A wedding day is so much more than saying ‘I do.’ It’s a magical moment that creates forever memories. Crafting your dream wedding day .requires making a lot of decisions, but perhaps the first big decision is to determine your wedding style. Will you focus on tradition and formality or relaxed vibes in an informal setting? A sit-down meal or cocktail tables? Saturday night or Thursday afternoon? Indoors or outdoors? Waterfront views or an elaborate tent? It’s about conceiving the perfect experience for you and your guests, no matter what the budget.
According to Haley Kelly, founder of Haley Kelly Events, “When couples imagine a truly formal wedding, they’re usually responding less to a single luxury item and more to an overall sense of intention, refinement and flow.”
Numerous factors play into the formality of a wedding: time of day, desired dress code, décor and atmosphere, music and of course, the venue. Where the wedding is hosted often sets the tone for the overall wedding experience. “Elegance is felt the moment guests arrive – and it’s reinforced through a series of thoughtful design and experiential choices,” Kelly stated.
To create the formal wedding of your dreams, oftentimes a professional wedding planner is your guiding voice. Over their career, planners have developed relationships with various venue managers and vendors which allow them to take your vision and make it a reality. Kelly continued, “A lot of your experience has to do with vendor selection. Your planner is the one suggesting your design, layout and flow – and your design vendor team brings it to life.” Formal weddings require intentionality and flawless execution. “Formal weddings succeed when planning, design and logistics are aligned,” noted Kelly.
A formal wedding can be polished but still needs to feel personal. Kelly elaborated, “That balance – formal yet personal – is where the most beautiful weddings truly live.” This is where utilizing your venue really comes into play: creating moments throughout the wedding where guests see the couple’s story and personality come alive. “The most personal formal weddings prioritize time with guests – extended cocktail hours, intentional tabletop details and shared experiences throughout the night. When guests feel connected to you, the event naturally feels less traditional and more heartfelt,” said Kelly.
If all this personalized, formal experience talk has you convinced that this is what your dream day will look like, now it’s time to find the venue to match. We are fortunate to live in an area with seemingly endless options for hosting the big day. Daniel Island Club, Boone Hall Plantation and private homes and estates are among the top of the list. Kelly loves a tented reception for its flexibility and practicality. “Tented receptions allow you to make a wedding as formal as you want – it’s all about the details.” When a wedding is tented, you can create almost any look with finishes like flooring, draping and lighting.
For some couples, a relaxed wedding celebration with flexible attire, simple décor and laid-back vibes lends itself to an informal wedding venue. Informal weddings often prioritize comfort and personal touches that are true to the couple. “There are great options east of the Cooper with flexibility for brides,” commented Sarah Corley, founder of Sarah Corley Events. She continued, “Intimate venues promote a personalized and memorable celebration, especially for couples who want to save without sacrificing style.” Places like Alhambra Hall, The Pavilion at Pepper Plantation, the Cooper River Room at Memorial Waterfront Park, Goldbug Island, The Retreat at Rialde Farms and even neighborhood clubhouses are all excellent alternatives for couples specifically looking for an informal venue east of the Cooper.
The Lowcountry’s beautiful scenery almost begs for an outdoor wedding. Oak trees and water views make for gorgeous pictures, but outdoor venues also call for a backup plan. Corley added, “Hiring an experienced planner at these venues is well worth the investment to maximize the experience. Having a rain plan within budget, minimizing decorations and focusing on the views, as well as considering the guests’ needs versus wants are all important points.”
Corley encouraged couples to “prioritize what matters to you.” Focusing on your top priorities starts with choosing the atmosphere of the wedding and the venue plays a large part. Do you envision a large party with dancing or a quiet dinner by the waterside? Is a sit-down plated meal more important than extravagant floral arrangements? Ultimately, your wedding day is a story later told through pictures and memories. That story needs to be one that perfectly fits you, and it all starts with the right venue.
By Katie Finch
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