Frequently Asked Questions

What days can you book a wedding at Old Wide Awake?
A. Friday, Saturday, or Sunday

What time does my event need to end by?
A. Fridays and Saturdays music concludes at 10 p.m., Sundays at 9 p.m. Couple exits event, breakdown begins.

Do I have to have a tent?
A. No. The Venue comes with 2,500 sq. ft. of total covered space on different levels.

If I want a tent, where do I get a tent?
A. All tent rentals go through Snyder Events. (www.snyderevents.com)

How can I schedule a tour of the property?
A. Tours are offered by appointment 7 days a week, except on days the property is booked for another event. Contact our Event Coordinator Margaret McKenzie at (843)814-4980.

Can I put a date on hold?
A. Yes, once you have toured the property we offer a 2-week courtesy hold at no charge. During that 2 weeks if someone wishes to lease the property for your “hold” date we will contact you to offer you a first-right-of-refusal, at which time you’ll have 24 hours to either sign a contract or release your hold.

How do I finalize a contract?
A. A contract can be written with or without a reservation. Once your date is decided we will email you a customized contract. The contract will be valid once you print, sign, and return the contract with a check equal to 50% of the rental fee listed on your contract (We also accept Venmo payments, inquire for more information.)

How is my initial 50% of the rental fee deposit check applied to my rental?
A. The deposit check submitted when you finalize your contract is non-refundable and is applied to your rental balance. In the event of cancellation, your full deposit is forfeited.

Is there an additional deposit?
At the time your final balance is due, a $250 security deposit is required. Your security deposit will be returned within 30-days of your event if the property is vacated without damages and provided our clean up guidelines are followed.

When is the remaining balance due?
A. The balance of your rental fee is due 30 days prior to your event.

Do you offer Wedding Planning services?
A. Yes as an additional service. Contact Margaret McKenzie (843)814-4980 for wedding planning services based upon your needs. Or, Margaret can also refer you to other preferred wedding planners in the Charleston and surrounding areas.

Do we get the whole property for the entire day?
A. Yes, the house and grounds are yours from 9am – 10pm, however 10pm does not mean you and your guests must vacate the property at 10pm. Rather, 10pm marks the moment of exit for the Bride and Groom, and the beginning of the end of the evening. At 10pm we turn off all amplified music and begin the breakdown process. We hope all vendors are gone by 11:30 but there is no penalty if you need a little longer. It is the responsibility of the planner to have rentals picked up upon end of event. Breakdown begins at 10:00 p.m. for all rentals with the exception of any tents on the property. Tent breakdown Can be done the following morning by noon. Once the Bride and Groom have exited the party, it is the responsibility of the Event Coordinator to check-in with the Party Manager.

What comes with the rental?
A. – You will need to bring or rent your own tables, chairs and linens. We can recommend rental companies for this and more.
– A Event/Site Manager is included with the rental. This person’s responsibility begins with facilitating the parking of cars (valet is not included) and he/she stays with the event throughout the night in case you have a question or an issue arises. He or she will also illuminate the house upon sunset and help supervise the management of trash and the proper “breakdown” procedures at the close of your party. Your Event Coordinator should check-out with the Event/Site Manager before leaving the property.

Can I have my rehearsal here?
A. Yes, you may have your rehearsal at the property but it must be prescheduled with Margaret McKenzie (843)814-4980. Maximum rehearsal time is 1.5 hours.

Do you have an in-house caterer?
A. No, but we are happy to recommend some preferred caterers once the contract is signed.

What are the measurements of the dining room table, the mantle in the downstairs bar, and the outside patio?
A. The dining room table measures 70″ x 40″.
A. The mantle in the downstairs bar measures 78″ x10″.
A. The size of the outside patio is 70’x 30′.

Can we do set up prior to the event?
A. Yes. If another event is not booked the day before yours, certain things can be dropped off with venue permission and in certain designated places. This would be at your own risk. Please keep in mind that Old Wide Awake Plantation is not a “workspace” for personal, floral or decor assembly. Also, all drop off items and/or rentals delivered on the day of the rehearsal must be approved by the Event Coordinator, Margaret McKenzie. You must arrange for either you or your Event Planner to be present to receive any rentals or dropped-off items. You are responsible for advising any vendors on how to enter and exit the property. No “box-style” trucks are allowed down the driveway and no vehicles are permitted to pull up on the grass next to the house. Any violations will put your entire security deposit at risk.

Do I have to clean up after my party?
A. Yes, you and your Event Coordinator are responsible for your clean-up. It is your responsibility to inform your caterers and bar service that removal and trash pick up must be done before they leave. If your caterer/bar service leaves before the end of your event, it is your responsibility to arrange with your bar service to remove remaining bar trash at the end of your event. Your caterer/bar service should check out with your Event Coordinator at the end of their service. It is mandatory you follow these clean up guidelines to ensure the return of your $250 deposit.

It’s imperative to follow mandatory clean up guidelines and to check out at the end of the night with the assigned Site Manager. This should be done by your planner/family/designated person who should be identified to the Site Manager in advance.