Charleston’s thriving culinary scene is built on deep tradition and a true, pure love for food culture. This authentic reflection of cultural pride is a direct line to preserving history and time-honored culinary roots. Your Charleston wedding is a wonderful opportunity to tap into the vibrant and eclectic local food scene and infuse rich (and delicious) heritage into your celebration.
Build bridal luncheon, welcome dinner, cocktail hour and reception menus around fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood. Serve dishes that explode with flavor while showcasing Charleston’s rich African, Caribbean, Native American and European influences. And impart that ever-present warm and welcoming Southern hospitality into your events.
Here are our favorite ways to add local flavor to your Charleston wedding:
Bring on the Seafood: Charleston is known for dishes like shrimp and grits, crab cakes, she-crab soup and oyster Rockefeller. Serve these saltwater classics as passed hors d’oeuvres or main course sides.
Include Lowcountry Legends: Offer dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, red rice and Hoppin' John (a one-pot rice and bean dish) on your menus for some lively spice
Embrace Southern Comfort Food: Lean into Charleston's culinary identity and consider casual favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, biscuits and macaroni and cheese for a family welcome dinner or send-off brunch.
Support South Carolina Farmers and Fishing Boats: Incorporate local ingredients whenever possible. Calling on seasonal veggies and the freshest seafood will ensure guests enjoy local flavors and get a taste of Charleston’s culinary roots.
Create Signature Cocktails: Craft signature cocktails that feature local spirits and ingredients. Consider using Charleston-distilled liquors or infusing cocktails with regional herbs and flavors such as sweetgrass, rye whiskey, sweet tea and mint.
Incorporate Sweetgrass Baskets: Consider incorporating sweetgrass basket-inspired designs into your wedding cake or dessert table to add a local touch.
Customize Party Favors: Send guests home with Charleston-inspired wedding favors, such as locally made jams, hot sauce or pralines.
A Friend in the Industry
Working with Novela is like having a trusted friend — one with copious insider knowledge and industry connections — by your side every step of the way. We’ll match you with an expert wedding concierge to customize your wedding day plan, including venue and vendor recommendations, detailed pricing options, a high-level budget framework, and a customized checklist just for you.
Find your perfect Charleston venue, book all your vendors, and finance your wedding at 0% interest — all in one place. Novela is the first transactional one-and-done wedding planning company.
