Wedding

Determining the number of guests to invite to your wedding often feels like solving a complex equation. It’s a common conundrum faced by couples embarking on their wedding planning journey, one that can set the tone for other important decisions down the line. Each guest you decide to invite is not only someone you want to share in your joy but also a factor that impacts various elements of your wedding — from budget to venue size, logistics, and even the overall atmosphere of your big day. Several key factors could influence the size of your wedding guest list. Your personal preferences, cultural norms, the chosen venue’s capacity, and your allocated budget, to name a few. Whether planning an intimate affair with close friends and family or a grand celebration with a triple-digit guest list, striking the right balance requires careful thought and consideration. This is where the process of how to plan your own wedding becomes an exercise in balancing practicalities with personal desires. Choosing who to invite to your wedding is a must-make decision in the planning process that can influence everything from your catering needs to the rentals you’ll require. The aim is to curate a guest list that honors your vision of your special day while considering the realities of wedding planning. Remember, your wedding reflects you as a couple, so the guest list should mirror that sentiment. Dealing with the Dilemma: How Many Guests Should I Invite to My Wedding? Trying to figure out the ideal number of guests to invite to your wedding is a dilemma that almost every couple goes through. The factors influencing this decision can range from the size of your chosen venue to the style of your wedding — and of course, your personal preferences and budgetary considerations are in there, too. It’s essential to remember that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer and that the number you decide upon could easily change during the wedding planning process. Your wedding is a personal event, a celebration of love and union. The number of guests should reflect this rather than trying to match an industry standard or someone else’s expectations. It’s about what feels right for you and your partner and the atmosphere you wish to cultivate on your special day. Moreover, the number of guests invariably influences aspects such as wedding rentals in Charleston, SC. So keep this in mind. The headcount can impact everything from the number of chairs and tables needed to larger considerations such as tent sizes for outdoor weddings. As such, having a tentative guest count in mind can greatly assist in the planning stages and ensure your day is as seamless as possible. Understanding the Average Size of a Wedding Guest List In the world of weddings, understanding the average guest list size can offer context for your planning. Historically, the average wedding guest list in the United States hovers around 120 to 150 attendees. This count, however, is merely a guideline, and the actual number can vary widely depending on personal preferences, the venue’s capacity, and cultural traditions. A recent study by wedding experts puts the average these days at 117 guests, but the number will vary depending on who you’re speaking with. A small wedding typically includes 50 people or under, a medium wedding between 51 and 150 people, and a large wedding over 150 people. Over the years, we’ve seen shifts in the trend for guest list sizes. A shift towards more intimate celebrations has been gaining momentum for years, with some couples opting for a more curated list of close friends and family. This shift is partly due to the desire for more personalized experiences and meaningful interactions on the special day. However, in this post-pandemic world where we’re once again able to gather and celebrate, a resurgence of grand events is now taking place for those with the budgets to accommodate them. It’s worth noting that your guest list size will directly impact the scale of your event setup. For instance, an increased guest count can lead to a higher demand for Charleston event rentals, such as additional seating, tables, or even bars and lounge furniture. Understanding the average size and trends in wedding guest lists can help you make informed decisions during your wedding planning process. Factors to Consider When Creating Your Wedding Guest List When drafting your wedding guest list with your partner, various factors should come into play. Firstly, your budget has a large role in this decision — after all, each guest will add to your catering, seating, and overall event costs. The capacity of your chosen venue also matters; it sets a hard limit on how many people you can comfortably accommodate. Don’t overlook personal preferences and cultural or family expectations, which can significantly influence the list’s final shape. Maintaining a balance between inviting everyone dear to you and fostering an intimate atmosphere can be tricky. It’s about careful curation to ensure your wedding remains a personal, meaningful celebration. One specific way guest numbers can influence your planning is with transportation. For instance, if you’re considering a wedding car rental in Charleston, SC, the size of your wedding party could determine the number of cars or the type of vehicle you’ll need. Each decision you make about your guest list will echo through your plans, so it’s crucial to deliberate on these decisions carefully. Budgeting for Your Wedding Guests: Key Considerations When setting a budget for your wedding, the number of guests plays a significant role. Each guest contributes to the total cost of food and beverages, and as your list grows, so may the size of your venue and other related costs. Many vendors charge per guest, meaning a longer list might translate into a higher bill. It’s vital to consider these aspects when determining your wedding budget, ensuring you’re adequately prepared for the financial implications of your guest list. In terms of budgeting, hiring a wedding planner might come to mind. So you

Throughout preparing for your wedding, you will talk to many people about what you should have with you on the day, what you should do, what you are supposed to do a week before, a month before, or maybe six months in advance. All the information can be gathered in all sorts of lists, checklists, and other notes. Even so, sometimes our organizational skills are not enough, as we all seem to forget some things. Although our team highly encourages you to hire a wedding planner, sometimes the money just isn’t there. With that being said, follow up with your Charleston wedding rentals the week before your wedding to ensure everything is set and the proper tables and chairs will be delivered to your venue. Though they may seem easier to control and organize, non-traditional weddings are still quite rare, and many prefer the tradition and ceremony of the big event. A traditional approach implies, in many circumstances, a structured wedding plan or, if you do not possess such skills or the time, a professional wedding organizer. This magical person and his/her team will basically let you enjoy the moment of your life without the nasty troubles and awful stress that may come throughout the planning. The list below is not mandatory at all but simply a good reference point, especially when your experience is limited. And, above all, it reflects big picture items and some basic facts applicable to many successful traditional weddings. The Venue You know who you’re marrying – Now the real question is where and when? The scheduling of a venue used to be pretty simple; however, COVID made this process extremely complicated, and our team is certain it will continue to be backlogged for the next two years. Choosing the venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The location affects almost everything from how many people you invite to what kind of flowers are on the table. Chances are, it’s also going to be the biggest chunk out of your budget. This is why it is imperative to explore all options, visit all available, and ultimately select a place that fits your guest count, style, and budget. Lastly, you will need to select table and chair rentals Charleston SC if your venue does not supply these items. Locate a local rental company in the Charleston area and select the style that fits your taste and budget. Get-Away Car Last but certainly not least don’t forget to enjoy the process. You only get married once or maybe twice 🙂 Remind yourself and your significant other that stressing over the process will not help! Instead concentrate on booking items as early as possible such as a cool wedding car rental as you wave goodbye to your friends and family post wedding. There is nothing swaggier than a vintage get-away car pulling away from the wedding venue as the sparklers are flying! Food & Beverage What’s a party without food and tasty cocktails? No matter what type of wedding food you’re envisioning and what type of drinks you want to offer (a full bar, a few signature cocktails, or just beer and wine), we have the advice and inspiration you need to choose the best offerings for your big day. To get an idea about what your guests would like to eat, send options in your wedding invitations, and give your caterer an accurate count. Whether you want to include classics like chicken or beef, or serve up something unique like vegan burgers, these wedding food ideas are sure to impress your guests. As mentioned, the list above is not mandatory at all but simply a good starting point for your wedding day, especially when your experience is limited in planning. Above all, remember to enjoy the process and the overall day with your significant other. Your friends and family can’t wait to see you smile and maybe cry, a lot!

Choosing your wedding entertainment can be tricky with there being numerous suppliers in the market. According to a Survey encompassing over 3,500 couples’ feedback, a staggering 80% of couples said that their guests’ happiness was the most important part of wedding planning. Additionally, couples expressed how they wished they had spent more time surrounding Charleston Wedding Rentals with tables & chairs as well as tabletop having a large influence on the overall atmosphere of the event. Whether you’re wondering how to entertain your guests during the wedding photography part of the day, or you’re looking for unique entertainment ideas that’ll keep your guests smiling all day, you’ve come to the right place. As a couple, you want to look back and remember (for all the right reasons) how awesome your wedding was with friends and family. So, if you’re wondering how to entertain guests at a wedding, you’ve come to the right place. Play Up Your Tablescape Believe it or not your tablescape has a huge impression on the overall vibe of the event. With that being the case, spend a little time on the colors and tones you want incorporated throughout the evening. Maybe you’re going with a tropical theme; and bamboo plates and flatware are right up your alley. Whatever theme you settle on for your wedding day, remember how important your table and chair rentals can have on the look when guest’s walk in. If you’re seeking a vintage atmosphere, farm tables and rustic chairs can be a great option; however, if you want a more relaxed/inexpensive evening banquet tables and polly chairs will do the trick. Go Neon There is no denying the charm of a wooden sign or the elegance of a mirrored sign, but they’re constantly used and a little played out by now. Instead let’s opt for something creative that reflects your theme, like a fun neon sign with a sweet love centric slogan. For the reception, consider incorporating a neon sign with your wedding hashtag, as a photo booth backdrop! Serve Local Delights Whether your wedding will take place locally or far from where you grew up, offer tasting stations with cuisine from that locale. For example, if you’re getting married here in Charleston, we strongly recommend you have an oyster station as well as a she-crab soup served as an appetizer. Set Up an Eclectic Menu Take into consideration your perfect food day – What do you and your significant other enjoy eating the most? Now take those thoughts and ideas and allow your caterer to combine the ideal wedding meal for a diverse menu. Don’t be afraid to mix and mingle foods – It’s your day and no one can stop you! Have Fun With Seating – Can I Do This Myself? Instead of benches or chairs, select distinctive seating that reflects your wedding style for your ceremony, like floor cushions or laidback tree stumps painted with tribal print. While it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics, make sure that the seating you choose is comfortable. Bales of hay, poufs, and ottomans are all worth looking into if there’s a specific vibe you’re looking to recreate. Although planning can be fun and exciting, it can also become stressful at times. Most recently in 2022 & 2023, we’ve seen more and more couples ask themselves can I do this myself? Although there is no wrong or right answer, we love the fact couples are getting creative and want to see How To Plan Your Own Wedding. If budgeting is a concern, planning your own wedding is a great way to save money; however, if this is not the case we strongly recommend hiring a wedding planner, it will save you a few gray hairs. Get-A-Way Wedding Car Rental It’s the end of the party and you’re ready to head out with your significant other! The sparklers are flying as you walk up to a fancy wedding car for you and your partner to drive away in. And the rest is a fairy tale, as you wave goodbye to your friends and family while being driven to your hotel in a vintage high-end wedding car rental in beautiful Charleston SC. Fireworks Display What better way to end your wedding night than with a show stopping fireworks display! Not only are they the perfect end to a full day of celebrations but they lend themselves to a fantastic photo opportunity too. We DO NOT recommend going cheap on this or having your cousin Billy “Handle it himself”. At the end of the day safety should be the highest concern for all guests. So hire a professional and enjoy the show!

The question is popped, the rings are out, your eyes are watery… but how did we get here? With so many tasks to take care of and details to arrange, planning a wedding can seem overwhelming. However, if you give yourself enough time to plan and sort the tasks into a structured planning checklist and timeline, the job becomes less stressful and more enjoyable. Placing orders and communicating with vendors early in the process such as Charleston wedding rentals pertaining to items such as tables & chairs will help immensely. By breaking down the year month by month, individuals are taking on the planning process in bite-size pieces. This will ultimately make planning far less overwhelming. Although 12 to 14 months is the ideal length for a wedding, every couple’s engagement time is different. If your engagement length is shorter, CHEERS advice is to condense the wedding schedule. For example if you’re getting married in six months, try to complete all the wedding- planning checklist tasks designated for month 12 to 6 in that very first month. By taking this approach you’ll be right on schedule with everything else. Insure the Engagement Ring While we believe this should be a pre-wedding planning activity, it deserves special mention with the investment. Our team suggests purchasing insurance for your ring as soon as possible. Unfortunately, crazy things happen and you don’t want to be stuck on the altar with no ring because it slid off while you were skiing in Aspen a month before your wedding. Determine your budget It’s time to do the math and crunch some not-so-fun numbers. Before you can start anything, you have to figure out who’s paying for what and determine your weddings bottom line. From there, you’ll want to break down said budget – what’s a priority and what’s not? Maybe you skip the caviar and ensure your table & chair rentals Charleston SC match the theme of the event, and are available for your wedding date. One important key to this process is knowing that your numbers will constantly change. Guest’s will drop out, and people will ask for plus ones – since these numbers will change as you plan, it’s smart to start a detailed spreadsheet from the get-go. This will help keep track of spending and make it easy to adjust numbers along the way. Make a Guest List If only you could invite any and all, right? Chances are because of budgeting reasons, you can’t, which is why you have to put a cap on dishing out invites. When deciding your head count, always have the budget in the back of your mind. From there, figure out how you’re going to divy up the list. If you and your partner are footing the bill, assume you’ll get 70 percent of the invites, while both sets of parents will split the other 30 percent. Hire a wedding Planner A big question you will need to ask yourself and your significant other is what type of wedding do we want to host? Again, this will depend on your budget – fair warning most everything will. But if your funds allow – or if your peace of mind depends on it – spend the money and hire the planner! We are often asked – How much does a wedding planner cost in Charleston? And our response to all couples is that it depends on the type of wedding you’re looking to host. Do you want a high-end planner that will manage the entire process or do you want a wedding planner that is affordable but will not oversee all steps. At the end of the day this person will be your right-hand and will guide you in all decisions, from selecting a venue to tracking your budget and handling all the logistics. Select the Venue You know who you’re marrying – Now the real question is where and when? The scheduling of a venue use to be pretty simple; however, COVID made this process extremely complicated and our team is certain it will continue to be backlogged for the next two years. Choosing the venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The location affects almost everything from how many people you invite to what kind of flowers go on the table. Chances are, it’s also going to be the biggest chunk out of your budget. This is why it is imperative to explore all options, visit all available, and ultimately select a place that fits your guest count, style, and budget. Last but certainly not least don’t forget to enjoy the process. You only get married once or maybe twice 🙂 Remind yourself and your significant other that stressing over the process will not help! Instead concentrate on booking items as early as possible such as a cool wedding car rental as you wave goodbye to your friends and family post wedding. There is nothing swaggier than a vintage get-away car pulling away from the wedding venue as the sparklers are flying!

We completely understand that videography is an added expense, but if it’s within your budget, it’s worth the splurge. Below are the five biggest reasons & benefits for wedding videography. While our team at CHEERS is constantly blown away by the gorgeous and emotional wedding videos, we are lucky enough to be a part of (Mostly our Charleston wedding rentals) we’re always surprised that many couples choose not to hire a wedding videographer. We understand that this is an added expense, but think about the memories that will be captured for you to view for the rest of your life. Capturing All Movement & Sound Still photos provide an image of a moment in time, but wedding videography captures everything, including movement and sound. With a wedding film, you’ll be able to listen to your spouse take a deep breath during your first look, your brother’s toast and your friend’s laughter. You’ll be able to watch your first kiss as newlyweds, your first dance, and your uncle’s weird dance moves. For as beautiful and artistic as still wedding photos can be, they cannot capture the motion and sound – which makes a wedding videographer a must-have. Summarize the Emotions of your Big Day If you’re one who enjoys looking back at life’s memories it’s so important to hire a professional who will not only capture the raw footage of your wedding day, but also edit it down to create an emotional movie, frequently set to music, that will truly tell the story of your wedding from start to finish. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry – it’s the closest thing to reliving your big day. Did you Not See – Your Video Did! Your wedding day goes by very quickly, and unfortunately, you won’t be able to see everything. For example, you won’t be able to watch the flower girl walk down the aisle while you’re waiting in the wings. You won’t see your father-in-law laugh when your future husband messes up his vows. You may not see your family members dancing cheek-to-cheek while you’re mingling with your guests. But a videographer can capture these moments on film and allow you to watch them as though you were really there. Wedding Videos are Easy to Share Nowadays, videographers are able to upload wedding videos onto platforms such as YouTube in very little time. This allows you to easily share your wedding video with your friends and family! The videographer may also be able to create short clips for you to share on social media such as Instagram and Facebook. We promise when you look back on this memory you’ll be asking yourself – How much does a wedding planner cost in Charleston SC NOT, How much does a videographer cost! This video will be one of your most prized possessions going forward in life! Never Stop Watching Unfortunately, you can’t hang your wedding video on your wall as you can those prized pictures; however, you can find special times to watch and let the memories come flooding back to you and your significant other. Consider watching it every year on your anniversary! We promise your wedding video will become an important keepsake and family gem that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. With this video, you won’t have to imagine what you looked like at the start of the day or how cool that wedding car rental in Charleston was that you and significant other drove away at the end of the night. With there being so much to take in as a couple on your wedding day, we believe you will appreciate having video of the ceremony, first dance, speeches, and all the little details you worked so hard on planning for a year before the big day. There will always be little things that you don’t notice on your wedding day because there is just so much going on. Spend the money – Hire the videographer – Thank us later.

There’s no denying that 2022 was a historic year for weddings. The predicted wedding boom took place and millions of events were hosted throughout the United States. After two years of downsized or delayed nuptials, weddings came back in full force and felt bigger than ever. The prolonged desire to break the norm is continuing to drive wedding trends in 2023. Couples will continue to make their weddings entirely custom made in 2023, which means there will be a noticeable shift away from the “typical” wedding look or feel. One thing most wedding industry experts all agree upon, is 2023 will be filled with multi-day destination events. After the past few years having limited access to travel, couples are eager to see the world and bring their guests along with them. Planners continue to see smaller guest counts for these destination events, along with a bigger focus on additional activities. This brings great opportunities for early planning around items such as Charleston wedding rentals. Whether planners are looking for high-end rental services or standard items such as tables and chairs, getting ahead and planning early is highly encouraged going into the 2023 wedding season. Statement Aisles Designs A statement wedding aisle is an exciting and creative way to add a personal touch to your ceremony, and it’s something that your guests will remember. Our team loves how couples are pushing what their wedding aisle would look like! Some of our favorite wedding designers throughout Charleston are coming up with some of the most awe-inspiring wedding aisles – from fashion runways, interior design trends, and nature. This past December, CHEERS was given the opportunity to provide a Snow Machine Rental for a statement aisle wedding in Charleston SC. The bride and groom could not have been more pleased with the snow blowing throughout the air; while walking down the aisle to greet their future partner. Vintage Get-Away Car Although the end of your wedding might be a bit bittersweet, it’s also incredibly exciting. All of your guests are there to watch and wave as you and your spouse embark on a magical journey together. To make the moment even more memorable, ride off into the sunset with CHEERS wedding car rentals in Charleston SC. Not only will you feel extra special as you drive away in the vintage car rental, but you’ll make sure that the last thing your attendees see is something show-stopping. There are numerous fun ways to plan your getaway, whether you stick with tradition or opt for something unique. We have no doubt – you can’t go wrong with the vintage Defender from London, England. Retro & Old School Add-Ons If you’ve got a James Dean Day-dream looking groom by your side and love a classic vintage get-away car, you just might have everything you need for an iconic wedding that stands the test of time. From the roaring 20s, the glamorous 50s, hippie 60s, and rocking 70s, classic retro wedding ideas are making a comeback. In addition to the overall vibe, the food & beverage aspect is also coming into play. Examples of this have been seen through retro popcorn machine rentals in Charleston, SC, where guests can not only enjoy a box of popcorn but can also watch the kernels pop in front of their eyes. In addition to these vintage popcorn machines recently seen in Charleston Sc; hot dog rollers, margarita machines as well as hand rolled cigars are continuing to make a comeback in the wedding industry. As 2023 progresses, we expect to see weddings unlike any we have seen before. Couples will be cutting their own trails with the support of vendors to curate the celebrations that reflect their personalities, style, and love. While wedding trends come and go, there are a few cemented that we can bet our life savings on that won’t ever change: Beautiful Tabletops, good suits, lots of dancing and lots of photo-taking. With that being said, we encourage our future brides and grooms to plan ahead of schedule when it comes to items such as table and chair rentals in Charleston, SC. These may seem like items that can be put on the back burner; however, chairs will directly compliment your overall theme. Remember – you can’t sit down and eat without a table! We hope you’ve enjoyed our input on wedding décor and trends you’ll see in 2023! Now go out there and create your own, you can bet the CHEERS team will be following along and update you in 2024.