When throwing a legendary fraternity event in Charleston, you need a venue with a big personality, plenty of amenities, and an atmosphere to keep your brothers and guests talking. Charleston has several locations suitable for everything from a classy formal to a high-energy mixer.
With the right fraternity event rentals—bar setups, lounge areas, and high-quality glassware—CHEERS event rentals has everything you need to take your event to the next level. Here’s a guide to some top Charleston venues and insider tips on setup, décor, and throwing a memorable event.
1. The Cedar Room at the Cigar Factory
With massive windows, exposed brick, and sky-high ceilings, The Cedar Room offers an industrial atmosphere perfect for a fraternity event—whether formal or laid-back. At around 8,000 square feet, this spacious venue can host a full house without feeling cramped.
Pro Tips:
- Opt for bar and lounge rentals in Charleston to set up a stylish hangout zone. You could even create multiple “lounge pods” where people can chill with their drinks.
- For a sit-down dinner, rent tables and chairs and choose long banquet tables that you can decorate with linens and tableware in your frat’s colors. If you’re planning a mixer-style dinner, add cocktail tables—there will be more room for people to stand and mingle.
- String up some Edison bulb lighting, hang your frat’s banners, and consider using custom-made pennant flags or fabric panels draped across tables to showcase your colors.
- Set up a photo booth with frat props (like custom hats and sunglasses) or set aside a space for a DJ to get the energy going later in the night.
2. Merchants Hall
Located near the bustling City Market, Merchants Hall combines classic Charleston architecture with an upscale feel. The hall’s open floor plan and large windows make it great for a black-tie event or a banquet-style setup.
Pro Tips:
- Lean into the upscale look with luxury plate and glassware rentals. Choose dark-toned charger plates paired with crystal-clear wine glasses to add a modern edge that contrasts with the venue’s historic features.
- Add some classy centerpieces—candles, fresh flowers, or custom place cards with your frat’s emblem. If there’s a theme, get some coordinating linens to match.
- Rent a cocktail bar for custom frat-themed drinks like “Delta Shots” or “Sigma Sangrias.”
3. The Governor Thomas Bennett House
This venue screams Southern charm with its grand oak trees, lush gardens, and historic architecture. It’s ideal for a cocktail party, mixer, or anything with a backyard hangout feel.
Pro Tips:
- Rent high-top tables and lounge seating so people can easily mix and mingle, and custom bar rentals are a must-have to keep the drinks flowing.
- If you’re hosting a cocktail-style event, hire bar staff and servers or set up long tables and risers for self-serve food stations.
- Keep it classy with hanging greenery installations, clusters of vintage brass candlesticks on the tables, and rustic wooden signs with your fraternity’s logo.
- Set up games of cornhole or giant Jenga in the garden by the fountain for some laid-back fun.
4. The Historic Rice Mill
The Historic Rice Mill is a beautiful waterfront venue with some of the best views in Charleston, looking right out over the Ashley River. Its rustic ambiance makes it perfect for an evening party where you want a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.
Pro Tips:
- Opt for bar rentals, cocktail tables, and tête-à-tête sofas outside to create a breezy hangout spot for drinks by the water.
- Coastal touches work perfectly here—blue and white linens, beachy lanterns, and maybe a few nautical props like rope accents or anchor decor.
- Set up a cigar station outside for the guys who like to smoke or a “Coastal Beer Bar” with local brews to get into the Charleston spirit.
5. The American Theater
For a night out with some flair, The American Theater’s old-school Hollywood vibe is unbeatable. Its Art Deco style and theatrical setting make it ideal for a theme party where you can go all out with a black-tie dress code, Hollywood props, or even a “Roaring ’20s” look.
Pro Tips:
- Lounge rentals with velvet couches and gold accents perfectly match the glam vibe. For a full-on aesthetic, make sure you add some plate rentals with a vintage look when serving canapés or appetizers.
- Go all in with a red carpet at the entrance, Hollywood-style props, and gold or black balloons. Consider a backdrop for photos, like a “Hollywood Frat Night” banner.
- To keep the energy up, host a movie screening, live band, or DJ. If you really want to go big, set up a mock awards show for some laughs.
Fraternity Event Rentals Made Easy with CHEERS
No matter what venue you choose, CHEERS has all the event rentals in Charleston, SC, that you’ll need to throw a frat event that everyone will remember! From high-end glassware rentals and table and chair setups to full bar and lounge rentals in Charleston, we’ve got all the items you need to deck out your space exactly how you want.
And renting party gear couldn’t be easier—all you need to do is plan your event, tell us which rentals you want and let CHEERS handle the logistics. For a frat party that hits all the right notes, check out CHEERS event rentals and lock down everything you need for the ultimate college night out.