With a weekend full of love and celebration, what better way to kick off the festivities than with a welcome party for all of your guests? While the wedding is full of details and décor, a welcome party is a great way to enjoy an evening before the wedding with close family and friends and really get to mix and mingle with guests who you may not get to spend quality time with on your wedding day. If you are having a destination wedding with most guests traveling from out-of-town, a welcome party allows friends and family to meet and come together in a casual setting. While a rehearsal dinner is typically limited to family and bridal party, a welcome party can be open to all guests. A welcome party does not necessarily need its’ own invitation, but you can add it to your wedding website or on a details enclosure within the invitation. Charleston has a variety of places to choose from when it comes to hosting your own welcome party! Check out a few of our favorites below:

Stars Rooftop ||495 King Street

With a rooftop view three stories up, Stars offers a great view of Charleston’s iconic King Street. The venue and restaurant also offers several private event spaces (still with views of King Street!) inside to host your welcome party if there was inclement weather!

The Carolina Girl Yacht || Johns Island, SC

Have a love for the water? What better way to show your guests the Charleston skyline than a cruise around the harbor! This 100 foot private yacht will provide your guests an experience like no other.

Grand Bohemian Hotel || 55 Wentworth Street

Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, this stylish, boutique hotel boasts a large rooftop with an indoor bar + restaurant that connects to an open-air patio with views of Charleston’s historic district and the famous Ravenal Bridge in the distance.

Parcel 32 || 442 King Street

Owned by Patrick Properties Hospitality Group, Parcel 32 recently underwent renovations and offers a large space on the second floor of the restaurant to host all sorts of events! With a piazza that overlooks King Street, this venue offers flexible space to mix and mingle with all of your guests!

Be sure to check back for some of our favorite spaces to host rehearsal dinners + farewell brunches!