The Drinks: Rather than serve wine with dinner, they had an open bar offering drinks during cocktail hour and later during the evening.
The Apps: Since the cocktail hour included hors d’oeuvres, there was no appetizer course served during the sit-down dinner.
The Dessert: An informal, homestyle cake cost less than a dessert bar or fancier confection.
The Caterer: Booking Carolina Catering for both the reception and out-of-towners brunch the next day earned the couple a discount.
The Rental: Tables came with the location, so the bride and groom didn’t have to rent them.
The Welcome Bags: White paper lunch bags were stuffed with free Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau guides, bulk-bought cookies from Charleston Cookie Co., and more.
The Lighting: Buying decorative paper lanterns —which remained unlit—cost less than renting them. Glass lanterns used at the reception became the couple’s wedding gift to themselves.
The Stationery: While self-designed invitations were bought online, the couple made programs on their home computer, then had them printed, cut, and folded at a local copy store.
Bridal party hair: Hair by Juliet, (843) 532-8472
Bridal party makeup: Moore Make-up
Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew
Cake: Cakes by Kasarda
Caterer: Carolina Catering
Centerpiece buckets: Red Hill General Store
Groom/groomsmen suits: Jean’s Destination Suits
Day-of wedding coordinator: Southern Chic Weddings
Fireplace lanterns: Pottery Barn
Flip-flops: Old Navy
Flowers: Out of Hand
Invitations & save-the-date cards: Wedding Paper Divas
Music: Chris Crosby (ceremony); Rob Duren (DJ)
Officiant: Mobile Marriages
Paper lanterns: Paper Lantern Store
Photography: Liz Duren
Reception location: Alhambra Hall
Rentals: Snyder Party Rentals
Rings: Blue Nile
Ring bearer clothes: GAP Kids
Ring bearer nests: Out of Hand
Wedding gown: Romona Keveza
Welcome bag sweets: Charleston Cookie Company
* Non-listed aspects of this wedding were done by the couple, their families, and their wedding party
