What They Wore (above, from left): Brelyn in Elizabeth and James’ “Annaline” top and “Aisling” skirt in rose from Beckett Boutique; choker from V2V; STEVEN by Steve Madden’s “Vienna” pumps from Belk; Santi clutch from Berlin’s for Women. “Bride” Hannah in Self Portait’s trumpet-sleeved shift dress in white from Hampden Clothing; gold bracelet, earrings, and diamond and gold ring from Croghan’s Jewel Box; gold and gemstone rings from RTW; Kate Spade wedge sandals from Belk. Berna in Finders Keepers’ “Real Slow” dress from Sapphire Boutique; Steve Madden’s “Stecy” pumps from Belk. (on table) Whiting & Davis’ “Dimple Mesh Minaudiere” clutch in pewter from Shoes on King.
When we ask featured brides what they loved most about their weddings—aside from actually tying the knot with their beloved—they talk about the time spent with friends and family; it’s something they often say they wish they had indulged in more than just on the day itself. We’ve all fallen into the trap of getting caught up by to-do lists rather than catching up with loved ones during the final countdown. But that’s where a bridal luncheon comes in, creating an oasis of sentiment and sanity amid the melee. Typically (especially in the South) hosted by a bride as a thank-you to her wedding party, mother, mother of the groom, and close female relatives, the gathering is usually held the day before the nuptials.
For this springtime fête, we called on Charleston-based event guru Calder Clark—named one of the best planners in the world by Vogue, a top U.S. planner by Harper’s Bazaar, and one of the best planners in the country by Martha Stewart Weddings (accolades all from 2016, no less)—to craft a get-together at a hidden gem downtown: the Planters Inncourtyard, where the iconic Peninsula Grill caters stellar affairs. For the models, we enlisted a troupe of Charleston, Charleston Weddings, and Charleston Fashion Week® interns past, one mother of a former intern to pose as the MOB, and a fabulous wild-card MOG.
Calder says small outdoor parties like this are no-brainer winners. “I’m convinced we don’t do this enough,” she says. “Everyone loves a light breeze and a little nosh outdoors—it’s like an elevated picnic.” Read on for her tips and takeaways for a gorgeous milestone celebration that only happens during this very special chapter in your life.
Scroll through the gallery above to find inspiration and tips for hosting a thoughtful, festive luncheon.
Menu:
Cocktail: Berry and herb spritzer
First Course: Sweet corn bisque
Second Course: Pan-roasted scallops with braised butter lettuce, garlic chive potatoes, and citrus lobster broth
Dessert: Ultimate Coconut Cake accompanied by a spread of takeaway treats
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, the majority of us are anxious and overwhelmed. And when you’re engulfed in worry, you often dig further and further down that hole and forget to take in the beauty...
Maybe you’ve been planning your dream wedding for months. Maybe you just got engaged and cannot wait to start booking vendors. Either way, you weren’t expecting a pandemic like the COVID-19...
For anyone who doubts that chemistry trumps all, meet Ashlyn and Tommy. The two Charlestonians were struck super shy when they first bumped into one another at a party in 2013, but thanks to a little...
Charlotte, North Carolina, residents Drew and Annie were introduced at a birthday party in a local brewery. He heard she was a physical therapist and asked her lots of questions about his “hurt”...
Five years ago, Anna just happened to sit right behind Ian while both were in Savannah, Georgia, at pharmacy school. Soon after, he asked her to a wedding as his plus-one, and they had a grand old...
When bridal boutique owner Christina was struggling to lug a new desk into her East Greenwich, Rhode Island, condo, her neighbor Daniel (Dan), on a business call, saw her plight … and kept on walking...
Today we have two local lovebirds, Mallory and Brian, who were introduced through Bumble. Their first-date stops were Charleston favorites: Home Team Barbecue on Sullivan’s Island for ’cue and The...
This one brings a whole new luxe-wedding vibe to “painting the town red!” Charleston native Annie moved to Nashville on a whim, where her new home just happened to be down the road from Music City...
