Category Archives: Event Design

We loved seeing the new edition of Charleston Weddings Magazine… This wedding was near and dear to me (the father of the bride is my children’s pediatrician), so we loved working together to create a special day for our bride. Stay tuned as we’ll share more details from this wedding on our Wedding Wednesday features!

3.27.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Announcements, Bridal, Bridal Style, Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Flowers, Photographers, Press, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>
Mar 26, 2018

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

Today, we are going back in the archives to this sweet and simple William Aiken House wedding. This couple embraced the spring season in Charleston, and since their children were a large part of the wedding, Easter was celebrated as well. Thank you to Gayle Brooker for the images.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

The brides’ bouquet was just gathered out of the garden, with flowering vines, jasmine, dogwood branches, and fern.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

Easter baskets for the youngest guests were delivered to the hotel rooms on Sunday morning, full of sweet treats.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

A bar where guests could get a refill and have a seat and conversation was stationed on the front lawn.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

Casual seating in the “Easter” color scheme was also set up on the lawn overlooking the reflecting pond for guests to enjoy after dinner.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

A Lowcountry live oak was also a design element, so to incorporate the natural element seating card pockets were planted in grass and hung from tree branches.  Each table was named for a different type of tree found in the lowcountry.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

Adult guests together in the ballroom at tables designed in a springy but neutral palette. Menus were booklets bringing back in the tree theme and also doubling as place cards.

Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker Tara Guerard Soiree by Gayle Brooker

The “children’s” table was stationed on the porch overlooking the party on the front lawn. Luckily it’s such a perfect spot with a birds eye view, no one felt like they were being put at the kiddie table.

3.26.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Charleston, Event Design, Event Planning, Reception, Weddings | Comments >>
Mar 20, 2018

© Liz Banfield.5984_11_flowergirls

photo by Liz Banfield

The debate has been around as long as I have been planning weddings- kids or no kids?  Of course, we roll with whatever is the best plan for our clients, but if you are a little hesitant about including peanuts, maybe some of these ideas will help you feel more confident about having kids at the wedding.  And, head over Vogue.com for more kid friendly ideas from some of our event colleagues.

photo by Corbin Gurkin

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photo by Liz Banfield

As mentioned in the Vogue.com article, I think kids in a ceremony are adorable. It’s not about whether they make it down the aisle perfectly or not, and it definitely helps take the pressure of the bride. Sometimes, having a parent in the wedding party that one can walk to or with or older flower girls can be a big help in keeping the tiniest ones comfortable.

3171_36 kids_table Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

Once at the reception- whether it’s a seated dinner or station/buffet style we suggest have a separate seating area for the kids. Not only does this help save money on the fancy table decor you may be doing for the other tables, but also gives the parents a chance to relax and enjoy conversation. You could have preset family style meals for the kids too… Full tummies always help keep the kiddos on track.

3171_35 kids_table_favor Liz Banfield

photo by Liz Banfield

We like to do special boxes or gift bags for the kids, full of snacks and games and activities.  If your venue has the space for it, we’ve often hired babysitters to come and be with all of the kids in a separate area. They are still close by for the parents to check on them but under other adult supervision.

3.20.18   |   TARA GUÉRARD
Bridal, Bridal Style, Event Design, Event Planning, Press, Reception, Uncategorized, Weddings | Comments >>