So how does it work?

Q 1: Can we customize the packages?

Absolutely! There are two easy options… #1 Choose one of the preset packages that best fits your needs and let me know how you would like to change it or #2 Send a list of your required services and I’ll create a custom package for you. There is a full list of our services on the Packages page.

Q 2: Do we choose our vendors? 

No. With our all-inclusive packages, you will not select or know who your vendors are prior to the wedding day. You will be hiring b Wed and our team of amazing wedding professionals rather than picking individual vendors. We work with multiple officiants, photographers, hair & makeup artists, musicians, etc. and we will pair you with the vendors that we feel best match your needs and preferences. We listen to your wishes...we gather information through our planning questionnaires...then we create the wedding team that we feel is the best fit for you.

Q 3: Are we allowed to hire our own vendors?

It depends….

• You CAN provide your own officiant

• You CAN provide your own Offsite Vendors for services that are not performed at the Ceremony Venue (such as hair/makeup at your hotel) 

• You CANNOT provide any Onsite Vendors (other than an officiant). If the service is performed at the Ceremony Venue (i.e. Photography, Videography, Music, Chair/Floral delivery, Day-Of Director), that vendor must be sourced through b Wed. 

• NO Photographers or Videographers other than those provided by b Wed can be present. This includes second shooters and Content Creators.

Note: b Wed is not responsible for communicating, scheduling, or providing any direction to non-b Wed Vendors. b Wed and its vendors will not accommodate timeline changes imposed by another vendor.

Q 4: Can we choose the style of our photos?

While inspiration photos meant to share pose and/or background requests are welcome, you will not choose the style of your photos or how they are edited. Preferences such as “We’d like a lot of black-and-white images” are great to know, however requests for an editing style that does not match the images/style we share online (i.e. website, social media) will not be possible.

Q 5: Can we see work for your Hair/Makeup artists, Photographers, Florist, etc.? 

Of course! You can view work from our past weddings on our website and social media pages. Our instagram is a combined portfolio of all our vendors! Samples of Videography is on our website at the bottom of the Packages page. 

Q 6: Can we choose the flowers, colors, and/or style of our bouquet? 

Yes! There is a questionnaire during the planning process that is dedicated to discussing all of the flower options. Some requests - such as large or dense bouquets or those including high-end flowers - do require upgrade fees. 

Q 7: Can we choose the flavor and style of our cake? 

The style and flavor will be your choice! Some complex styles may require upgrade fees. We do not offer fondant cakes.

Q 8: Can we have more than 20 guests? Who counts as a guest?

There is a firm max of 20 guests permitted with our packages. Some venues have a max that is less than 20, so it is important to ensure you choose a venue that allows the number of guests you are inviting.

Everyone in attendance, regardless of age, counts as a guest! The wedding couple does not count towards the 20 permitted!

Q 9: Which days are available to book our wedding?

I offer elopement and small wedding services Monday-Thursday. Because many of my vendors and venues reserve weekends for larger weddings, I do not offer services Friday-Sunday. Additionally, I do not offer services in July and August.

Q 10: Will we meet with the planner before the wedding day?

No. All planning is by email and online questionnaires. I do not include in-person or virtual meetings in order to keep costs as affordable as possible for all couples.

If you want to schedule a phone call to say "Hi" (to  ensure I'm not a robot!), we can determine a time that works for everyone. However, I find that having a written account of all discussions is helpful for easily reviewing information as needed.

Q 11: What does “marriage license assistance” mean?

No matter where you live, you will need a SC marriage license. During the planning process I will provide you with step-by-step instructions and reminders on how/when to apply for the license. Your officiant will also print and bring the license to the ceremony for you. Lastly, we will file the papers at the courthouse after the ceremony and provide instructions for getting a certified copy.

Q 12: What does "planning services” mean?

One thing that sets me apart from many all-inclusive elopement planners is that I do not do one-size-fits-all weddings. I do not reuse the same timeline for every wedding or try to fit you inside of a box. I have curated a detailed set of Planning Questionnaires that cover ALL of the bases and help me understand exactly how you want your wedding day to look. I get your input (as much or as little as you want to give) on every part of the day to make sure it is your wedding! I present these questionnaires in an order that builds towards a personalized Wedding Day Timeline.

Q 13: What does “ceremony coordinator” mean?

The Ceremony Coordinator (aka Day-of Director) is at the ceremony to direct the couple/guests/vendors and to offer any assistance needed. While the coordinator’s job differs from wedding to wedding, it boils down to doing everything humanly possible to make the day perfect. This can mean holding your phone and keys so your pockets are empty for photos, dealing with an unexpected situation that arises, crowd/tourist control, photographer’s assistant, or just being the person that has a safety pin ready if a button comes off!

I include this service in all of my packages because I feel it is invaluable (whether there are 20 guests or none!). Planning your dream wedding but not being there to see it through seems like a job half done!

Q 14: What is required to reserve our date?

We collect 50% to reserve your date; the remaining 50% is due 2 months before the wedding date. Payments are non-refundable.

Q 15: Do you offer Reception assistance?

No, I do NOT assist with receptions. My packages are ceremony-only

The Ceremony Venue can not be used for a Reception. You will need to make reservations at a restaurant for dinner. I will provide a list of popular restaurants with private and semi-private rooms, however reservations, menu planning, decor, etc. would need to be handled with the restaurant directly. 

Note: I DO offer cake delivery at downtown restaurants if a cake is included in your package. 

Q 16: Are chairs allowed/included?

Chair rental is not included with any of the packages as some venues do not permit chairs. If chairs are a must for you, please mention this prior to confirming your venue selection. There is a fee for renting chairs.

Q 17: Can I book a trial run for Hair & Makeup?

A Hair & Makeup Trial Run is not included, but can be added for a fee. If interested we would set a date that is mutually available for you and the stylist. It would need to be a weekday (Monday-Thursday) 1 to 30 days before the wedding date.

Q 18: What time of day will our ceremony and photos take place?

You will choose the time for your ceremony and photos! I will offer suggestions based on the best photo lighting for the date selected. Please note that some venues have limited hours and only accommodate bookings within a certain timeframe. You can see the time restrictions for each venue on this venue list.

Q 19: How much time do we need to plan a wedding? What is the earliest or latest we can book?

4-6 months is the ideal amount of time for planning, but we can accommodate bookings between 1 week and 1 year before the wedding date.

Q 20: What happens if bad weather is forecasted?

We generally move forward in “mild” bad weather (clear umbrellas are available for the couple). We can change venues if conditions require it, but we do not provide a secondary rain location. We have years of experience adapting on the fly, but to avoid planning/paying for two weddings, we do not “Plan A” and "Plan B" every decision! What we will do is plan the wedding of your dreams with sunshine in mind and then adjust as needed if circumstances require it.

Q 21: Can we serve the cake after the wedding? 

Each venue has its own rules about this. Based on the venue you select, we will look at all options for cutting, serving, and photographing the cake. If having your cake at the Ceremony Venue is important to you, be sure to confirm the rules of the venue you’ve selected before confirming the booking. Often couples choose to have their cakes dropped off at the restaurant they've selected for their reception dinner. 

Q 22: Can we have a Champagne Toast after the wedding? 

Each venue has its own rules about this. Based on the venue you select, we will look at all options for including a champagne toast. If having a champagne toast at the Ceremony Venue is important to you, be sure to confirm the rules of the venue you’ve selected before confirming the booking.

Q 23: How long is the ceremony?

The ceremony is as long as you want it to be! You will pre-approve the ceremony script or you can provide your own. On average, the ceremony and signing the license takes 20-30 minutes.

Q 24: What options do we have for Ceremony Music? Do we choose the music for the ceremony?

You have the choice of a violinist, guitarist, or cellist. Duo and trio options are also possible. The musician will play Preludes, a Processional, and a Recessional. You will choose your music from a provided song list. Song requests are permitted and usually only require a small fee for the musician to acquire new sheet music if it is not already in their repertoire.

Q 25: Can we add or remove services after the original contract?

Services can be added after the original contract but cannot be removed without a cancellation fee. 

Q 26: How long are we allowed to be at the venue?

Each venue has their own rules, rental periods, and policies.

Q 27: Is decor allowed?

I offer simple, intimate, romantic, and stress-free ceremonies. There is minimal or no decor as we allow the beauty of the venues to shine! If you are looking for a wedding vibe that requires any setup (arch/arbor, rugs, etc.) it is important to know that from the beginning so that I can direct you to a planner that offers these options. If you have any decor items in mind, please share your ideas prior to booking!

Q 28: Can we bring our dog?

Many venues permit dogs, but some do not. Please be sure to mention your plans to include a pet before confirming a venue.

Q 29: Are there any hidden fees?

No! Your total cost is "Package + Venue". There is a 3% fee if you choose to pay with a credit card, but free payment options are available.

Q 30: Is the Hair and Makeup artist experienced with all skin tones and hair textures?

I work with highly-experienced H&MU artists that are comfortable with all skin tones and hair textures. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to share photos of yourself, photos of your desired look, a list of your allergies, etc.; I will review those with my stylists and share any feedback they have. 

Q 31: Do we need to meet with the officiant before the wedding day?

No, you will not need to meet the officiant in advance. Creating your Ceremony Script will be done via email (or a scheduled call).

Q 32: Is there a Ceremony Rehearsal?

A Ceremony Rehearsal is not included nor is it needed. A thorough timeline is provided and the ceremony coordinator will be present to oversee and direct everything.

Q 33: Is an all-inclusive package the right fit for me?

- If you want a stream-lined planning process that alleviates stress, yes. If you want a detail-oriented professional with 15 years of experience and countless contacts in the wedding industry to channel her obsessive organizational skills into making your wedding day magical, yes. If you want to help navigate your wedding day without having to overthink anything, yes.

- If trusting a stranger (no matter how experienced) to steer the ship makes you incredibly anxious, no. If you won’t be comfortable not knowing who your vendors will be prior to your wedding day, no. If your shoulder tense at the very idea of letting go of the reins and you will have trust issues every step of the way, no.

Q 34: Which locations are included with the Under the Oaks Package?

The Under the Oaks Package can be booked at the following venues at no additional charges: White Point Garden, Washington Square, Waterfront Park, Hampton Park, Angel Oak, or Charles Towne Landing. 

You can also book this package at any other venue, however an upgrade fee would be required. 

Q 35: Which locations are included with the City Sights Package?

The City Sights Package can be booked at the following venues at no additional charges: White Point Garden, Washington Square, or Waterfront Park.

You can also book this package at any other venue, however an upgrade fee would be required. 

Q 36: How many photos will be receive and when?

While there is no set number of photos that will be delivered, the average wedding produces 50-70 images per hour. Photos are delivered as an online gallery which you will access via an emailed link. From this gallery you’ll be able to download your images to your computer with no extra costs. Galleries are typically sent 30-50 days after your wedding day.

Q 37: What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Payments are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, any monies collected will be paid out to the vendors that were holding the date for you. If you need to reschedule, we will do our best to accommodate a new date within one year. Each venue/vendor sets their own rescheduling fees, so the total cost for changing dates would be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Q 38: Where will the Hair and Makeup appointment be?

The Hair/Makeup artist will come to your hotel/rental for your wedding day appointment. There are no travel fees for Downtown Charleston, but certain areas outside of the city do incur travel fees. If you have a question about travel fees for a specific hotel/rental you are considering, just ask!