Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
Planning a wedding isn't all pearls, peonies and parties. Prenup discussions and marriage license applications are every bit as essential as the fun details.
You’ve met the love of your life and you’re ready to tie the knot. But how to propose, and what will you need to make it down the aisle? Here are a few tips to help you on the road to wedded bliss.
Who’s invited to the wedding? Who isn’t? Here are common-sense ways to get your guest list under control.
One of the biggest decisions in planning your wedding is the guest list. The size of your wedding can affect so many other aspects of your big day. If you are planning a large wedding, you’ll need a venue that can accommodate many people, while if you’re hosting a smaller gathering, you’ll want to find a more intimate space. Your guest list will also need to work with your budget — obviously, the more people you invite, the higher the cost.
Every wedding guest secretly hopes for amazing food. Planning a standout menu is easier than you think.
Trust us. The one component you won’t want to skimp on at your wedding is the food. Aside from the music (which often translated to “how the party was”) and how the bride looked, the food is one of the most talked about parts of a wedding. Ever been to a wedding with bad food? We have: rubbery chicken and cold mashed potatoes. Don’t let that be the menu on your big day.
There are a million ways to have flowers at your wedding.
Go over-the-top with mounds of arrangements in opulent vases or go for an understated look with simple blooms in mason jars. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best blossoms for your big day.
Though it’s possible to get any flower at any time of year, your costs will skyrocket if you select flowers that are not in season. Do your homework. Know what will be in bloom when you are getting married and go with those options for your centerpieces, boutonnieres, bouquets, petals for the flower girl and any altar decorations. On average, flowers usually make up about 5 percent to 12 percent of a bride’s overall wedding budget.
Wedding gown shopping can be overwhelming. Know your body type and style preference before you begin the search.
On the day of your wedding, all eyes are on you. You’ll want to look and feel your best, which means finding the dress that fits both your style and your personality. But how to find “The Dress” out of the millions of beautiful wedding dresses out there?
The ceremony is perhaps the most important part of your wedding. Make sure it’s both memorable and official.
Before you can walk down the aisle, you need to make sure you’ve filled out all the forms — dotting your “I”s and crossing your “T”s. The ceremony isn’t just a beautiful moment between two people in love; it’s a binding moment in the eyes of both the local government and, depending on your personal preference, your house of worship, and there are several things you need to do before you say “I do.”
Marrying the love of your life is a dream come true. But in all the fun of dreaming up the details of your big day, it’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy — and it’s easy to forget all those magical little elements really add up. That’s why it’s important to be realistic about your budget. What exactly does a wedding cost here in the Lowcountry? Here are some numbers that may bring you to reality.
Create more excitement and buzz around your wedding with photos, videos and other digital tools.
The band or DJ will stop playing, the cake and food will be eaten, the flowers will sadly die. How will you make your memories of this day last? Turn to your photos and videos. This area is home to many fantastic photographers to fit any budget — from students to celebrity photographers who have retired to the Lowcountry.
She fell in love with Hilton Head Island in the summer of 2008 when she came to visit her then boyfriend, Mike. His passion, genuine interest and respect for the natural beauty of the area were evident – to the point of being contagious, says Jill.
“Whether we were riding bikes on the beach (which I personally love because you are not allowed to ride bikes on the beach in New Jersey where my family vacations!), gawking at the wild armadillos of Pickney Island, or sharing a cocktail at Coco’s on the Beach – we were always having fun.
All of these factors draw many highly talented wedding professionals to the area, but with so many fabulous vendors and venues to choose from, how do you know where to start?
The 2016 Bridal Guide was created to help you navigate the complicated process, from the engagement ring all the way through the honeymoon. We feel it is the one thing you can’t live without while planning your perfect Lowcountry wedding.
From the impeccably designed paper details to the time-honored traditions mixed with personal touches, exceptional flowers, delicious food, rockin’ music and, of course, the happy couple surrounded by family and friends, weddings are magical.
Congratulations, you’re getting married!
You know you want to have your perfect day on Hilton Head Island. Why wouldn’t you? Whether your dream wedding is a small and intimate beach gathering or an extravagant country club affair, Hilton Head is the perfect destination. Recently ranked the fifth best island in the United States by TripAdvisor.com, Hilton Head offers beautiful views, a sunny climate and a vast array of talented wedding professionals to choose from.
With every glance at the forecast leading up to her nuptials last March, Lindsay Finger thought she might be facing every bride’s nightmare: A rainy wedding day.
“The weather forecast called for stormy weather on March 14, and we even went to the extreme of renting a tent because it didn't look like the weather was going to cooperate,” says Finger, who married Hilton Head Island native Mark Finger that spring day at Belfair Plantation. “The morning of our wedding, I woke up, looked outside and saw the sun shining for the first time in three days.”
Monthly is proud to announce its first luxury bridal magazine, coming later this year. Everything about the publication will be top-of-the-line — outstanding editorial, stunning photography and beautiful presentation. Contents will include the hottest tips and trends, beautiful southern brides and a comprehensive listing of the industry’s top vendors. If you or someone you know is planning the ultimate wedding in the Lowcountry, don’t miss this inaugural issue. For advertising opportunites, call 843-842-6988, 238.
