For anyone planning a
wedding, there are dozens of decisions to make including themes, colors, size,
location, and style.Some brides may
have a clear vision of what they want their special day to be like, while
others might need a little more help and guidance.One option that is particularly popular in
the southern states is a plantation wedding.That is, a wedding that takes place in a beautiful garden with a quaint
dinner and reception to follow in a restored farmhouse full of history and
traditional beauty.Depending on the
size of your wedding, there may be bed and breakfast accommodations on site for
the wedding party and other guests who have traveled in for the occasion.
Historic Potential
The plantations sprinkled
across the south have traditions that date back 300-years or more.The large estates are large enough that
beautiful gardens and river walks have been preserved much better than in the
more densely populated city areas.The
elegance and enchantment will take your breath away, which is why these
plantations make the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding.
Not only will brides fall
in love with these beautiful properties that cater to receptions and overnight
guests, but you can be confident that these historic landmarks will continue to
prosper.You can return as a couple to
celebrate your important anniversaries for years to come.Preserve your special memories as you plan
for your picture-perfect wedding by using the same plantation for your
engagement photograph shoot, engagement party, or rehearsal dinner – these
estates are multifunctional and the staff will go out of their way to meet and
exceed your expectations.
Sample Locations
There are a couple of
great locations for plantation weddings in Charleston, South Carolina, thanks
to the rich history of the port city.The Lowndes Grove Plantation on St. Margaret Street is located along the
Ashley River, which is a great setting for a wedding and photographs.The estate spans 14 acres of carefully
manicured lawns and gardens, a clear reflection of southern elegance and
hospitality.The plantation house dates
back to the 1700s and has been declared a historic landmark.Thanks to a full renovation in 2008, the bed
and breakfast accommodates guests in five suites.
Another option is
Middleton Place, just down the road from the Lowndes Grove Plantation.Just a half hour drive from the heart of
Charleston, Middleton Place boasts the oldest gardens in the country.Countless wedding ceremonies and parties have
taken place beneath the Middleton Oak and the nearby butterfly lakes.The Pavilion provides a bit of shade and
cover for outdoor receptions, and the Inn has a complete restaurant and modern
hotel with more than fifty guest rooms.
Other Details to Consider for Your Plantation Wedding
No maintained and
renovated plantation is a stranger to wedding planning.Talk to the staff to get recommendations for
florists and photographers.These
employees who have helped with numerous weddings can give you insider
information when it comes to professional conduct, accountability, and past
performances to help you put together the perfect team to bring your wedding
plans to life.
A few details to consider
include decorations, event staff, and music.Some brides opt to have tour guides in period costumes lead the guests
into the garden, while others simply line a path with luminaries to direct
guests toward the ceremony.If you take
advantage of the catering and dining facilities, your guests can take a
leisurely stroll into the reception hall while you and your husband get a few
extra pictures with your photographer after the ceremony.Then join your family and friends on the
veranda or in a formal dining room for dinner and dancing.No matter what you have envisioned for your
special day, a plantation wedding gives you the perfect setting with all the
resources you need to plan the perfect celebration.
