Instead of pouring their entire budget into a single reception, Hilary and Kevin Tate decided to have an entire Charlotte-themed wedding weekend.
The couple chose some of their favorite spots in the city to show them to all of their guests.
“We are still new to Charlotte, but we’ve fallen in love with it so much,” Hilary said. “And we might not normally get all of those people to visit us here, so for us, it was an opportunity to show everybody how baller our life is down here.”
The wedding took place in November 2018, they had 107 guests, and it cost them around $48,000.
They both told me they recognize $48,000 isn’t chump change, but they wanted everyone to do as much as possible while they were visiting our city — and it turned out to be worth it.
Here’s a breakdown of their itinerary.
Even the invitations gave a nod to the Queen City (check out that gold-foil skyline).
Thursday at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Purpose: Hilary and Kevin wanted guests to see one of Charlotte’s breweries, so they invited those who had already arrived to meet them there for a casual hang out.
Price: $0 for the couple; everyone paid for their own drinks.
Attendees: 23
Friday morning at CorePower Yoga
Purpose: Hilary loves yoga and wanted to share it with family and friends.
Price: Cash gifts for the instructors; $0 for using the space since Hilary teaches there.
Attendees: 14
Friday afternoon around town
Hilary worked with an artist who had created a map of Charlotte.
All of the icons of the map were suggestions of things to do near Uptown (where most of the guests stayed). Those with kids checked out Discovery Place Science and others headed to Lucky Strike.
Hilary and her bridesmaids got their nails done at The Daily Details. They also shared some of the Agenda’s guides, including the brewery guide.
Friday evening at The Wooden Vine
Purpose: The rehearsal dinner (for the wedding party), which included a three-course meal and a custom beer and wine menu, followed by a two-hour welcome party (all guests were invited). The party menu included the same wine and beer list, an open bar, various cheese and charcuterie and assorted flatbreads.
Price: $4,200 for both events combined.
Attendees: 28 for the dinner, 85 for the party.
Saturday morning at The Daily Details and Emerson Joseph
Purpose: Wedding-day prepping and grooming. The groom and some friends headed down to the speakeasy (below Emerson Joseph) after for cigars and beer. The ladies had Plate Perfect cater and deliver food from some of Hilary’s favorites, including Poppy’s Bagels, and the guys had Panera.
Price: $742 for bridal party’s hair and makeup; $250 for perfect plate; $504 for grooming; and an extra rental fee for the speakeasy.
Attendees: 17 women, 10 guys
The guys hung out at Emerson Jospeh
While the gals got pampered at The Daily Details
Saturday afternoon and evening at Vivace
Purpose: Wedding ceremony and reception. It included a three-course meal, desserts, wedding cake and some late night snacks. The bar served cocktails and drinks from Vivace’s usual drink menu (under $11 per drink) as well as a signature cocktail and mocktail.
Price: $14,700
Attendees: 107
The skyline views from Vivace were on point
Sunday morning at Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe – Uptown
Purpose: Mimosas, coffee and light treats to mingle with guests before they head out of town.
Price: $561
Attendees: 58
Note: Other costs included more typical wedding costs — a wedding planner, photography, invitations, flowers, music, wedding dress and accessories, tux, etc.
All photos by Rob + Kristen.
