Whether you’re sweeping through a live oak allée or strolling through silken sand, the walk down the aisle is one to be remembered. That’s why we reached out to Ooh! Events Owner and Designer Lisa Thomas for an insider’s advice on the perfect way to style the aisle. Her number one tip? Pick an element that compliments the setting and venue, but ultimately, something that makes you happy. The possibilities are endless!
Charleston Wedding Guide: In what ways do you love to style the aisle?
Lisa Thomas: I like to let the location and the couple take center stage. I learn about the couple’s style, and what makes them comfortable, and then develop a plan to incorporate both into the design.
CWG: How do you create a visually appealing aisle without taking attention away from the bride and groom?
LT: Use simple décor to define the space. It can be a unique rug or series of rugs, a hedge of boxwood, boxes of flowers, rows of candles, lanterns, trees – whatever you can dream up! Or, shake things up and have the ceremony in a circle with a spiral aisle.
CWG: How does Ooh! Events highlight the charm and beauty of Charleston through décor?
LT: Letting the venue set the tone is key. Decide what is comfortable for you, and then brainstorm elements to compliment that decision.
CWG: What are your favorite Ooh! Events pieces to use for aisle décor?
LT: There is nothing more exciting than a beautifully completed arbor with greenery and a few blooms (shop arbors and ceremony décor from the Ooh! Events Design Center here!). While sweet and simple aisle accents are fun, and certainly important, the focus at the end of the aisle that frames the couples’ vows should take your breath away.
CWG: What are the newest aisle trends for this fall?
LT: Since it gets darker earlier, play up candlelight and lanterns to line the aisle, or incorporate industrial light strands hung and draped behind the altar space.
CWG: What is the most unique or exciting décor you have used to style the aisle?
LT: Aisle décor sets the tone for the whole evening – and a lifetime of photographs – so make it count! In the past, we’ve played with layers of lights and layers of fabric for backdrops. We’ve also made blooms rain over and behind a couple that loved florals.
CWG: Do you have a favorite Charleston venue to transform?
LT: There are so many amazing spots that I’d be hard pressed to pick one! Lowndes Grove Plantation and Boone Hall Plantation are stunning spots, but I also enjoy spots yet to be discovered – like a beautiful backyard or a forgotten plantation. We love transforming a raw space into a magical venue for our brides!
CWG: Tell us about the Ooh! Events Design Center and shopping rentals online.
LT: Ooh! Events 25,000-square-foot warehouse is filled to the brim with unique, hand-curated rentals, and we’ve spent the better part of the year photographing, measuring, and putting them all on our website to provide inspiration for our brides. You can now browse online, create a cart with items that you love, and we will help pull all of the pieces together!
To shop Ooh! Events rentals, create a wish list, or submit an inquiry, click here.
Florals and Design: Ooh! Events | Photography: Images 1 +4: Brandon Lata
Image 2: Clay Austin | Image 3: Sean Money + Elizabeth Fay
