Best Wedding Trends for Your Charleston Wedding in 2025
Planning a wedding in Charleston, South Carolina? Congratulations—you’ve picked one of the most romantic and picturesque places in the South (if not the whole country)! With its cobblestone streets, historic mansions, waterfront views, and that classic Southern charm, Charleston has long been a top destination for couples tying the knot.
But while the setting may be timeless, wedding trends are always evolving. If you're planning a Charleston wedding in 2025 or beyond, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on the styles, details, and experiences that are shaping modern celebrations in this iconic Lowcountry locale.
Whether you're a local bride or planning a destination wedding, this guide is your go-to resource for the hottest wedding trends in Charleston this year—think Lowcountry luxury, coastal elegance, and everything in between.
1. Intimate Weddings & Micro-Ceremonies Are Here to Stay
While 2020 gave rise to the micro-wedding out of necessity, the trend continues to thrive in Charleston for a more intentional reason: couples love the intimacy. Charleston’s charming courtyards, historic homes, and cozy inns are perfect for weddings with 30 guests or fewer.
Popular intimate venues include:
Lovegrove Estate – For a garden ceremony with Southern grandeur.
Zero George – Intimate, stylish, and perfect for food-focused celebrations.
The Parsonage – A historic home right off King Street with beautiful indoor and outdoor options.
Smaller weddings allow for more personalized details, elevated menus, and a relaxed pace—which fits perfectly with Charleston’s laid-back vibe.
2. Weekday Weddings Are Becoming Chic (and Cost-Effective)
Charleston is a destination city, which means weekends at popular venues book out quickly—and they come with a premium price tag. In 2025, more couples are opting for weekday weddings, especially Thursdays and Sundays.
Bonus: A weekday wedding gives you more flexibility with vendors and can make for a long celebratory weekend. Guests often turn it into a mini-vacation with beach days, walking tours, or a few extra days exploring downtown Charleston, Folly Beach, or Sullivan’s Island.
3. Lowcountry-Inspired Menus with Modern Flair
Charleston’s food scene is world-class, so it’s no surprise that couples are leaning into culinary experiences as a focal point of their wedding. But rather than a traditional plated dinner, think interactive and elevated Southern classics.
Current food & drink trends:
Raw oyster bars with a shucker on-site.
Mini chicken & waffles as passed apps.
Shrimp and grits stations with custom toppings.
Craft cocktail bars with local spirits like Firefly or High Wire Distilling.
Sweet tea sangria or bourbon-based signature drinks.
And don’t forget dessert—many couples are opting for mini dessert stations or wedding cake alternatives like benne seed cookies, pies, or artisanal doughnuts from places like Glazed Gourmet.
4. Garden Party Aesthetic & “Regency Romance” Vibes
Charleston’s lush gardens, cobbled courtyards, and blooming azaleas make it the perfect setting for the ultra-romantic “garden party” wedding trend. Think Bridgerton meets Lowcountry charm.
Styling details to love:
Pastel floral palettes with pops of lavender, soft blue, and blush.
Rattan and cane furniture for cocktail lounges.
English tea-inspired table settings with vintage china.
Overflowing floral arrangements with local blooms like hydrangeas, garden roses, and delphinium.
Romantic stationery with calligraphy and wax seals.
Lovegrove Estate is a venue that completely fits this look
5. Sustainable & Locally Sourced Weddings
Charleston couples are embracing eco-friendly wedding planning more than ever. From choosing locally grown flowers to hiring vendors who prioritize sustainability, this trend is all about thoughtful choices.
Ideas for a greener wedding:
Use seasonal blooms from local farms like Roadside Blooms or SYG Designs.
Serve farm-to-table menus with ingredients from Charleston area farms.
Partner with caterers who donate leftovers or compost food waste.
Offer reusable welcome bags or eco-friendly favors like seed packets or local honey.
Rent or thrift décor rather than buying single-use items.
Charleston makes sustainability look elegant and easy—and your guests will appreciate your efforts.
6. Statement Florals: Bold, Asymmetrical, and Overflowing
In 2025, florals are all about drama—in the best way. Couples are moving beyond symmetrical centerpieces to asymmetrical installations, wild bouquets, and whimsical ceremony backdrops. Charleston's wedding florists are masters of this trend.
Popular styles include:
Floating floral clouds over reception tables.
Meadow-style aisles that look like you're walking through a wildflower field.
Hanging floral chandeliers with greenery, roses, and trailing amaranthus.
Pops of color: coral, peach, rust, and even citrus-inspired tones.
Don’t be afraid to play with textures—pairing pampas grass with roses, or dried elements with fresh blooms can create a layered, luxurious feel.
7. Fashion-Forward Bridal Looks
Charleston brides are bold, elegant, and trend-conscious. In 2025, we’re seeing a move away from traditional strapless ball gowns to more modern, editorial-inspired fashion choices.
What’s trending in bridal wear:
Square necklines and puff sleeves for a vintage-modern hybrid.
Convertible gowns with detachable sleeves, capes, or overskirts.
Pearl embellishments on veils, dresses, and even shoes.
Short reception dresses for dancing.
Bridal gloves making a romantic comeback.
Grooms are getting stylish too—think custom suits in velvet, linen, or colors like dusty blue or hunter green. Charleston’s climate means lightweight, breathable fabrics are both fashionable and functional.
8. Welcome Parties That Show Off the City
Destination weddings are about the full experience—and in Charleston, couples are leaning into this by hosting welcome parties that double as mini Charleston tours.
Great ideas:
Sunset boat cruises around Charleston Harbor.
Oyster roasts on Folly or Sullivan’s Island.
Bar crawls down King Street with custom maps and local cocktails.
Backyard shrimp boils at your Airbnb or local inn.
It’s a fun, relaxed way to greet guests and let them fall in love with the city just like you did.
9. Custom Content Creation: Your Wedding as a Brand
In the era of social media and viral moments, many Charleston couples are investing in custom content creators to document their wedding from behind the scenes—TikTok-style.
What this looks like:
A social media manager who captures vertical video content.
Real-time Instagram story coverage.
Reels edited and delivered the next day.
Drone footage of the venue and ceremony (especially beautiful at plantation-style venues or the beach).
This is in addition to your pro photo and video team—but adds a modern layer that’s perfect for sharing highlights right away.
10. Colorful Weddings Over Classic Neutrals
While white-and-green will always be timeless, 2025 Charleston weddings are embracing bold color palettes. From citrus hues and terracotta tones to moody jewel colors, couples aren’t afraid to get playful.
Some favorite palettes for Charleston:
Coastal Citrus – Orange, coral, yellow, and pale blue.
Romantic Sunset – Peach, rust, dusty rose, and sage.
Lowcountry Luxe – Navy, emerald, gold, and ivory.
Southern Garden – Lavender, blush, mint, and buttercream.
Paired with the right venue and lighting, colorful weddings are making a big splash—especially in photos.
11. Non-Traditional Entertainment Moments
Live bands and DJs are still going strong, but Charleston weddings are seeing a rise in surprise entertainment momentsthat wow guests and keep the energy high.
Ideas to consider:
Live painters capturing your ceremony or first dance.
Gospel choirs for that unforgettable ceremony vibe.
Saxophonist or violinist accompanying your DJ.
Silent disco after-hours for a late-night dance party.
Firework send-offs over the marsh or harbor.
Whether it’s a second line parade or a cigar-rolling station, couples are all about creating a personalized, memorable guest experience.
12. Multi-Day Wedding Experiences
Why stop at one day? Charleston weddings are increasingly becoming multi-day events, blending welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding day festivities, and post-wedding brunches into one unforgettable celebration.
Your weekend could look like this:
Thursday: Arrival & casual welcome drinks.
Friday: Rehearsal dinner at Leon’s Oyster Shop or High Cotton.
Saturday: Wedding at Lovegrove Estate, cocktail hour at golden hour, late-night afterparty downtown.
Sunday: Brunch at Basic Kitchen or The Darling Oyster Bar.
Also at Lovegrove Estate we have a weekend package , since we have multiple locations in property it gives the flexibility to stay the weekend , have 2 events either rehearsal plus wedding .
This lets you make the most of Charleston and gives guests plenty of chances to explore and celebrate.
A Charleston wedding in 2025 is all about thoughtful details, unforgettable experiences, and timeless Southern elegance with a modern twist. Whether you’re saying “I do” under Spanish moss, on a rooftop downtown, or by the water’s edge, you’re in for a celebration as warm and beautiful as the city itself.
Let these trends inspire you—but ultimately, your wedding should reflect your love story, your style, and your dream day. And in Charleston? You’ve got the perfect backdrop to bring it all to life.
Are you planning a Charleston wedding? Let us know your favorite trend or how you're making your big day one-of-a-kind!
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