cathyevangelista.net Flory Photography 98 Jib Sail Court, Hilton Head 843-384-3322 floryphotography.com Hilton Head Island Photography 17 Executive Park Road, Suite 4, Hilton Head 843-683-6883 hiltonheadislandphotography.com Hilton Head Video, Mike Ritterbeck Hilton Head 843-338-1935 hitonheadvideo.com Island Photography by Susan McCann 54 Crosswinds Drive, Hilton Head 843-342-2296 mccannphotography.com

Michael Stothard Photography 21 Barnacle Road, Hilton Head 404-202-0963 michaelstothard.com Moonlight Productions PO Box 24102, Hilton Head Island 843-422-7843 moonlightproductionshhi.com Hopkins Studios 912-308-7057 hopkinsstudios.com

Shot by Roxy Photography 1006 Highway 80, Tybee Island 912-786-7747 Snemoo Productions Hilton Head 843-301-7714 snemoo.com Vitor Lindo Photo & Video Savannah 310-913-7054 vitorlindoweddings.com W Photography 23 Squiresgate Road, Hilton Head 843-304-3885 wphotographyhiltonhead.com RECEPTION & CEREMONY SITES Advanced Sail/Pau Hana & Flying Circus Catamaran 86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head 843-686-2582 hiltonheadsailing.com The Beach House Holiday Inn Oceanfront 1 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head 843-548-4995 beachhousehhi.com Belfair Country Club 200 Belfair Oaks Blvd, Bluffton 843-757-0701 belfair1811.com Berkeley Hall 366 Good Hope Road, Bluffton 843-815-8494 berkeleyhallclub.com

Photography by Anne, Inc. photographybyanne.com

Callawassie Island Club 176 Callawassie Island Drive, Callawassie Island 843-987-2125 callawassieisland.com

Photography by Michele 27 Hobonny PI, Hilton Head 843-247-0361 photographybymichelem.com

Colleton River Plantation Club 60 Colleton River Drive, Bluffton 843-836-4400 colletonriverclub.com

Photos by Ruthe 5 Bear Island Road, Hilton Head 843-338-4007 photosbyruthe.com

Country Club of Hilton Head 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head 843-681-2582 clubcorp.com

Picture this Photography 78D Arrow Road, Hilton Head 843-842-5299 picturethishiltonhead.com

Dolphin Head Golf Club 56 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head 843-681-5550 dolphinheadgc.com

BRIDAL GUIDE | directory Oldfield Country Club 10 Oldfield Way, Okatie 843-645-4622 oldfield1732.com

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff 19 Village Park Square, Bluffton 800-501-7405 palmettobluff.com

The Golf Club at Indigo Run 101 Berwick Drive, Hilton Head 843-689-3500 clubcorp.com

Omni Oceanfront Resort & XO Lounge 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head 843-341-8080 omnihotels.com

The Lake Club at Hilton Head Lakes 300 Harborside Dr., Hardeeville 843-208-2220 hiltonheadlakeclub.com

Haig Point Daufuskie Island, SC 800-686-3441 haigpoint.com

Palmetto Dunes 4 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head 888-322-9126 palmettodunes.com

Hampton Hall Club 170 Hampton Hall Blvd, Bluffton 843-815-8730 hamptonhallclubsc.com

Palmetto Hall Plantation Club 108 Fort Howell Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-384-2582 hiltonheadgolf.net

The Wedding Place 19 Professional Village Circle, Beaufort 843-322-0044 theweddingplace.com

Dunes House 14 Dunes House Lane, Hilton Head 843-686-9646 palmettodunes.com

Hampton Lake 20 Hampton Lake Drive, Bluffton 843-836-5253 hamptonlake.com Harbour Town Yacht Club 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head 843-671-1400 htyc.com The Heritage Collection 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head 843-689-4653 hiltonheadgolf.net Hilton Head Beach & Tennis 40 Folly Field Road, Hilton Head 800-475-2631 hhibeachandtennis.com Hilton Head Distillery 14 Cardinal Rd., Hilton Head 843-686-4443 hiltonheaddistillery.com Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa 1 Hotel Circle, Hilton Head 843-686-8400 marriott.com Honey Horn Plantation 843-689-6767 coastaldiscovery.org

Port Royal Golf Club 10 Clubhouse Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-681-1700 hiltonheadgolf.net Rose Hill Mansion 199 Rose Hill Way, Bluffton 843-757-6046 rosehillmansion.com Sea Pines Country Club 30 Governors Road, Hilton Head 843-671-2345 seapinescountryclub.com Sea Pines Resort 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head 843-785-3333 seapines.com Seaquins Ballroom 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton 843-837-6161 seaquinsballroom.com Shipyard Golf Club 45 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-681-1750 hiltonheadgolf.net

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 2 Grasslawn Avenue, Hilton Head 843-681-4000 westinhhi.com Wexford Plantation 111 Wexford Club Drive, Hilton Head 843-686-8810 wexfordplantation.com Windows on the Waterway 12 Capital Drive, Hilton Head 843-689-7526 wecelebrateyou.com RENTALS

Diva Styles 4 Matthews Court,Hilton Head 843-681-3482 FACES DaySpa The Village at Wexford D1, Hilton Head 843-785-3075 facesdayspa.com FACES Lash Studio The Village at Wexford B1, Hilton Head 843-785-LASH faceslashstudio.com Fringe Hilton Head 38 New Orleans Road, Hilton Head 843-785-7400 fringehiltonhead.com The Hair Designers The Village at Wexford F1, Hilton Head 843-686-4247 thehairdesigners.net House of Color 14 Oak Forest Road, #A, Bluffton houseofcolorsalon.com

Seeds of Calm Spa 18 Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island 843-686-5525 seedsofcalmspa.com Serendipity Medical Spa 23 Main Street, Suite #102, Hilton Head Island 843-342-2639 serendipitymedspa.com The Sanctuary Euro Spa 32 Palmetto Bay Road, Hilton Head 843-842-5999 sanctuaryeurospa.com The Sonesta - Arum Spa 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head 843-341-2786 sonesta.com/hiltonheadisland Terra’s Style Studio 2 Marshland Road, Hilton Head 843-682-4247 TRANSPORTATION Camelot Limousine 4494 Bluffton Park Crescent, C101, Bluffton 843-842-7777 hiltonheadlimo.com

Amazing Event Rentals 352 Argent Blvd, Hardeeville 843-837-5090 amazingeventrentals.com

Heavenly Spa by Westin 2 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head 843-681-1019 westinhiltonheadspa.com

Meeting Dynamics/Carolina Weddings 5 Enterprise Lane, Hilton Head 843-681-6950, 843-304-6968 (cell) carolinaweddings.com

Diamond Transportation 18 Hunter Road, Suite #3, Hilton Head 843-247-2156 hiltonheadrides.com

Heritage Dental Spa & Salon 32 Malphrus Road, Suite 115, Bluffton 843-837-4444 heritagedentalspa.com

Executive Transportation 843-301-8294 executivetransportationllc.com

Classic Party Rentals 2 Coastal Drive, Bluffton 843-837-5090 classicpartyrentals.com

Hilton Head Island Spa & Wellness 124 Arrow Road, #7, Hilton Head Island 843-785-6245 hiltonheadislandspa.com

Savannah Special Events

by Ranco 1200 West Bay Street, Savannah 912-944-2297 rancotents.com

Holiday Inn Express Bluffton 35 Bluffton Road, Bluffton 843-757-2002

Shore House 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head 843-842-8000 omnihotels.com

Kitty’s Touch of Elegance Beaufort 843-379-7120 kittystouchofelegance.com

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head 130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head 843-842-2400 sonesta.com

Long Cove Club 399 Long Cove Drive, Hilton Head 843-686-1070 longcoveclub.org

Spanish Wells Club 1 Brams Point Road, Hilton Head 843-681-2819 spanishwellsclub.com

Moss Creek Clubhouse 1523 Fording Island Road, Hilton Head 843-785-6182 mosscreek-hiltonhead.com

South Carolina Yacht Club 10 Yacht Club Drive, Hilton Head 843-681-4844 scyachtclub.com

All About Me 32 Palmetto Bay Road, A13, Hilton Head 843-785-2558 allaboutmehhi.com

Vagabond Cruise 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head 843-363-9026 vagabondcruise.com

A Beautiful U Salon 30 Plantation Park Dr., Suite 204, Bluffton 843-757-6245 abeautifulusalon.com

Oldfield River Club Oldfield Way, Okatie 843-645-4600 oldfield1732.com

Bride's Side Beauty 843-368-2660 bridessidebeauty.com

Sequins Ballroom 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton sequinsballroom.com The Tent Factory 305F Lowcountry Drive, Ridgeland 843-645-4410 SALONS & SPAS

Indigo Spa 14 Valencia Road, Bldg 2, Hilton Head Island 843-593-9900 indigospa.com Le Spa of Hilton Head 71 Lighthouse Road #613, Hilton Head 843-363-6000 lespahiltonhead.com Lux - A Medical Spa 350 Fording Island Road, #101, Bluffton 843-757-3223 luxhhi.com Maui Whitening Salon 37 New Orleans Rd, Suite B Hilton Head, Orleans Plaza 843-715-3038 Salon Karma 12 State of Mind, #100, Bluffton 843-757-5762 salonkarmasc.com

K Shuttle 2788 US-80, Savannah 877-243-2050 kshuttle.com Limousine Service in Hilton Head/Bluffton bestlimodb.com Meeting Dynamics/Carolina Weddings 5 Enterprise Lane, Hilton Head 843-681-6950, 843-304-6968 (cell) carolinaweddings.com Palmetto Transportation 843-683-4279 palmettotransportation.com Silver Oak Transportation 843-384-4235 silveroaktransportation.com Southern Comfort Limousine Greg Rolf (912) 728-8641 www.socolimo.com

Would you like your related business listed? Email your company name and contact information to editor@hiltonheadmonthly.com 2017 Bridal Guide 63

Just

married SPENCER SPECIAL EVENTS | PHOTO BY LANDON JACOB

64 hiltonheadbridalshow.com