By Lanier Laney

The Beaufort Bridal Show returns for the third year to the Holiday Inn this weekend and it’s bigger and better this year than ever before.  The show, was created by the Holiday Inn Management and Sales Team — Bob Barnes, GM; Phillip Carroway, Director of Sales; and Nikki Williams, Sales Manager in conjunction with the Hilton Garden Inn.
They came up with the idea along with their Bridal Guide to help couples in the local market gain awareness of how many great resources there are in Beaufort for brides.
Says Phillip Carroway, “The wedding reception is one of the first thing that brides start with when planning the wedding so we try we originally helped them by offering business cards of vendors that we have worked with at Holiday Inn and had a great experience. Now, instead of handing a bride a handful of business cards from the local area, we give them our Bridal Guide. The Bridal Guide has our most popular wedding menus, the ballroom floor plan, pictures of the different guest rooms we offer, as well as a bridal check list, and the vendor list.
This year’s show will feature 40 vendors from the Beaufort area to include photographers, catering and event planners, florists, musicians, DJ services, hair and makeup artists, transportation providers, wedding event rentals, clothing designers, boutiques, hotels, resorts and private clubs.  The retailers will be there to answer questions and help with planning. The event will take place on Saturday, February 25 at the Holiday Inn from 12 - 4 p.m. The show will feature several fashion shows that will include custom made bridal gowns and the latest in spring fashion, live music performances from local artists, and showcase some specialty rental items such as custom up lighting, drapes, arches and columns. Many of the vendors that will be showcasing their products and services will be offering special deals the day of show. There will also be samples, tastings and give-a-ways. Brides will receive a special gift bag at registration that will be filled with special offers, samples and information on services and products featured at the show. The event is free and open to the public.
The Holiday Inn is located at 2225 Boundary Street, Beaufort.

SOME IDEAS WHEN GETTING MARRIED HERE

If planning a wedding, here is my short list of possible vendors and locations to consider:
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<strong>Wedding Planner</strong>: Several incredible weddings that I have attended, I’ve asked “Wow who did this?” and each time the answer has been Ashley Rhodes. Established in 2006, Ashley Rhodes Events is a full service event planning and design studio, providing event design, management and consulting services.  Armed with fresh ideas, simple style and smart strategies, principle, Ashley Rhodes has what it takes to plan and execute your ideal event.  A complimentary consultation is provided to get to know each client and to build an event package based on your event style, scale, wants and needs.  Call Ashley today to schedule your consultation. 843-368-2554. 918 8th Street, Port Royal, SC 29935. www.ashleyrhodesevents.com.

RENTALS: Andy Burris, Richard and the whole great gang at Amazing Event Rentals do a terrific job.  They are the guys (and girls) in the hot pink shirts driving the hot pink trucks that I’m sure you’ve seen driving around town while they help make every event Amazing... 35 Parris Island Gateway; Beaufort, SC 29906. (843) 379-5503. amazingeventrentals@gmail.com.

LOCATIONS: • Rhett House Inn: For the ultimate Antebellum romantic Southern location. Has a fabulous porch and garden for tents. 1009 Craven Street Beaufort, South Carolina 29902. (888) 480-9530, (843) 524.9030. info@rhetthouseinn.com.
• Beaufort Inn: For Victorian elegance, and the Old Bay Marketplace Loft and Rooftop for a modern venue and a spectacular rooftop with a water/sunset view. Contact Dawn Pemberton at 843-379-3470 or events@beaufortinn.com for more information.
• Holiday Inn has a big beautiful room for weddings (it’s where the bridal show is held). (843) 379-3100 2225 Boundary St, Beaufort. Contact Phillip Carroway Director of Sales, philip.carroway@hibeaufort.com.
• Some private historic homes are for rent for weddings. Marshlands on the Old Point is one.
• Vintage yacht: Romantic sunset cruises from the downtown marina on a vintage wooden 1930 Elco Cruisette. (might also be a good place to “pop the question.”) www.beaufortvintagevoyages.com. 1-855-266-2533.

CATERER: Southern Graces: Let Bethany and her well trained crew provide everything — even furniture! www.southerngracescatering.com. 843-379-0555.
hair salon: Limelight: Downtown Beaufort’s premiere full service hair salon. 612 Carteret St. 843-379-5463.

MAKEUP ARTIST: Adrien Bell does make up application, also lash tinting, brow tinting, facials, temporary lashes, all waxing services. You can find her at Adrien Bell Skincare and Waxing Services at Halo Salon and Spa. 184 Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. 843-540-9162.