Even though summer is wrapping up, here in Charleston, we still have plenty of opportunities for throwing fabulous porch parties. We teamed up with our friends at the Charleston CVB and Southern Living to give you our tips for throwing an impeccable fete on your porch.
Head over to the Explore Charleston blog for our tips (including a invaluable hostess trick sure to save you time in the kitchen)…
Today we’re sharing tips on perfecting your outdoor parties this summer (although many apply to year round entertaining). Real Simple Magazine rounded up several entertaining experts (including our friend, Matthew Robbins), who all offered ideas they’ve used over many years of hosting events.
photo by Liz Banfield
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a dimmer on your lights… All of our lights in tents at weddings, outdoor string lights, etc. are always always on dimmers.
photo by Corbin Gurkin
While we definitely love our fair share of cocktails or speciality drinks at parties, in the summer, especially in the South, hydrating is the key to keeping your guests on pace and enjoying the party the entire evening. So, whether you have a variety of water in coolers or on ice, or serve it up with a slice of citrus (sometimes it’s the extra reminder people need to drink more water), making sure you have plenty of water on hand is important!
photo by Liz Banfield
Another idea for a larger gathering, if you don’t want the trouble and cost of having a tent raised in your yard, garden umbrellas are a great substitute. Less expensive and available at many rental companies, they can provide respite from the sun for guests and food and drink set ups.
photo by Liz Banfield
If you’re hosting a more formal gathering and expect the women to come dressed in their finest, offering a shoe solution is something to surely impress. We often do “shoe checks” where guests can trade in their heels for flip flops we’ve provided in a variation of sizes. Or, even something as simple as “Heel Savers” will ensure your lawn won’t be irrigated by mistake.
This is probably one of our biggest hits or tricks.. But, for warmer months where you’re going to have guests dancing into the evening we roll up, wet, and ice down white washcloths (we keep them in coolers) and then pass them out on the dance floor. When we do this, you’d think we were passing out hundred dollar bills!!!!
photo by Corbin Gurkin
Many of our clients find their welcome party or rehearsal dinners an extension of the wedding. So, of course, the big question is do they want to look like the bride the entire weekend, or step out and do something fun and different… Our clients are a mixture of both, so we’re sharing some of the ideas our brides have had in the past on what to wear to a rehearsal dinner. I think the men also struggle on what’s appropriate, so we hope this helps with that too. Our clients above married on Sea Island at a private home, with a rehearsal dinner the night before at the Boathouse. Since shades of pinks were her wedding palette, she opted for a custom ladylike pale pink dress with bridal like white florals by Dee Hutton bridal.
photo by Liz Banfield
Some brides want a nod to being bridal but with a twist. And, many well known “bridal” designers also have ready- to- wear or can do custom creations, which is how many brides coordinate looks throughout the weekend. Here, our bride, Lesley wore a custom dress by Monique Lhuillier in white lace with pops of bright color. One other thought to consider is hair and make up styling. Since she would be wearing a classic bridal chignon the following day, wearing her hair down was a fun way to switch it up. 
photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield
For some ladies, being a bride all weekend is the only way to go and Little White Dresses are the only thing to wear. Left: The high low frock by Nardos Imam is perfectly bridal. Center: Our Bride who would be wearing a full Austin Scarlett ballgown on her wedding day, went for a flowy grecian look for Friday night. Right: This beaded and lace dress by Oscar de la Renta was so stunning.
photo by Adrienne Page
This couple having a good old fashioned Southern weekend hosted their guests for a Friday night BBQ in Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. A perfect mix of fun and casual, and perfectly acceptable for the attire to match!
photo by Corbin Gurkin
For this couple having a Friday night fete with a nautical feel at a Charleston Yacht Club, the brides navy and white Oscar de le Renta party dress was perfect. A fun and bright pair of Louboutin’s were able to have their night to shine. And for the groom, a classic tailored lightweight khaki suit was fitting for his big role as the evening’s host.
Recognized as one of the nation’s leading tastemakers, Tara Guérard has earned a widespread reputation for her ability to create spectacular settings celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. As the visionary and founder of Tara Guérard Soirée, she is best known for her distinct style that honors the storied traditions of Southern hospitality paired with a modern aesthetic and flair for the unexpected.
