Need Help

MrsAmandaWalka

My husband and I got married this past January. But we only had a little private wedding because we didn't have enough time. We got re-stationed in Italy. So we are trying to plan our wedding for next 4th of July. And I dont know how to plan a wedding that is going to be in the states from over seas. It is going to be a southern wedding in Charleston, Sc. If anyone has ideas on how to get this done that would be great. I won't be able to really see anything in person only through pictures and thats really hard for me to plan with.

Thank you.

firemedicrr

Hi and welcome. 

A few things: 

1) You should create a new account with a new screenname if your name is your married name. Read up on the OPSEC/PERSEC thread posted. There are people out there that want to kill our SO's... anything you can do to keep him safe is of the utmost importance. 

2) What you are planning is a vow renewal, not a second wedding. You are already married to your H (congratulations!). You don't need a "do-over" unless you get divorced. Vow renewals are wonderful and can be super classy. Just make sure you let everyone know who is attending that you are having a vow renewal and not a wedding. Also, with vow renewals, you don't have a shower or a bachelorette party and you don't register for gifts (you are already married). 

3) as far as distance planning, many of the ladies here planned from LD. Do you have friends in Charleston? The local board for Charleston will also be a great place to get recommendations and help. I can't add much  more here because I planned my wedding locally. 

HTH

CAB1217

Ms. (almost Mrs.!!!) Fire is wise. I ditto every point she makes, but especially the first one.

Also, congratulations on your marriage, and good luck with your vow renewal!

lrh17

Fire basically covered exactly what I was thinking in her first two points. Congrats in your marriage! It's fine to celebrate with your family and friends, but your wedding happened when you married your H. Then Internet will probably be your best friend. Do you have any family or friends near charleston? You could do the research on several venues and vendors, then narrow it down to a few and maybe someone you trust would be willing to meet with those people in person to help you make a final decision. Or I wonder if venue coordinators would be willing to meet with you via Skype? Just an idea. Good luck!

crownsuperstar

Hello and welcome! Congrats on your wedding and have fun planning your vow renewal. 

Ditto what both fire and CAB said. 

I add (being from this state) Charleston is a very popular place to plan weddings and the summer is an even bigger time.  I would suggest that you start looking at places now as they fill up.  H and I thought about Charleston for our wedding however we chose the city I live in (yet another tourist hot spot).  We started planning in August and of the places we looked at there were only a few that had the dates open.  Since you are looking around the 4th that is an even busier time.  Depending on what you want. 

Suggestion, do not have a lot of stuff outside unless there is an aircondition tent.  It is HOT HOT HOT during July there and very little breeze.  The Old Exchange is pretty cool and there are lots of hotels as well Charleston Place is super nice (not sure the cost) most likely a pretty penny.  Boone Hall is really nice and Cotton Dock there is really pretty however it is outside and will be hot as balls. 

If you have an idea that would be more helpful. Please tell us more.

Lambbop

I would add that you should consider a wedding planner from Charleston to coordinate the vow renual. Since you might not be able to be in contact with your vendors easily via skype/email/phone it might be worth the extra money (and save you multiple international headaches) to hire someone who can be there negotiating with vendors on your behalf.

Good Luck!

FutureMrsSS

I just wanted to say I'm super jealous of you living in Italy! I lived there for a summer and it was one of the best times of my life. I drove by the naval base and secretly hoped my FI would someday get stationed there so I could come back! 

For planning long distance really research things. I checked reviews for everything I booked from places like wedding wire, yelp, even trip advisor. Google something and get as much information as you can since you can't physically be there. I've done all my wedding planning over e-mails and its gone fine thus far.