bride GUIDE
Here comes the bride and with her – lots of things on the to do list! Whether you are a bride, a mother of the bride or a supportive friend, The Bride Guide lists only vendors who have been recommended by busy, Lowcountry women. Exclusive content, including a Wedding Workbook, is available at EveryBusyWoman.com. Be sure to sign up for the Busy Bride Buzz eNewsletter to stay up to date as the big day approaches. Enjoy!
Betty
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THE
THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR EVERY BUSY WOMAN : NAME OF SECTION THE BRIDE GUIDE : 42
BUSY BRIDE TIPS
BAKERIES
Ashley Bakery 1662 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407 tel 843.763.4125 www.ashleybakery.com WildFlour Pastry Specialty cakes and desserts available for all occasions.
Little Wedding Guests If you have invited children to be guests at your wedding, consider the following: • Hire a babysitter to watch them during the ceremony. • Set up a children’s table or room at the reception, complete with favors, crayons, coloring books, small toys and games. • Consider hiring special children’s entertainment, such as a caricaturist or clown. • Ask your caterer to prepare kid meals or options. • Toss a candy bouquet for the kids in addition to your flower bouquet.
73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403 tel 843.327.2621 www.wildflourpastrycharleston.com See our ad page 30 BARTENDING SERVICES
ICEBOX Bar Services Outstanding, high quality event bar services offering fresh, innovative and exciting beverage ideas. Our many packages offer the ability to customize bar service to accommodate your every need. We are committed to delivering the best quality service and products with expert bartenders trained in the latest techniques of mixology, speed techniques, and customer service. Now offering free beverage consultations and client cocktail tastings. Professional & Friendly • Fully Insured Standard & Tailored Bar Packages
2220 Old School Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 tel 843.407.0473 email: info@iceboxbar.com www.iceboxbar.com See our ad page 44 BEAUTY
The Spa at Charleston Place Located on the 4th Floor of Charleston Place Hotel, in the heart of downtown Charleston. 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 tel 843.937.8522 www.charlestonplace.com See our ad page 6 Stella Nova Salon Spa Esthetique & Make-Up Studio Stella Nova is the bridal expert, let us prepare you for the aisle. Bridal Gifts, Bridal Suite. Outcall Hair & Make-Up.
292 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401 tel (Spa) 843.723.0909, (Salon) 843.577.2500, (Store) 843.722.9797 or 800.577.NOVA www.stella-nova.com
BUSY BRIDE TIPS
Cru Catering Eclectic Modern American Cuisine Cru Catering offers full-service customized catering, including weddings, meetings, special events and private parties. We coordinate pre-planned menus for groups of all sizes. Find out why we’ve been voted Charleston’s Best Caterer for more than a decade. Voted Best Caterer 2001 - 2012 by Charleston City Paper readers. Voted the Best of Weddings 2010 - 2012 Pick by The Knot Chef John Zucker, 1st in Class, Cordon Bleu Graduate
1784 Harmon Street, Charleston, SC 29403 tel 843.534.CHEF (2433) www.crucatering.com See our ad page 46 Granville’s Catering One-of-a-kind menus for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and more. We are committed to excellent food, interesting wines and spirits and warm, inviting service at reasonable prices. We source fresh local produce, meat and seafood whenever available and we believe in recycling and contributing to our community in a positive way. Contact Trae Wilson, Chef Owner
730 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403 tel 843.224.5873 email: Trae@GranvillesGroceryandCatering.com www.GranvillesGroceryandCatering.com CHILDREN’S WEAR
Southern Belles Exquisite and Unique Children’s Attire & Gifts for Weddings and Special Occasions
280 W. Coleman Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (Northcutt Plaza Specialty Shops) tel 843.881.1741 www.southernbellesonline.com See our ad page 34 JEWELRY
It Fitz Jewelry by Nikki Fitzgerald Wood We specialize in customized jewelry for the bride, mother of the bride/groom and the bridal party that captures the essence of your special day, creating a timeless, one-of-a-kind keepsake. Visit the online gallery and contact Nikki for a design consultation.
tel 843.343.3242 email: nikki@itfitzjewelry.com www.itfitzjewelry.com See our ad page 45
Registry Do’s & Don’ts Do: • Include your partner in the process. • Register for items in a range of prices to give your guests options. • Let people know where you’ve registered by setting up a Web site and telling shower and party hosts. • Revisit and update your registry often. Don’t: • Wait until the last minute; register with time for showers and engagement parties. • Select items you will never use. • Overlook the details. Read the fine print and know what the store’s policies are for shipping, returns and exchanges. • Make things hard for your guests by only choosing stores with local-accessibility. Include at least one large chain or store that has online shopping.
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CATERING
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BUSY BRIDE TIPS
Carolina Queen Make your wedding a truly special occasion aboard the Carolina Queen – one of Charleston’s most unique event locations. Whether you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony or wedding reception, delight your guests with exceptional service, delicious food and the ever-changing views of Charleston’s picturesque harbor as you cruise on Charleston’s only Paddlewheel Riverboat.
Wedding Why’s?
Harbour Club
Wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was once believed that the “vena amori” or vein of love ran from the ring finger to the heart.
Located in the heart of historic Charleston, the 200-year-old building and rooftop terrace offer an atmosphere symbolic of southern hospitality for parties of to 250. Allow us to create a day to carry you through forever. 35 Prioleau Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
The veil was originally worn by Roman brides to disguise themselves and outwit malevolent spirits.
tel 843.722.1112 or 800.344.4483 email: sales@charlestonharbortours.com www.charlestonharbortours.com See our ad page 49
tel 843.723.9680 www.harbour-charleston.com See our ad page 46 Lighthouse on the Creek Nestled in the heart of Mt. Pleasant, SC on historic Shem Creek, our unique waterfront facility features a stunning sunset vista, spacious porches and a sensational Lowcountry backdrop your guests will love. Perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, executive retreats, corporate meetings and other elegant events.
tel 843.881.7384 www.shemcreekevents.com Tides Hotel on Folly Beach Your Wedding. Your Way. We have everything you need to make your big day everything you’ve ever imagined and as original as you are. From casual, intimate ceremonies on the beach, to elegant, formal affairs, Tides is the only full-service oceanfront hotel in the Charleston area that has a setup to match any wedding style. With the beach right outside our doors and over 4,000 square feet of banquet space inside, the Tides Hotel on Folly Beach can accommodate everything from a casual buffet to a formal dinner. To start planning your one-of-a-kind Charleston oceanfront wedding, contact one of our friendly wedding professionals today.
Tides Hotel on Folly Beach, 1 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 tel 843.588.6464 www.tidesfollybeach.com See our ad page 49
Bridesmaids were used to confuse evil spirits by dressing alike and surrounding the bride. In medieval times, men wore their swords on their right side, thus would keep that side free in case they needed to draw. Therefore, if escorted, the bride walks down on the left and the bride’s family and guests sit on the left side of the aisle.
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WEDDING EVENT VENUES
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Title for the Tip
Body of the tip.
BUSY BRIDE TIPS
Event DRS Dining Rental Solutions Providing you with a complete resource for all your event rental needs. Known throughout Charleston for our amazing selection, great customer service, and can-do attitude. We pride ourselves on providing quality products at a reasonable price. We have all the rental equipment to make your next event spectacular! Farm Tables + Benches + Custom Bars China + Flatware + Glassware Tables + Chairs + Specialty Linens Now offering Free Rental Consultations for our Monarch Crystal Glassware and Customizable Fine China.
2220 Old School Drive, Charleston, SC 29405 tel 843.407.0473 email: info@eventdrscharleston.com www.eventdrscharleston.com See our ad page 44
A Busy Bride’s Best Girl Prior to the day, arrange for one reliable person: • Carry your lipstick & powder and tell you when you need it! • Make sure you have drinks & food. • Keep a comfy pair of ballet-style slippers for you to change into. • Help you to the ladies room. Trust us, you’ll need it.
WEDDING CHECKLIST 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING ❏ Set a budget ❏ Select a theme, colors, etc. ❏ Ceremony date, time and site ❏ Book officiant ❏ Reserve the reception site ❏ Select your attendants ❏ Caterer, Florist, Wedding Consultant ❏ Photographer and Videographer ❏ Music - ceremony and reception ❏ Wedding dress, headpiece and accessories ❏ Bridesmaid’s dresses ❏ Begin compiling guest list ❏ Be sure to sign contracts! 9 MONTHS BEFORE ❏ Register for china, gifts, etc. ❏ Plan the honeymoon! ❏ Send out save the date cards 6 MONTHS BEFORE ❏ Order bridesmaid’s dresses and flower girl’s dress ❏ Current visas and passports? ❏ Discuss rehearsal dinner with groom 4 MONTHS BEFORE ❏ Finalize guest list ❏ Order invitations, programs and stationery
❏ Order formal wear for groom and attendants ❏ Book hair and makeup ❏ Wedding cake and groom’s cake 2 MONTHS BEFORE ❏ Final dress fitting ❏ Finalize ceremony details: procession, seating chart, etc. ❏ Gifts for bridal party ❏ Cake knife and champagne glasses for toast ❏ Guest registration book ❏ Wedding rings ❏ Select who will be in charge of what on day of ❏ Plan your getaway - car, carriage, etc. 6 - 8 WEEKS BEFORE ❏ Mail invitations ❏ Photo list for photographer and videographer ❏ Send announcement to newspaper 2 WEEKS BEFORE ❏ Pick up wedding gown ❏ Marriage license ❏ Put all necessities in one bag or container for easy transport 1 WEEK BEFORE ❏ Guest count to caterer ❏ Check in with all service providers ❏ Inform attendants and family where to be and when
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WEDDING RENTALS
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WEDDING NOTES
love it! ____________________________ found it on page ______ ____________________________ found it on page ______ ____________________________ found it on page ______ ____________________________ found it on page ______ ____________________________ found it on page ______
brainstorm: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
to do: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
jot down all your favs from this issue!
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BRIDAL buzz: Emergency Wedding Day Kit No need to say, “If only I had my _____” on your big day! Gather the following things together to make your own wedding day “emergency kit.” For the Bride… ❑ Band-Aids ❑ Any medications you may need ❑ Bobby pins ❑ Make-up ❑ Hairspray ❑ Clear nail polish (for pantyhose runs) ❑ Brush ❑ Tissues ❑ Baby powder or white chalk (for covering stains) ❑ Comfortable shoes ❑ Safety pins ❑ Spare pantyhose/stockings ❑ Cell phone & a list of vendors numbers (see our Wedding Workbook p. 23 – 32) ❑ Water & spirits for a pre-wedding toast with the gals (don’t overdo it)
For the Groom…
Download this list at EveryBusyWoman.com 6
#
❑ Rings ❑ Spare, white shirt (leave unopened so that you can return if unused) ❑ Large, black umbrella ❑ Hair styling products ❑ Razor & shaving cream (just in case you miss a spot) ❑ Tooth brush & tooth paste ❑ Breath mints ❑ Cologne & deodorant ❑ Camera ❑ Cash for tipping & emergencies ❑ Local map and/or directions to your honeymoon escape ❑ Water & spirits for a pre-wedding toast with the guys (don’t overdo it)
Every bride needs an organizational tool for planning a wedding. You can use this workbook as a start. Turn the page and find at-a-glance worksheets for a month by month checklist, registry and budget checklists, a vendor contact list and more. You can also download and print these pages at our Web site www.EveryBusyWoman.com.
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your wedding workbook
your wedding workbook
your wedding workbook
Your Budget Checklist Service
Budgeted Amount Vendor Estimate
Reception Venue Baker Caterer Beverages Miscellaneous fees Attire Wedding gown Veil or headpiece Shoes Jewelry Hair & make up Groom’s attire Groom’s accessories Miscellaneous fees Flowers and Decorations Floral arrangements for ceremony Floral arrangements for reception Bride’s bouquet Bridesmaids’ bouquets Corsages and boutonnieres Flower girl’s buds Ring pillow Reception decorations Lighting Miscellaneous fees Music Ceremony music Reception music Miscellaneous fees
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Amount Spent
Budgeted Amount Vendor Estimate
Photographer and Video Bridal portrait Photography – rehearsal dinner Photography – wedding day Videography Additional prints & albums Miscellaneous fees Favors & Gifts Guest bags Bridal party gifts Parting favors Miscellaneous fees Ceremony Site fee Officiant fee/donation Miscellaneous fees Stationery Save the date cards Invitations Thank-you notes Programs Seating & place cards Postage Miscellaneous fees Wedding Rings Bride’s ring Groom’s ring Transportation Limo or car rental for bride & groom Transportation for wedding party Transportation for guests Miscellaneous fees
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Amount Spent
your wedding workbook
Service
your wedding workbook
Registry Checklist Depending on what you and your hubby-to-be already own, you can use portions of this checklist. You may have a well-stocked kitchen, but desperately need new bed linens (yours are too girly and his so not?). Also, remember that you can register for large-ticket items as well.
FOR THE DINING ROOM o 12-piece set of formal china o 12-piece set of everyday dinnerware o Set of serving dishes and bowls to match the above o 2 serving platters o 1 gravy boat o 12 water glasses o 8 white wine glasses, 8 red wine glasses o 8 high ball glasses o 8 old-fashioned glasses o 12 Champagne glasses o 8 mugs o 12-piece set of silver o 12-piece set of everyday flatware o 1 tea service (tray, pot, sugar and creamer) o Serving utensils (large forks, spoons, cheese knives) o 12 placemats o 12 napkins and rings o 2 table cloths
FOR THE KITCHEN o 1 set of pots and pans (1 stock pot, 2 sautÊ pans, 1 sauce pan) o 1 set of knives (one of each: paring knife, chef’s knife, bread knife and serrated knife) o 8 steak knives o 1 standing mixer o 1 blender o 1 coffeemaker o 2 cutting boards o 1 set each of measuring cups and spoons o 1 set of mixing bowls o 1 set of cooking utensils (spatula, whisk, slotted and wooden spoons) o Salt and pepper shakers o 2 covered casserole dishes o 3 baking sheets o A cake pan, a pie pan and a bundt pan o Oven mitts o 2 sets of kitchen towels
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your wedding workbook
FOR THE BEDROOM o 2 sets of sheets o 1 comforter and duvet cover o 1 bedskirt o 2 blankets o 4 sleeping pillows o Set of decorative pillows and shams o Decorative items
Miscellaneous o Picture frames o Candles and holders o Mirrors o Vases o Decorative pillows for living room o Decorative blankets o Travel items: suitcases, garment bags, etc.
FOR THE BATHROOM o 4 – 6 bath towels o 4 – 6 hand towels o 4 – 6 wash cloths o 2 bath sheets o 2 bath mats o 1 shower curtain and liner o 1 trash basket o 1 soap dish and toothbrush holder FOR CHARITY Make your wedding day gifts give to others as well by signing up with one of the following organizations. A portion of your gift purchases can go to a favorite charity! www.idofoundation.org www.JustGive.org’s www.changingthepresent.org
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your wedding workbook
Vendor/Emergency Contact Checklist Put all of your wedding contact information in one spot for at-your-fingertips ease. Baker
Ceremony Venue
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Band/Deejay
Florist
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Bank
Gown Boutique
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Bartender
Hair Stylist
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Calligrapher
Make Up Artist
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Caterer
Musicians
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
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Seamstress
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Photographer
Stationer
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Reception Venue
Transportation
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Registry Locations
Videographer
Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Phone: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Email: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Wedding Planner
Name: __________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________ Rehearsal Dinner Venue Name: __________________________________
Name: __________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________ Wedding Rentals Name: __________________________________ Address: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: __________________________________ 29
your wedding workbook
Officiant
your wedding workbook
shoot sheet
GETTING READY □o Bride having her hair styled and make up applied □o Bridesmaids helping the bride get dressed □o Bride’s mom helping with a detail like adjusting the veil or zipping the dress □o Close ups of the Bride’s bouquet □o Still shots of the Bride’s gown, shoes, something borrowed… □o Bride with attendants □o Bride with the flower girl □o Bride with her parents and siblings □o Groom getting ready with his father and groomsmen □o Groom with his parents and siblings □o Groom with the best man □o Groom with the ring bearer □o Groomsmen putting on boutonnieres or ties
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FORMAL SHOTS □o □ Bride and Groom together □o Bride with her mother □o □ Bride with her father □o Bride with her siblings □o Bride with her grandparents □o □ Bride with her bridesmaids □o □ Bride with entire immediate family □o □ Groom with his mother □o Groom with his father □o □ Groom with his siblings □o □ Groom with his grandparents □o □ Groom with groomsmen □o □ Bride and Groom with Bride’s family □o □ Bride and Groom with Groom’s family □o □ Bride and Groom with flower girl and ring bearer □o □ Bride and Groom with the entire wedding party
THE RECEPTION □o The exterior and interior of reception site □o Still life shots of details: flowers, lighting, dance floor, food, Champagne glasses, centerpieces, guest book □o The cake □o □ Guests arriving □o □ Bride and Groom arriving □o □ The first dance □o □ Bride and Groom with guests □o □ Bride and her father dancing □o □ Groom and his mother dancing □o □ Wedding party dancing □o □ Toasts □o □ Bride and Groom cutting the cake □o □ Bouquet toss □o □ Garter toss □o □ The getaway vehicle □o □ Bride and Groom leaving the reception
NOTE: Ask a reliable friend or relative to point out important people to your photographer. And let your photographer know if you want something very specific like Aunt Betty dancing her famous Charleston.
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THE CEREMONY □o □ Exterior and interior shots before guests arrive □o Groom walking down the aisle with his mother □o □ Bridal party walking down the aisle □o □ Bride with escort before walking down the aisle □o Close up of Groom’s face when he sees the Bride for the first time □o □ Bride’s father giving her away □o □ Bride and groom together □o Close up shots of the immediate family watching the ceremony □o Wide shots of the audience □o Special moments such as readings □o Close up as Bride and Groom recite their vows □o The kiss □o Close up of Bride and Groom walking up the aisle