This is the transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on August 12, 2015. This special #weddingmarket chat with special guest Walt Shepard, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Inside Weddings Magazine, Mary-Frances Hurt, Founder & CEO, DFW Events, Inc. Kelli Corn, Owner, Kelli Corn Weddings & Events Gail Wargo, Director of Sales & Marketing, Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different. This chat was sponsored by Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa.

Photo by ProEditProductions.com

Join Our Wedding Market Chats For Wedding Professionals Every Wednesday at 10:00PST, 1:00EST, and 6:00GMT (UK time) with the #WeddingMarket Hashmark On Twitter. Learn something new to help your business grow every week. The chats are hosted by Wedding Market editor Julie Albaugh (@juliealbaugh).

How did you get involved with the Wedding Industry?

Walt Shepard: Founded Inside Weddings in 2002 as a newspaper, now best-selling wedding magazine.

Mary-Frances Hurt: By planning my wedding. There was a need for planners who made the process fun and accessible to everyone!

Kelli Corn: Entertaining is in my blood, I began in hospitality and gained great knowledge in service and operations.

Photo by Karly Kiker

Q1: What makes weddings or destination weddings in #HiltonHeadIsland unique? 

Walt Shepard: From a laid-back rehearsal dinner by the sea, ceremony on the sand, or a reception in the planned ocean front pavilion.

Mary-Frances Hurt: HHI combines an island vibe with southern style! You can do a #luxury wedding while enjoying the laid back Lowcountry.

Kelli Corn: The LowCountry is all about on the tides and becoming connected with the culture, history, and nature.

Gail Wargo: Island Wedding w/Southern Charm. Unspoiled coastal beauty, fresh farm & sea cuisine, so much fun.

Q2: What makes Hilton Head Island the ideal location for wedding guests?

Walt Shepard: So many things for a planner to use locally. You don’t need to bring everything in have a destination wedding at HHI. The purity of the landscape here is so unique. Locals take great care to preserve the rich history, and natural resources

Mary-Frances Hurt: Loaded with things to do! Biking one minute, kayaking the next, shopping, dolphin tours, fishing, history, live music…

Kelli Corn: Destination weddings are about experiences and relaxation, Hilton head offers great options for both!

Q3: What does @WestinHHI offer for a Wedding?  

Mary-Frances Hurt: Multiple options for event spaces indoor/outdoor. Oceanfront views, fabulous service, food, and spa, easy travel!

Kelli Corn: #WestinHHI has a philosophy of well wishes to Love Well, a great atmosphere, good food & a heavenly bed!

Q4: How many different wedding locations does @WestinHHI offer?

Kelli Corn: The grand Ballroom, Mitchelville, Ocean Front Deck, the NEW ocean front Pavilion.

Gail Wargo: Say I do or celebrate on the oceanfront deck, sunlit Gazebo Room, coastal chic ballroom or toes in the sand. Announcing our new oceanfront pavilion in 2017, glass-enclosed, climate comfort, up to 200 guests.

Q5: How many months in advance are brides planning a destination wedding?

Walt Shepard: Planning for a destination wedding can really occur as quickly as a few months or be booked out as far as two years.

Mary-Frances Hurt: Typically 9-12 months. Allows time to do an initial site visit, learn the area, and gather info for save the dates.

Kelli Corn: Nine months is average however some brides plan in four months and some twelve. Any time frame is possible, however, on the shorter time frames a bride has to be more decisive quickly.

Q6: Are couples using honeymoon registries to pay for their honeymoon as a wedding gift?

Walt Shepard: We see that many brides utilize honeymoon registries. It’s a neat way for guests to purchase experiences for the couple. The excursions can range from romantic spa treatments & sunset dinners to exhilarating outings like bungee jumping!

Mary-Frances Hurt: At this time that’s not something we’re seeing a lot of in our market.

Kelli Corn: I understand the reasoning, but I’m not in favor of registries that request money towards large purchases.

Q7: What are the latest trends in destination weddings?

Mary-Frances Hurt: Asking for early responses in the save the date. As planners, this allows us to custom tailor the experience for guests. Detailed websites. When building client sites we like to include Pinterest boards to give a visual attire reference.

Kelli Corn: For a destination wedding, couples are hosting a weekend celebrations with multiple events and activities.

Q8: @WestinHHI What types of packages do you offer for weddings?

Gail Wargo: Check out our #HitchedinaHurry and Intimate Ceremony packages at http://westinHHI.com  #westinHHI #spgweddings

Q9: What are some Hilton Head Island wedding trends that you don’t see on a national level? 

Walt Shepard: We loved experiencing the gospel choir and could see a guest send-off gospel brunch to end a weekend Lowcountry style.

Mary-Frances Hurt: Food, décor & entertainment all reflect the unique features of the Lowcountry!

Kelli Corn: An Oyster Roast is a perfect welcome where guests enjoy local sea to table dining with Southern hospitality.

Gail Wargo: As “The Best Beach for Families” in the US, HHI is the perfect summer wedding destination; a memorable family vacation too!

Q10: What are some of the latest trends in catering?

Walt Shepard: Twists on comfort-food apps (think: pulled-pork slider with a layer of mac-n-cheese), and unexpected late-night snacks. Scrumptious ideas are individual molten cakes, freshly made donuts, retro bagel stand, or a French-style crepe kiosk.
When planning a destination wedding, it’s great for guests to experience local cuisine & get the local experience.

Mary-Frances Hurt: Stations curated as a small plate with a crafted cocktail pairing. Also a lot more emphasis on local ingredients.

Kelli Corn: Farm to table, healthy options, small plates or station style receptions.

Q11: How are couples making their bar/beverages more customized? 

Mary-Frances Hurt: Couples are now incorporating specialty bartenders who can create crafted cocktails.

Kelli Corn: Signature drinks featuring local ingredients, his and her cocktails, local brews.

Q12: What type of salon options can couples obtain from @WestinHHI?

Kelli Corn: Mani/pedi, Hair styling, up-dos, massage, facials, wax services, couples massage, aromatherapy.

Gail Wargo: Couples mani/pedi @ http://HeavenlyspaHHI.com , couples massage suite, professional hair, make-up & beauty services on site. Bridal party treatments, style packages, champagne luncheons can be created just for you! http://heavenlyspaHHI.com

Q13: How do you use social media to promote your weddings & Biz?

Walt Shepard: We post on social media just about every hour. You’ll see us on instagram, google+, etc. We’re always adding new content.

Mary-Frances Hurt: We love Instagram—such a visual platform (@dfwevents)! Interested in Periscope to show what we do on a day-to-day basis.

Kelli Corn: To stay connected, inspired, and tuned into current trends, new ideas, and name recognition.

Gail Wargo: Check out #wedattheWestin on IG for a glimpse of our all-star wedding professionals fam! #westinHHI #spgweddings  Experience what Westin weddings are all about: check out our #WedAtTheWestin hashtag on Instagram!

Q14: What types of apps or technology do you see couples using to help with their wedding planning?

Walt Shepard: Apps that offer easy-to-use tools or services! Beauty teams that come to you are huge. Try GlamSquad or BeGlammed. Efficient ways to share and store photos on the big day and after is a priority. Our brides seem to love WedPics. Registry apps, also especially useful! One of our favorites is Bloomingdale’s Big Brown App.

Mary-Frances Hurt: Pinterest still huge for planning. Google Calendar = easy way to connect w/ wedding party, What’s App for destination!

Kelli Corn: Grouptext app is popular for any last minute updates! Wedding website for information about the wedding agenda and local area.

Q15: What is unique about the Wedding Industry in Hilton Head Island?

Mary-Frances Hurt: We’ve experienced the best of the best designers, entertainment, and more here in Hilton Head!

Kelli Corn: Hilton Head is a great community. We all work together. Southern hospitality lives in our hearts.

Gail Wargo: HHI is a community of 40k residents providing many options for world-class designers, wedding planners and entertainment.

Q16: How can a Dream Wedding @WestinHHI Pay for a Honeymoon?

Gail Wargo: Earn #spg points for booking your wedding @westinHHI!  Redeem for your honeymoon at #starwood properties worldwide!

Q17: What airlines fly into Savannah-Hilton Head Airport?

Mary-Frances Hurt: American offers such an easy, convenient flight from Dallas to SAV! Can’t wait to spread the news to our brides!

Kelli Corn: American, Delta, US Air, Jet Blue, United

Gail Wargo: Over 5200 airline seats arrive daily at two local airports with non-stops to 17 US cities @SAV/HHIairport

Q18: Can you tell me about the band last night at the @WestinHHI party?

Walt Shepard: The music is amazing. The local entertainment options here are as good as you can find anywhere. When your reception has good food and good music you know people will leave having had a memorable experience.

Mary-Frances Hurt: Deas Guyz are absolutely world class. Incredible voices, kept the dance floor full all night!

Kelli Corn: The first night, performances by the Gullah Choir and Lowcountry Boil Bluegrass Band were outstanding.

Gail Wargo: We love Deas Guyz and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra for weddings here or anywhere you are celebrating!

Q19: Can you tell me a little bit about the #wellness philosophy & activities available here at the @WestinHHI ?

Mary-Frances Hurt: I experienced #WestinWellBeing by doing morning beach yoga among so many other activities!

Kelli Corn: What’s great about HHI is the tides allow for bike rides & yoga on nice hard sand. Sun rise yoga is amazing.

Gail Wargo: The pairing of #westinWellness and the natural state beauty of #HHI make for an amazing rejuvenating experience!

Q20: Did anyone try outside activities or tours while here at the @WestinHHI ?

Walt Shepard: Outside Hilton Head created activities with great guides who both kept us safe and provided a rich cultural experience.

Q21: Did anyone try #Zipline or Yoga here on #HiltonHeadIsland ?

Mary-Frances Hurt:  Absolutely! Loved zip lining with the @InsideWeddings team. Quite the adventure. #weddingmarket

Gail Wargo: And ride your bike all 12 miles of our pristine beach!

Q22: What do you want wedding pros & brides to take away from the #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Walt Shepard: Couples should focus on elements that are most important to them & their wedding should illustrate their individuality. Wedding pros: we can’t wait to see what you come up with & are excited to see your celebrations come to fruition!

Mary-Frances Hurt:  We want everyone to experience what we discovered at #WedAtTheWestin! From experiencing the Westin Well-Being movement to exploring HHI, we feel inspired by what can be done at this property & destination thanks to the @westinhhi team!

Kelli Corn: Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Find planners/vendors that you build trust with. This can happen in a destination location too. Speak to local vendors & see how knowledgeable they are. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your wedding experience. After all we want your wedding to be a once in a lifetime moment! HHI is an experienced location for the destination wedding market and has wonderful southern hospitality.

Gail Wargo: Consider our Island Wedding venue with southern charm.  Ocean breezes, live oaks, hanging moss, and world-class vendors!