This past weekend, Charleston Women Magazine had the honor of attending the Charleston Bridal Show, as it took center stage at Omar Shrine Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant, SC. From noon until 4 PM on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, the event brought together around 70 wedding vendors under one roof, offering an amazing experience for brides-to-be, thanks to the vision and dedication of its organizer, Kathy Baxley-Stewart. Attendees indulged in a variety of wedding cake samples, hors d’oeuvres, and live music, while exploring the latest bridal fashions and wedding décor trends. The event served as a one-stop destination for anyone planning a Charleston wedding, featuring top local wedding professionals ready to help create the perfect day.
Kathy’s mission is clear, she describes her goal and purpose to bring couples together with the best wedding vendors for their style of wedding. “Face-to-face meetings are always best,” she emphasizes. “Like couples, people connect well with their wedding vendors, or they see that they may not be the perfect fit. Meeting in person is key to a successful wedding festivity.”
Now in its 17th year, The Charleston Bridal Show has become an essential event for anyone planning a wedding in Charleston. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the July 2020 show, Kathy’s dedication has kept the tradition alive. The show is held twice a year, in January and July, with the next event scheduled for January 28, 2025. Kathy exclaims “our January show is typically a bit larger since it is held after the Holidays…aka Engagement Season. Average attendance for January ranges from 300-500 with around 90 vendors. July is 200-300 with around 70 vendors.”
This past weekend, several vendors showcased their talents, from charming wedding cakes to a variety of bridal gowns and elegant décor. For Kathy, the excitement in the air as brides enter the auditorium is the highlight of the event. “So much excitement from brides, grooms, and vendors is very rewarding,” she shares. Her commitment to making the show a success is evident in her motto: “If my clients are happy, then I’m happy.” This dedication has fostered a loyal following and a sense of community within the Charleston wedding industry.
As the bridal show continues to grow and evolve, it will provide an opportunity for couples to meet vendors while also serving as a networking event for the vendors themselves. “The Charleston Wedding Industry has become a big family, providing help to each other when needed,” Kathy explains.
For more information on future events and vendor registration, visit The Charleston Bridal Show.
Some Bridal Show Photos
