When in Rome. Or, to hit closer to home: when in Charleston. The classic and beautiful Southern city is not only home to rich history, scenic beaches and incredible dining, but it can provide an inspiring backdrop for your wedding. So, if you’re planning to host your ceremony in this picturesque town, we suggest you embrace the aforementioned mantra and stick to all things Charleston.
Oysters can be a great addition to a Charleston wedding.
People travel from all over the nation to visit Charleston and for good reason. Its history and charm are palpable and its dining scene is one of the best in the world. But one of the best things about Charleston is its Southern nature. Your wedding could embrace the warm and welcoming feeling visitors get when they make their way to the Lowcountry, and here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about the menu.
Keep the Food Local
Nobody wants to eat exotic fare at a ceremony in an oak-tree canopied setting, so, as they say in the South: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Stick to what Charleston is great at: Southern seafood. Here are some ideas:
Oysters: If your guest list is small, you could think about having an oyster bar. Nothing beats a half-dozen shucked local Carolina oysters with a glass of champagne, and we’d venture to say you’d find a bunch of happy faces. For those guest who may not like the raw approach, you could steam, grill, bake or fry the oysters as well. Oysters, however, can be expensive and a lot of work, but well worth the effort if done right.
Lowcountry boil: This is a casual approach to the food, but is a great way to create a social setting around this South Carolina tradition. The combination of ingredients can be spread out along a communal table, saving the need for individual dining tables and reaffirming the social aspect of the ceremony, or can be dumped at each table. Everyone loves a good boil, but just don’t forget the napkins!
Shrimp and Grits: This screams the South and can be both casual and higher-end, depending on the presentation. You can think about a grits bar, with different kinds of grits: cheese, plain, stone-ground, etc. Couple that with a selection of meats, veggies and cheeses and each guest will be sure to walk away with exactly what they want. Or, you can have a caterer deliver the dish directly to your guests at the table -- there’s no wrong way!
Any of these ideas are guaranteed to make the bellies of your guests happy and that, in turn, will make for a great event.
If you’re planning a wedding, feel free to use these ideas, but keep in mind the menu is only a part of the event. Music keeps the entire night going strong, so make it a priority. Nice Entertainment, based out of Atlanta, provides incredible wedding entertainment all over the south, including Charleston. Drop us a line to find out more!
