Charlestonbrideguidesummer2013

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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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.

Wedding Cake To Do’s You’ve selected your baker, picked your flavor and are ready for the big day. Or are you...?

• Transporting: Make sure you’re baker offers delivery options to your venue and that someone will be there to let them know where it is to go.

• Displaying: Talk with your baker to incorporate personal items like an heirloom cake stand before the wedding day.

You’ll also want your baker and designer to work together on any special instructions you may have for how the cake is presented.

• Serving: Don’t forget you will need a cake service - knife and server - and to bring a family set or include on your rentals.

• Timing: Have a pre-scheduled time that your cake is to be cut and served.

73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403 tel 843.327.2621 www.wildflourpastrycharleston.com See our ad page 26 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 35 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

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The Charleston Bridal Show This is your special invitation to the most unique bridal show of the year! On August 4, 2013, please join us for The Charleston Bridal Show at The Charleston Marriott, in the destination wedding capital of Downtown Charleston. Meet with 75+ vendors in an interactive environment from Noon to 5PM. Admission is $10 at the door. Bridal Fashion • Music & Entertainment • Hors D’oeuvres & Cake Samples • The Latest Wedding Decor & Props

170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC, 29403 tel 843.452.3950 www.thecharlestonbridalshow.com CATERING

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 43

Saving Your Cake To enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary: 1) Remove sugar decorations or flowers.

2) Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap (never use aluminum foil).

3) Seal the wrapped cake in an air-tight bag.

4) Store in the freezer.

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BRIDAL SHOWS

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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 WEDDING EVENT VENUES

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.

tel 843.722.1112 or 800.344.4483 email: sales@charlestonharbortours.com www.charlestonharbortours.com See our ad page 49 Harbour Club 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

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

Bridal Gown Cleaning & Storage • Hang your wedding gown by the loops inside the gown that are connected to the sturdy side seams, and never by the fragile shoulder seams, which can stretch or sag.

• Avoid storing your gown in plastic bags or vacuumsealed, plastic-wrapped containers because plastic emits fumes that can yellow your gown and trap moisture that causes mildew.

• Ask to inspect your wedding gown personally before it is put into the container, which should be a completely acidfree museum quality archival wedding chest lined with fabric or acid-free tissue.

• Avoid storing your bridal gown in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature or humidity.

The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists

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JEWELRY

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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

Changing Names 1. With your marriage certificate and ID, complete and return an Application for a Social Security Card found online at www.socialsecurity. gov or by calling the Social Security Administration’s free automated system: 800.772.1213.

2. Visit the DMV - bring at least two forms of identification and your original marriage certificate.

3. With your new SS card and driver’s license, changing everything else is relatively easy.

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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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… ❑ 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)

Download this list at EveryBusyWoman.com

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WEDDING VENUE QUESTIONS ❏ Can the facility comfortably accommodate the size of the wedding or the number of guests invited? ❏ Does the site have handicap access? ❏ Is there a power source where you need it to be? ❏ Does it have restroom facilities? ❏ Is it heated and/or air-conditioned? ❏ Is there a room available for the bride to change clothes or freshen up? ❏ How much is the total rental fee and what does it include? ❏ Is there a time limit on our reception? ❏ Do you provide a discount on hotel rooms? (If location is a hotel). ❏ Do you provide tables, chairs, china, linens, glassware and/or flatware?