47 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com Charleston, with its historic charm and Southern allure, is a dream destination for weddings. The magic of saying “I do” against the backdrop of cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture is undeniable. While many couples turn to wedding planners to orchestrate their special day, some choose a different path — the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. We sat down with local brides who took the reins of their own Charleston weddings, embracing the challenges, celebrating the triumphs and reveling in the unique advantages of planning their own nuptials. COST SAVINGS: A BUDGET-FRIENDLY AFFAIR For many couples, the decision to plan their own wedding in Charleston stemmed from financial considerations. The average cost of a wedding in this picturesque city can range from $25,000 to $50,000, making budgeting a crucial aspect of the planning process. One bride, Keri Coker, who got engaged during the challenging times of October 2020, when COVID cast its shadow over the wedding industry, decided to take control of the financial reins. With a budget of $10,000, Coker and her fiancé demonstrated that a DIY wedding in Charleston could be not only charming but also budget-friendly. Choosing an “off-season” month provided immediate cost savings of around $1,000. The strategic decision to purchase alcohol in bulk from Total Wine and return unopened bottles for a refund contributed an additional $1,000 to their overall savings. These financial choices allowed the couple to allocate funds to other essential elements of their wedding while still creating a memorable and magical experience. THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE (RETAIL) BOX In addition to the inspiring journey of planning a DIY wedding in Charleston, there’s a captivating tale of transforming an acre of land into a dream venue. A year and a half ago, Holly Thackston and her fiancé embarked on the ambitious task of clearing the land, unveiling a picturesque wedding setting. However, the real magic unfolded when the couple decided to craft their own long wooden tables, circumventing the hefty rental fees of $80 per table. These custom tables, accommodating 14 people each, became a labor of love over two months, alongside other handmade elements such as the dance floor, garbage can covers, altar, arch and a personalized bar. Remarkably, the only items Charm of DIY weddings in Charleston Personal journeys of love, savings and creativity BY KATIE FINCH
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