Happy Fall, Y'all!

All right, so autumn officially began weeks ago, but it’s finally starting to feel like fall in Charleston! With the crisp mornings and festive foliage, we’re preparing for one of our favorite times of the year- the holiday season! Whether you’re planning a big wedding or an intimate gathering of family and friends, we’ve got the decorating ideas to make you the talk of the town. Chic, simple boutonnieres and spiced silhouette cookies put an elegant touch on fall weddings, while clusters of monochromatic candles and a decorative wheat wreath create the perfect atmosphere for a stunning soiree!
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Check out some of our favorite fall inspirations…
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Faux Bittersweet Wreath, Fall Spice Cordial, Door Monogram, Silhouette Cookies, Boutonniers, Pumpkin Centerpiece, Wheat Wreath, Glass Candle Holders, Gourd Candles

From the girls at Sweetgrass Social, have a very happy Halloween and stay tuned for pictures from our gorgeous October weddings!

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.

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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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.

Sweetgrass Festival this Saturday!

In light of our recent post about festivals, and because we are Sweetgrass Social Event & Design, we thought it only fair to share with you some information about the upcoming Sweetgrass Festival.

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In case you weren't aware, sweetgrass is used to make many wonderful woven creations. In our downtown Market and along Highway 17N in Mount Pleasant, you'll find many talented artists practicing the beautiful Gullah art of weaving sweetgrass baskets and roses. The Lowcountry is very proud to have such a talented cultural group that shares its heritage through its stunning sweetgrass creations.

If you're having a Lowcountry wedding- or would like some authentic Lowcountry swag at your Charleston destination wedding- sweetgrass creations are the way to go! You can use sweetgrass additions as decorative centerpieces, part of your bouquet or even as gifts for your bridal party.

The baskets would be lovely as placecard holders...

Favors for your guests...

Or even to decorate your cake!

And the roses are the perfect addition any Lowcountry affair!

(That's our very own Jacqueline on her wedding day... isn't she gorgeous??)

The possibilities are endless! For more sweetgrass ideas, check out the festival this weekend. The annual event takes place this Saturday, June 5 from 10:00am- 8:00pm at Waterfront Memorial Park (located under the Ravenel bridge). The best part? It's free!

As noted in today's Post and Courier, the festival will feature artists, crafters, quilters, gospel singers, Gullah storytellers and the Adande African Drummers and Dancers, along with Gullah cuisine, barbecue and beverages provided by local food vendors and restaurants. This is an event you won't want to miss!

A Little Inspiration from the Bright Light City...

Hey Y'all,

So, this past March, I wanted to celebrate my birthday in a big way. Naturally, I chose Las Vegas, Nevada as my destination and rounded up the girls and headed out west. I figured I should check out the city that trumps our beautiful Charleston in the rankings for top destination wedding cities. I was NOT disappointed!

In the midst of the gambling, shows, wedding chapels, and bright lights, I found some real inspiration for our Spring event season. For example, this precious arrangement that I stumbled upon walking the halls of the Bellagio. What a great use of bright colors and the very affordable gerber daisy. These branches are manzanita, but simple alternative...curly willow! You could make this centerpiece in no time. This would be a fantastic way to bring some color into your next spring or summer event.

The conservatory in the Bellagio is always impressive and is constantly changing. I got the opportunity to see the staff completely build a Spring themed garden. Jacqueline and I are always a fan of using a flower called buttons in our arrangements, especially flower balls. I was amazed at the craftsmanship of this frog I found in the garden made completely out of green buttons. How fantastic! Although you most likely won't see a frog made of flowers at your next event, why not make something that relates to your theme? How about a present made of flowers for the gift table or a box shape in lieu of the ring bearer's pillow, a graduation cap for that 2010 grad? The options are endless.

Lastly, I couldn't help but share this sweet treat. We all love a good chocolate fountain, but this one takes the cake. In this artful fountain, the different flavors of chocolate flow down into large crystal bowls. A totally new spin on the traditional chocolate fountain that would not only be an elegant dessert display, but an impressive one. How much would you love to see this at a wedding for dessert! YUM!



No matter where you are traveling, you can always find some inspiring ideas to take back home with you. Those ideas are what gives an event personality!

In the words of the King....VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from the girls at Sweetgrass Social! Here are just a few ideas to help you get in the holiday spirit.

Decorating Easter eggs is always a blast, but what do you do with them after they're colored? The Party Dress offers an innovative way to display those leftover dyed shells...


Mimosas are the ultimate go-to brunch beverage, but why not spice things up a bit? This creative cocktail from Sunset adds a twist on the classic mimosa by adding cranberry and grapefruit juices. The vibrant pink hue is perfect for a spring soiree!



Looking for a decadent dessert? How about these chocolate mousse eggs from How Does She? She swears that they're simple to make and don't they look heavenly?!?

Whether you're decorating eggs, preparing a feast or simply enjoying time with family and friends- we hope that you have a fabulous holiday weekend!

Spring Has Sprung

The sun is shining and it's starting to feel warm again in Charleston! Has spring finally sprung? We sure hope so! We thought we'd celebrate this warm weather with some inspiring ideas for spring. Here are a few ideas associated with some of our favorite things: Weddings, decorating and, of course, shoes.

Everyone knows that spring is a popular time to get married. With gorgeous weather and flowers in bloom, spring creates the perfect setting for a spectacular wedding. It's no surprise that many couples opt for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. For these events, paper lanterns are the perfect way to create a romantic ambiance. Strung from trees or hung from a ceiling, they can transform any setting into a whimsical venue.

These white lanterns, from Polka Dot Bride are perfect for a garden ceremony.

With an array of bright colors and fun shapes, this look from New and Blue livens up the dance floor.

This look, from Credit Crunch Bride is set indoors and the cluster of lanterns helps to create an intimate dining experience for guests.

If you're looking for somewhere to purchase lanterns, Lunabazaar has a great selection.

Whenever there's a wedding, there's bound to be a bridal shower. Women have spent centuries draping crepe paper in celebration. While we adore tradition, we also love putting a new twist on decorating. How sweet is this centerpiece, featured on The Party Dress? The best part? It'd be perfect for a baby shower as well!

As many-a-bridesmaid can attest, posing for pictures, dancing and sprinting for that bouquet can get awfully painful when you're wearing heels. Fit in Clouds invented these ingenious shoes that can literally fit in the tiniest of handbags.

These compact cuties are perfect for bridal parties or, really, any gal who needs a break from stilettos. With an rainbow of colors, these shoes will make any occasion a walk in the clouds!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's day is just around the corner and why not celebrate with some delicious delectables!

This gorgeous dessert table comes from Amy Atlas.

Valentine's day is a great excuse for a spread of girly barbie and ballerina pink hues, but these desserts could be made to fit any color scheme! We especially love the macaron tree.

Speaking of macarons, they seem to be everywhere. Don't you just love how effortlessly elegant they look? These Parisian delights can be created in a multitude of flavors and colors and they're perfect for parties- or as a special snack for your sweetheart. If you're adventurous enough to make them, Bakerella offers a great tutorial on making macarons with the French mastermind behind Tartelette.


If you'd rather have someone else do the dirty work- check out Williams Sonoma...


With flavors like pistachio, raspberry and espresso- they're bound to make a hit! How sweet would these be at a bridal or baby shower?

Of course, it wouldn't be Valentine's day without some chocolate. Chocolate covered strawberries are the way to every woman's heart... probably because we all know that chocolate calories don't count when you're eating fruit. How festive do these look?


You can make these ahead of time or make it a party and let your guests create their own! If you're really serious about your chocolate, you can get a fountain. We found this one on Amazon.

Chocolate fountains have been frequenting wedding receptions, but who says you need a party to smother your favorite foods in chocolate?

No matter what you do (or eat) this Valentine's day, we hope that you find yourself in the company of the ones you love.

Creature Comforts

You want your family and friends to feel comfortable at your wedding. Why not incorporate the comfort of home into your reception? Sure, when cousin Carl's not hitting up the open bar, he'll be dancing the night away... but Great Aunt Millie might need a place to rest her feet. A lounge provides the perfect ambiance for your guests to mingle and relax. These couch-laden areas are becoming more and more popular and we absolutely LOVE the idea! They're a fantastic way to both personalize and cozy-up the area for your special day.

Dubbed "cozy chic" by Brides.com, an assortment of candles adds subtle sophistication to this seating area.


The Knot features a twist on traditional seating.



Displaying photos and wine bottles add a personal touch to this area from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Indoor lounge areas are fabulous, but outdoor lounge areas seem to be all the more romantic. Imagine your guests lounging on a chaise while sipping champagne under the moonlit sky. Sounds perfect, right?

Strung lights make this evening reception from The Knot sparkle and the addition of blankets assures that guests will be warm as the sun goes down.


Brightly colored bouquets really freshen up this look from The Knot.



Sea foam green pillows accent this beach wedding from Martha Stewart Weddings perfectly.

This monochromatic white color scheme really stands out against the beautiful backdrop of this reception from Charleston Wedding magazine.



The bonus? Lounge areas make for a fantastic photo shoot!

Another great way to make your reception more home-y is to display photos. You can have childhood pictures of the bride and groom or even photos with friends and family. Why not offer a slide show or have picture frames depicting the moments in which you and your one-and-only fell in love? Remember those engagement photos? Perhaps you could scatter those throughout the reception area as well. Photos are inexpensive to print and chances are you already have some frames lying around that would be the perfect accompaniment to your wedding decor.

Check out this cool photo vase from Beaucoup.

Uncork your Creative Side..

So we at Sweetgrass Social have been known to enjoy a glass of wine (or two) and thought we'd devote a blog post to a few of our favorite things: crafts, recycling and, of course, wine.

If you, too, are a wine connoisseur- or just enjoy a glass of vino every now and then- you might find yourself with a lot of empty bottles and corks laying around. Instead of tossing them in the recycling bin, why not reconstruct them into something useful? These projects are super simple and perfect for all skill levels of crafters. They're stunning for every day decorating, but would also be great conversation starters at your next party!

Our very own Meredith created this wreath that also doubles as a beautiful candle center piece.

The wine cork board. (The one pictured below is from WineIntro.) This idea comes from the queen of all things crafty: Martha Stewart. Check out this video with step-by-step instructions.

Okay, maybe you aren't into do-it-yourself projects, but would still like to pass something off as your own creation. Have no fear. For just 15 bucks, you can purchase this trivet kit from Gifted Grape. The kit supplies you with the wood frame. All you need to do is pop your wine corks in and- voila- an adorable trivet!

Have a wedding reception or dinner party coming up? Wine cork place card holders (from Good Housekeeping) are both unique and fun. These rustic, yet elegant place card holders are perfect for any occasion. How cute would these be as cheese labels at your next wine and cheese get together?

Now, unto making use of all of those bottles you have laying around...

These lighted wine bottles (from Mixing Bowl) are sophisticated AND easy on the pocket. All you'll need is glue, a drill, and lights. No need to put away those leftover holiday lights yet- just put them into an empty bottle and you've got a great, inexpensive lamp. These would make great mood lighting for your next romantic dinner or cocktail party!

This eclectic chandelier comes from Oregon Live. The assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes gives the light fixture a fresh look.

If you don't have quite enough patience for the chandelier, consider making these candle holders (from EarthFirst).

Still haven't seen something that you'd like to try? Why not make your own herb-infused olive oil and pour it into a wine bottle as a hostess gift? Or use one as a dish soap dispenser? The possibilities are endless!

We suggest a glass of chardonnay to help get your creative juices flowing.