Planning a wedding in the enchanting city of Charleston, SC, can be a dream come true. Known for its historic charm, picturesque landscapes and warm Southern hospitality, Charleston offers an idyllic backdrop for saying “I do.” However, with so many details to manage, having a comprehensive checklist can help you pull off your big day without a hitch. Here’s a tailored wedding checklist for Charleston weddings, complete with local vendor options and essential planning tips.
12 Months Before
A year before your Charleston wedding, set your budget and snap up your dream venue early—spots like the Gadsden House fill up fast. Start shaping your guest list, too. Knowing how many people you’re inviting impacts everything from the venue choice to catering.
- Set your budget. Understanding the average cost of a wedding in Charleston, SC, is your first step. With its popularity as a wedding destination, Charleston’s weddings can range widely in price. A good starting budget includes venue, catering and event rentals in Charleston, SC.
- Choose your venue. Charleston’s venues are as varied as they are stunning. Consider the historic charm of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for a fairy-tale outdoor wedding or the classic elegance of The William Aiken House for a downtown affair.
- Draft your guest list. Deciding how many people to invite is critical. Charleston venues cater to all sizes of weddings, from blowout 500-guest parties to more intimate family gatherings, but your budget and venue choice might influence your final list.
9 Months Before
Nine months out, it’s time to lock in the details that bring your Charleston wedding to life. Secure your event rentals— like elegant chairs and décor from CHEERS Charleston event rentals. Choose a caterer, sampling the best of Charleston’s culinary scene, to delight your guests’ taste buds. And start piecing together your theme, blending your style with Charleston’s charm for an unforgettable setting.
- Book Charleston event rentals. For everything from car rentals to tableware, CHEERS is a top choice for wedding rentals in Charleston, SC. Securing these items early ensures you get the best selection for your wedding date.
- Catering contracts. Taste and book your caterer. Charleston’s culinary scene is rich with options like Cru Catering and Salthouse Catering, known for their exquisite menus that feature local produce and flavors.
- Plan your décor. Start collecting table decorating ideas for weddings. Pinterest and bridal magazines are great sources for inspiration. Consider the theme and color scheme you want to reflect Charleston’s charm.
6 Months Before
Six months before your wedding, send out your save-the-dates to give guests a heads up, especially important for a destination as sought-after as Charleston. Now’s also the time to find your perfect wedding attire, explore Charleston’s boutique shops for that dream dress or suit. Plus, book your photographer and entertainment—Charleston talent books up quickly!
- Send save-the-dates. Now that you have your venue and key vendors booked, it’s time to let your guests know. Include accommodation suggestions for out-of-towners, as Charleston is a popular tourist destination.
- Wedding dress and attire. Start your shopping and fittings. Charleston boutiques like Modern Trousseau and Gown Boutique of Charleston offer a range of styles from traditional to modern.
- Entertainment and photography: Book your photographer, band or DJ. Richard Bell Photography and OtherBrother Entertainment are excellent Charleston options for capturing and celebrating your special day.
3 Months Before
Three months before the big day, finalize your event rentals and décor details to ensure your Charleston wedding vision comes to life. Confirm the menu with your caterer and outline the day’s timeline, from vows to dancing. Also, don’t forget to apply for your marriage license to make it official in South Carolina!
- Finalize rentals and décor. Confirm your wedding rentals and décor details. Ensure you have everything from chairs to lighting to enhance your Charleston wedding’s beauty.
- Menu and event timeline. Finalize your menu with your caterer and plan the day’s timeline, from the ceremony to the reception. Make sure it reflects the flow you envision for your day.
- Marriage license. Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license. In South Carolina, there’s a 24-hour waiting period after applying.
1 Month Before
One month out, it’s crunch time. Finalize fittings for your wedding attire and double-check all bookings, including those critical Charleston event rentals. Also, chase up any outstanding RSVPs to get a final headcount for your caterer and finalize your seating plan. Now’s the moment to ensure every detail is polished to perfection.
- Final fittings and confirmations. Make sure your wedding attire is perfect and confirm all bookings, including your Charleston event rentals and vendors. This is the time to tweak anything not quite right.
- RSVP check. Get a final headcount to your caterer and finalize your seating chart. This will help you manage how many people you’ve invited and ensure everyone has a place at the reception and plenty of food to eat.
- Welcome bags. Prepare welcome bags for out-of-town guests. Include local Charleston treats, a map and a weekend itinerary to make their experience memorable.
Week Of
In the week leading up to your wedding, have final consultations with your vendors to iron out last-minute details and confirm times and locations. Take this time to relax and pamper yourself too—enjoy a spa day or a quiet moment in your favorite Charleston spot to recharge before the big day.
- Final vendor meetings. Have final meetings with your vendors to go over any last-minute details. Confirm times, locations and special requests to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Relax and enjoy. Take some time for yourself. Enjoy a spa day, visit your favorite Charleston spots and spend quality time with your fiancé(e) and loved ones at our rehearsal dinner.
Day Of
On the big day, let go and live in the moment—your Charleston wedding is about to unfold beautifully, thanks to your careful planning. Now, it’s time to celebrate love, Charleston style!
- Get Married! It’s your day to shine. With all the planning and details sorted, enjoy the love and joy of your Charleston wedding.
Sealing the Deal: Your Charleston Wedding Masterplan
As you wrap up your Charleston wedding plans, remember that you’ve crafted a day that’s as unique and beautiful as the city itself. From the grand venue down to the intricate details, every piece tells a part of your love story.
For more information on how CHEERS event rentals can transform your Charleston wedding into an unforgettable day, contact us using our convenient online form.