Just Keep Pinning...Just Keep Pinning!

Are you a part of the Pinterest craze? If you aren't and you are a bride-to-be, you should be!! Pinterest (a social media virtual pin board) is the PERFECT tool for a bride to get amazing ideas for her big day...and SHOW her ideas to her planner! What an amazing way to develop and communicate your vision!

Check out the Charleston Celebrations Pinterest page to see what WE like! Just search for Melissa Lunsford and look for our logo!

As always, happy planning, AND happy PINNING!

~The Charleston Celebrations Team

It's All in the Details!

This past weekend was full of weddings! Our two brides had some really cute details incorporated into their wedding that really made it their own.

Heather and Beau got married Friday evening at Founder's Hall with a movie-themed wedding. Their fun detail was a game for the guests to play to find their seats. Placed at each table was a movie title, and on the name cards for guests, were quotes from one of the movies. There were two quotes per movie so everyone at the table didn't have the same. It was a little difficult for guests who hadn't seen their movie, but luckily we had a cheat sheet!! Going along with the movie theme, we wrapped one of the three cylinders in each centerpiece with real movie film, and they gave out popcorn for favors! What a fun wedding this was!

The wedding on Saturday was at the Lighthouse on the Creek, and Marc and Sarah had a lovely Charleston-themed reception. For their table names, we found post cards representing historical Charleston landmarks like Rainbow Row, Middleton Place, and the Morris Island Lighthouse. They also had a single barstool on the patio. On the barstool was a sign "Ed's Chair" for Marc's father. There were strict instructions that it was only for Ed, and it was to stay on the patio, because they knew that Ed would want to be outside by the view of the creek, taking in the sweet Charleston air.

Remember to add your own personal touches to make it YOUR celebration!

Happy Planning!

~The Charleston Celebrations Team

Just the Two of Us ~ Elopement Ceremonies in Charleston

Did you know that Charleston Celebrations performs elopement ceremonies too?  We recently rolled out our "Just the Two of Us" elopement package, and Christy and Wade--our newest newlyweds--did just that yesterday!  We make eloping in Charleston super easy, especially since there is only a 24-hour waiting period for your South Carolina marriage license!

Talk about full service...that's me, Melissa, officiating Christy and Wade's customized nuptuals, and I also made their bouquet and boutonniere! So if you're searching for that perfect place as for your wedding's destination, consider beautiful Charleston, and contact Charleston Celebrations to handle all of the details, from elopement to full-service planning and coordination!

(A special thanks to Kate McKinley Photography for capturing Christy and Wade's special moment!  And we LOVE that Christy's "something blue" was her dress!  Gorgeous!!)

Happy Planning, and Happy Autumn!

~Melissa
  

Emergency Kit Extras

I often have brides ask what they need to have on hand on their big day, you know, "just in case". Emergency kits are a great idea (especially if you don't have a wedding planner who should have just about anything you need in a pinch), but here are a few things to add to your bag of bobbie pins, safety pins, lip gloss, and breath mints.

• Deodorant--nerves will make you sweat, and it's increased if you have a heavy dress


• Straws--keep hydrated without messing up your perfectly painted lips


• Bug Wipes--if any part of your wedding is outdoors, these are great to have on hand


• Needle and Thread--safety pins are great, but sometimes you need more than that, so it's a good idea to have thread to match the wedding party's attire


• Snacks and Water--toss a few granola or power bars in your bag in case someone's blood sugar drops, and always have a few bottles of water on hand


• Oil Blotters--a great alternative to powder to remove excess facial oil so your photos look perfect all day long


• Blister Bandages--these are amazing and a must have for shoes you're not used to


• Vendor Contact List--so important to have in a pinch, especially if you don't have a wedding planner (and PLEASE consider hiring a day-of planner, if nothing else, so you don't have to worry about your vendors on your BIG day)

I hope this helps, and best wishes to all the happy "nearlyweds" out there from Melissa and Charleston Celebrations!

Money-Saving Tips: Reception Decor

Let's face it: we're in a recession. But does that mean having to have less than fabulous reception decor? No way! For most of my brides, their wedding budget is tighter these days, but here are some money-saving tips for reception decor:

1) Use those bouquets! May brides place their bouquets on the cake table, but it's a great idea to let your maids' bouquets play double duty. Have your florist place vases on the tables, and have your bridesmaids (or planner) place the bouquets in the pre-set vases after the ceremony. This also works for ceremony arrangements! And this is a great trick to add-in touches of flowers to gift, guest book, or favor tables...instead of corsages, have your florist make small nosegays for your mothers and grandmothers. You can use them again at the reception by putting two together in a vase, and you won't have to worry about corsage pins ruining those dresses!

2) Rent vases! Ask your florist if you can RENT your centerpiece and arrangement vases/ containers instead of paying for them. Many florists factor in the vases in your floral quotes, so ask if you can rent them instead! You might have to pay a fee for the florist to pick them up at the end of the reception, but chances are that the difference is worth it!

3) Candles everywhere! Candles add such ambiance to a reception, and in this case, more is more!. They are often less-expensive than flowers, and you can usually rent them from your florist or planner. For a fantastic combo, use frosted votive holders with LED tea lights. Since the tea lights are smaller than votive-sized candles, all you'll see is the beautiful glow. This is a great option if your reception is outdoors or in a historic building that bans real candles.

4) Mirror, mirror, on the...tables! Another trick to making centerpieces look fuller is to use a mirror underneath your centerpiece and surround it with candles. You'll be amazed at the difference a mirror will make. Before you buy, check with your florist or planner to see if they have mirrors available to rent.

5) Ask your planner! Planners are a fantastic source of ideas and money-saving tips! Just ask...they're there to help!

Best Wishes for your special Celebration from Melissa and Charleston Celebrations!