So you got engaged over the holidays– congrats! Now what? Pinterest can only hold your ideas, not follow through with them...

Now, you have to actually have to plan the wedding. You probably have an idea of what type of venue, what your dream wedding cake (or cupcakes) tastes like, whether you want live music or a DJ, and the type of attire (dress, suit, jumpsuit...) you picture yourself wearing. But how do you go about finding the local vendors to help you make your dreams come true?

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry– we got you.

Friends.gif via giphy

Events

This winter, there are three local events for brides + grooms to help kick off your wedding planning:

💍 Charleston Bridal Expo | Sun., Feb. 17 | 2:30-5 p.m. | Merchants Hall | 36 N. Market St. | $25 | Tickets include a passed hors d'oeuvres, entree stations, a dessert station, a modern floral arrangements display, ambiance set by Charleston Harp, *swag bags*, + more. Sales end Feb. 3.

💍 Charleston Wedding Festivals | Sun., Feb. 17 | 12-4 p.m. | North Charleston Convention Center | $8 in advance, $10 at the door | Tickets include a groom’s expo, tabletop design gallery, workshops, vendors, door prizes, + more.

Venues

There is an infinite number of venues around the Lowcountry to accommodate every wedding size– from an elopement to a grand affair.

Magnolia Plantation | Photo by @lisablumephoto

💍 Magnolia Plantation– This venue can accommodate up to 250 guests, or have them open their beautiful gardens for an intimate elopement. You + your future spouse can capture your vows nestled under swooping oak trees or anywhere else on the property that you’d like.
Where: 3550 Ashley River Rd., West Ashley
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Guest Count: 250

Merchants Hall | Photo provided by Merchants Hall

💍 Merchants Hall– This downtown venue can accommodate up to 210 guests, for both your ceremony + reception.
Where: 36 N. Market St., downtown
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Guest Count: 210

Click here for our guide on more wedding venues around the Lowcountry.

Photographers

Not all wedding photographers are the same + it’s crucial that you choose the person who works best for you. Here is who our readers would recommend:

Karmen Noel Photography
📷 Karmen aims to capture the moments in life when time seems to stand still. From proposals to engagements to weddings– Karmen will work with you to tell your story through the eyes of her lens.
📸 @karmennoelphotography
Packages starting at $2,400 for seven hours, with ala care options– such as albums, canvas, + prints– available upon request.

Justin Falk Photography
📷 As an award-winning wedding + landscape photographer, Justin blends portraits + the surrounding scenery into unique pieces of art to memorialize your special day.
📸 @justinfalkphotography
💰 Packages start at $2,399 for eight hours of service and range to $5,999 for a full day of coverage with multiple photographers.

Click here for our guide on wedding photographers around the Lowcountry.

Attire + Accessories

With a plethora of options– from a formal gown to a cocktail dress, to the decision between a suit or a tux– choosing the right attire can be tricky. These CHS shops will help you be dressed to the nines on your special day.

👰 Southern Protocol Bridal– During your private appointment, you will receive one-on-one attention, with the entire salon to yourself. Featuring designer dresses (including styles from Charleston’s own Carol Hannah), jewelry, accessories, + even gifts for your entire wedding party.
📷 @southernprotocolbridal
📍164 Market St.
🕐 By appointment only.
✨ Sample sale Jan. 26 with up to 75% off gowns. Click here to view the details + make an appointment.

🤵 Charleston Formal Wear at Berlins for Men– “Fine men’s clothing in Charleston since 1883!”
📷 @charlestonformalwear + @berlins_for_men
📍114 King St.
🕐 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. (closed on Sundays)

Click here for our guide on finding local businesses to meet your attire + accessories needs.

Cake + Flowers

You simply can’t have a southern wedding without a traditional southern cake pull– and for that, you need a cake. Or maybe you’d prefer to opt for the tried + true bouquet toss– and for that, you’ll need a florist.

Wildflour Pastry |📍73 Spring St.
📸: @wildflourpastry
Click here for wedding information + pricing.

Photo by @framptonchs

Frampton’s Flowers |📍87 Wentworth St.
📸: @framptonschs
Specializing in premium wedding + event design.

Click here for our guide to florists + wedding cake bakeries around the Lowcountry.

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Whether you’re just starting the planning process or about to tie the knot this spring (like me!)– there are endless resources + vendors to help you make your wedding dreams come true. Grooms, there's special resources for you, too! We recommend checking our The Groom's Instruction Manual by local author, Shandon Fowler.

Cheers to the happy couple.

– Justine 👰