Charleston Bridal Show’s Save the Date
Always a Constant is Change
Oh, the thought of a romantic Charleston wedding! Moss draped oak trees, beautiful waterfront views, old world churches, hundreds of friends and family gathered around. The dream goes on and on…
Unfortunately when Covid-19 hit the world those wedding plans may have changed a bit, although the dreams of it never did.
We sought out a few of Charleston’s finest wedding vendors to ask them what has changed for them as well as what you can expect for your upcoming nuptials during this unprecedented time. But first and foremost, don’t get discouraged. There are still SO many choices to help make your wedding day all you have dreamed. The days of planning a wedding without major precautions due to a virus will hopefully someday return, but until then you can still have the wedding of your dreams.
Recently we spoke with David Fox of Bunn DJ Company. He told us that typically Bunn DJ likes to meet with every engaged couple in person on several occasions. David mentioned, “Once you learn a person’s personality and get to know their style, understanding their vision is much easier and provides them with just the right outcome.”
David tells us, “Before Covid-19 changed the way we do business, those meetings would always be in person if at all possible. Currently because of the virus situation we have switched to virtual meetings. While much different for us, over the course of several virtual meetings the couple’s personality will ultimately begin to shine through and their choices for music as well. Making it fun, meaningful and romantic is always the challenge, but we at Bunn DJ strive to help every couple’s wedding day paint a picture of who they are and who they are to each other through the music they choose.”
Also he says, “Since our many DJ’s do multiple events in a month’s time, (and sometimes several events throughout a weekend) we take every precaution to keep our clients and their guests safe. Our DJ’s always wear a mask when they are within 10 feet of any guest. We also use anti-microbial microphone covers as we know that toasts will be made at the reception. We have also added the option of note pads for guests to write any music requests they may have so that they don’t have to get too close to the DJ. Hand sanitizer is also available at our station for the convenience of guests to use as they please.”
David tells us that so many have had to reschedule their wedding date during this time, which can also add stress to an already stressful situation. But, he says that Bunn DJ has been very flexible with clients needing to reschedule. They have also waived several provisions in their contract so that couples can reschedule their wedding date without any penalty. Good news for everyone involved.
We also spoke with Lacy Davidson at Relish Distinctive Catering about the changes in catering practices during this time.
Lacy says, “Guests enjoying themselves and being safe is something we want to be sure of. We now have sanitizing stations set up in many areas of all reception sites. Whether it be Rivertowne Country Club, Snee Farm or any offsite venue we cater to, our team is required to wear masks and gloves throughout the reception.
For the cocktail hour, things have also changed a bit. Instead of how things were done in days past with passed appetizers or displays such as a fruit and cheese tray, we are setting up stationary displays on individual plates. It’s a grab and go for guests. Bar service is also a little different. Bartenders will serve all drinks to guests. No self serve stations for signature drinks, etc. And no glassware is ever reused. New drink. New glass.
As for dinner, we have brought in additional servers to help serve food to guests not only with buffet style catering, but also with food stations. Only our gloved servers touch the utensils for serving.
At all of our venues, keeping things clean and sanitized on a regular basis is of the utmost importance. Any and all door handles as well as common surfaces are completely cleaned throughout the reception.”
Still looking for a Planner? Someone to bring all of your wedding dreams together? We wondered how things may be different for that as well. A short chat with Andrea Easterday of Reynolds Treasures put us immediately at ease.
Andrea says they work very closely with all venues. No matter which location the wedding couple chooses. They consider the number of guests as well as all floor plans necessary to help keep everyone as social distanced as needed, while still keeping the wedding an intimate affair for family and friends.
Their contracts have also become more flexible since some wedding dates have had to move from the normal year out planning phase to sometimes over that 365 day calendar. One very important suggestion that Andrea mentioned. Wedding/Event Insurance. You never know what can happen and having the peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with a huge bill for a service you didn’t get to use, helps you stay a bit more calm throughout this planning time.
With all of this information comes so much more we didn’t quite touch on. If you find yourself looking for additional answers, please consider attending The Charleston Bridal Show at the Shriners Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant. Held twice yearly (January and July), it’s definitely an event to attend for all those planning a wedding. Many of Charleston’s best wedding vendors participate in these shows and as with the above mentioned, the show also observes all safety measures needed to comply with Covid-19 regulations.
Kathy Baxley-Stewart- Owner
The Charleston Bridal Show
The Charleston Bridal Association