The Unexpected Joys of Planning a Savannah Wedding

Okay, so it’s no secret: as amazing as the process is, sometimes wedding planning can be stressful. You’ve been there, we’ve been there. It wouldn’t be fair to pretend like sometimes bringing your dream day to life can’t get a little hectic. That’s why over the years we’ve learned to take the time-- and encouraged our I&B couples to take the time-- to embrace the unexpected. This is especially true of the unexpected joys… and when you’re planning a wedding in the finest city in the south, there are just so many joys to be had! 

Try new and interesting foods. 

Looking for the perfect wedding caterer? You’re in luck. Savannah just so happens to be one of Georgia’s culinary hotspots. We’ve got everything from your standard southern fare to coastal delights that are sure to wow the crowd. We’ve even got a growing vegan market! Turn your hunt for the best buffet into an opportunity for a productive date night. Go ahead, try something new-- your taste buds AND your guests will thank you! 

Discover new places. 

I’m feeling a little guilty to admit it, but even though I’ve lived in Savannah for almost eleven years, there were still SO many amazing places I didn’t even know existed before I started working at I&B. Like, hello… Soho South? So cool. The Roundhouse? Freakin’ mind-blowing. The Wyld Dock and Bar? DELICIOUS. 

Don’t be afraid to turn your venue selection process into an adventure. Go for a picnic at Wormsloe before you decide to have your ceremony beneath the swaying spanish moss. Grab a drink at Pinkie’s before taking an evening stroll around Savannah’s Historic District… you never know which square will inspire you most. 

Options, options, options. 

Have we mentioned that Savannah is chock full of options? Duh, yes, but in case you need some more…

Going for glam? Try the Mansion on Forsyth, full of glittering chandeliers, priceless art, and classic Savannah charm. Is your vision quirky and boho chic? Soho South Cafe’s mismatched chairs and door wall installation-- yes, an entire wall of EPIC DOORS-- might be what you seek. If you love our year-round beach weather, you might be interested in a ceremony at Tybee’s own Tybee Island Wedding Chapel. 

The possibilities don’t end with venues, either. Savannah’s got you covered in the food department, too. Want kickass catering? Try Zunzi’s or JThomas. Non-traditional desserts? Rise Donuts or Baker’s Pride. Amazing custom cakes? Vanilla & the Bean or Wicked Cakes. Food trucks? We got ‘em. Seriously, we could prattle off amazing vendors all day. This is just the beginning! 

Savannah’s kinda artsy fartsy-- and it’s awesome. 

Everywhere you turn, Savannah’s full of design inspiration-- we are the home of the Savannah College of Art and Design, after all. Whether you’re touring St. John’s Cathedral, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass, or gettin’ your drink on in front of the epic parrot mural at the Perry Lane Hotel, there’s plenty of wedding design inspo to be found. Snap pictures of your favorite art at the Telfair and create a color palette you love. Press a fallen flower and find similar shapes for your bouquet. 

Not just haunted… but full of history! 

Calling all self-proclaimed history buffs! If you love a location with LOTS of culture, Savannah is just the city for you. Savannah is one of the best places on the east coast to have a vintage wedding-- because your venue will be just as vintage as your inspiration! 

Founded in 1733, we’ve been around for a hot minute… and so have some of our favorite venues. If you want your ceremony space to be a monument to your truly historic love, check out the GA State Railroad Museum or Old Fort Jackson. You won’t be disappointed.

Savannah is SUPER budget friendly when planning a wedding. 

Got big city dreams but a small town budget? Plan a wedding in Savannah. Compared to many of the larger wedding destinations on the east coast, Savannah is diiiiiiirt cheap. It might get unbearably hot and humid in the summer (something to consider BEFORE booking that outdoor venue), but man… you can’t beat the cost of living in the south. 

A jack of all trades… and vacation must-dos.

If there ever was a place with something for everyone, Savannah is it. If you’re visiting in hopes of planning your Savannah wedding, we encourage you to take in all the city has to offer. Take in the nightlife after an afternoon spent on the beach. Rent a kayak and take a trip down the Ogeechee. Go shopping for all of your DIY projects on Broughton… and don’t worry, if you get lost (or need a recommendation), go ahead and stop a local. We’re always happy to help. 

What brings you to Savannah? Let us know in the comments down below!

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Gina Vogel Photography // Gowns: Ivory & Beau