Beating the Heat

As many of you know, Charleston can be one HOT city. We're not talking about hot in the sense that Charleston has the best boutiques and trendiest restaurants (although, we all know it does!) We're talking hot as in perpetual 90 degree weather. The kind of hot that makes your ice cream melt before it hits your lips.

While the heat may create near-perfect beach weather, it certainly makes one think twice about hosting a summer soiree. Don't get us wrong, summer is a beautiful time to get married in Charleston. You just have to make sure you're equipped with the right tricks to keep your guests cool...

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Stay hydrated.

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We're partial to signature cocktails (watermelon bellini, anyone?) at the reception, but for the main event, we love the idea of good old H20. Lots of companies offer personalized labels- Forever Wed has a great selection- but to save a few bucks, you could always go the DIY route with a quality printer and some willing-and-able bridesmaids!

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Grab some shade.
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There are a multitude of fabulous indoor (aka air conditioned) venues in Charleston, but we realize that many brides-to-be choose our great city for it's stellar scenery. If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, make sure that there is plenty of shade. Depending on the location, trees offer great, natural ambiance and tents are also a fantastic way to give your guests a break from the sun rays. However, no matter where the event, parasols are always a hit. Both stylish and functional, they add a unique twist to any setting. Why not incorporate them into your bridal party? Our inspiration comes from The Party Dress.

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Enjoy the breeze.

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If you're lucky enough to say "I do" by the water, you're guests will most likely enjoy a much-appreciated sea breeze. But, don't fret. If you're getting married elsewhere, you can always create your own breeze! We love the idea of personalized fans. You can even customize them to double as programs for the ceremony! Beau-coup has a great selection.

Trends of 2010: The Guys

We've decided to start an ongoing topic on wedding trends of 2010 to ensure that you're as stylish as possible on your big day! This category includes everything from popular color choices and wedding locations to attire, menu selections, and favors. Our goal is to cover the hottest trends of the year and give you the lowdown on our favorites!

Let's start with the groomsmen. Sure, the groomsmen are pretty easy, and sometimes their part in a wedding can even be a bit boring, but not this year! We have found plenty of fun trends to keep your groomsmen looking spiffy!

The Knot suggests ditching bow ties and cummerbunds and going with long ties and vests that match the bridesmaids' dresses. If you're having a casual wedding, Brooks Brothers offers several styles of tan, light weight cotton, or linen suits. Or, you could go with our personal favorite look for a casual affair! Dress the guys in khakis and a blazer with matching belts-perhaps with a palmetto tree and crescent moon for a little South Carolina flare!

Mixing up the boutonnieres is a big trend of 2010. Simply choose two different flowers to use and alternate them. Getting married on the beach? Chatterberries gave us the idea to use seashells as boutonnieres. If you want your day to focus a bit more on the nautical, have the groomsmen wear ties with sea creatures on them. And instead of a typical boutonniere, they can wear mini sailor knots. It's casual and creative and will leave your guests with something to talk about! After all, who says you have to use flowers?

These boutonnieres are perfect for a casual, beach themed wedding! They stray away from the typical flower boutonniere while still being simple and classy. They are very trendy and very 2010!

For more head turning looks for your groomsmen, be sure to check out M. Dumas & Sons downtown!

Streamers, Garlands and Other Fun, Strung Decorations

As y'all know well by now, we love to read blogs as much as you do! A few days ago, we were inspired after perusing Oh, Pickles!

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This talented lady created the aptly themed Lingerie Luncheon for one of her friend's bridal shower. How adorable is that? After the bride-to-be opened her gifts, the unmentionables were hung on a clothesline behind her for the rest of the party to admire. What a fun (and, hello, affordable!) idea!
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This got us to thinking... what else can be hung on a clothesline for decoration? We love lanterns and strung lights, but we're always on the prowl for new and unique decorating ideas.

Charleston is the ultimate destination for outdoor weddings because of it's incredibly scenic backdrops- not to mention the near-perfect year-round climate- and these following ideas would be great for an outdoor event...

100 Layer Cake featured this blushing bride and handsome groom with a streamer setting as the background to their nuptials. We adore this array of pink, but you could, of course, choose any colors of ribbon that fit your occasion. Don't the ribbons make for some incredible photos?

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How about these fabric flower garlands? Once Wed gives step-by-step instructions on how to create these beauties and we think they'd be a fantastic addition to your wedding decor

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Featured by the Wedding Row

We are so excited and honored to see that the Wedding Row has featured the Heilman/Trego wedding this past week. We are such a fan of this blog and we're sure you will be too. Check out all the details of our post and much more here.

Brides Across America

We just love when our country is able to give back to our troops, and now the wedding industry is getting involved as well! Brides Across America is a dedicated non-profit organization aiming to make military brides dreams come true. This organization asks bridal stores across the nation to donate wedding gowns to military brides to be.

The Bridal House of Charleston, a local bridal store in Mount Pleasant, SC, is participating in this great project. If you are a military bride in need of a great dress, check out this website for more information regarding this wonderful project! http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com/

We commend Brides Across America for doing their part to make a difference and help those troops that are fighting for our country. Happy Dress Shopping!

Real Wedding: Emily & Chuck

On May 1st, we were privileged enough to be a part of Emily & Chuck's beautiful country chic wedding in Florence, S.C. Teaming up with Flowers by Starks, we were able to create a simple yet elegant evening for the newly Mr. and Mrs. Stonerock.

This day was all about family, friends, love and a having a good time! The day started with a beautiful bridal luncheon at the brides cousin's home in Dillon, S.C.

Lonnie and Yvonne Hoke did a beautiful job capturing the day. We especially love these special moments they were able to capture as the bride got ready for her big day. We really appreciate their willingness to provide us with these beautiful images!

The wedding took place at the brides' church, Carolina Presbyterian Church in Dillon, S.C.

The couple exited the wedding in the bride's Uncle Sam's Model T.

After pictures back at her cousin's home the bride and groom had a nice relaxing ride to Florence in a beautiful 1940's Rolls Royce.

The reception followed at Florence Country Club. The guests danced the night away to the sounds of Super Deluxe Live.









As you can see, the evening was full of laughter and fun. It was a great start to this couple's new life together. We wish them the best of luck!

Happy Fourth of July!

Hey Ya'll! Happy Fourth from the girls at Sweetgrass Social!

Planning a wedding or event on or around the 4th of July? Here are a few ideas we just had to share...

If you are planning a wedding, first of all, casual is the way to go! Once your guests arrive at the reception, have buckets of flip flops available so they can dance the night away comfortably! If you’re sticking with a red, white and blue theme, daisies, orchids and roses are the perfect flowers to use. A cluster of American flags would make a great centerpiece. And please don’t forget the cocktails! This would be a great way for you and your new hubby to show off your fun side with a couple signature drinks. Cosmopolitans and anything using blue curacao should do the trick!

If you don’t want to go the red, white, and blue route, just make it American! Have an outdoor reception using lots of vibrant colors. Use simple and timeless decorations, such as tea lights or lanterns. Garnish glasses of champagne with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Wear a pair of sassy red or blue shoes under your wedding dress. And instead of having your guests throw birdseed or flower petals at you when you make your getaway, hand out sparklers tied with ribbons! For more inspiration, visit Style Me Pretty.

Just having a backyard BBQ for the 4th? Why not use these centerpieces and decorations to inspire you.

Need some more decorating ideas? Click on over to the The Party Dress. They have lots of fantastic ideas.