Event Recap: The Big Fake Wedding | Swingin' Richards

We love the concept of The Big Fake Wedding. The bridal show alternative is an experiential opportunity for local wedding vendors to showcase their products and services just as they would at a real wedding. During each event, engaged couples are “wedding guests” who attend an emotional vow renewal ceremony, nosh on light bites, and dance the night away to great entertainment. As a result, couples get to experience vendors firsthand as if they were attending a real wedding.

The Big Fake Wedding events are held throughout the year in cities across the country. When we saw that it was coming back to Charlotte, NC, we knew we wanted in. (See our previous recap of The Big Fake Wedding Charlotte from 2018.)

THE BAND

Choosing which band to showcase was a no-brainer. The Swingin’ Richards band has been rockin’ Charlotte weddings since the early 2000s. With a couple of new members and a fresh promotional video hot off the presses, we knew this event would be the perfect opportunity to spotlight this local favorite.

THE DAY OF THE EVENT

At 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event, members of the ECE team met the band at the Mint Museum Uptown for load-in. The reception space at the Mint was a flurry of action as vendors set up their areas. From photo booths and table decor to catering stations and bar, every element that you would expect to see at a real wedding was represented.

Following a quick vendor team meeting, doors to the Mint Museum opened at 6:30 p.m. and “wedding guests” flowed in. They first made their way first to the reception setup in the mezzanine area for cocktails and mingling with vendors. At 7:00 p.m., it was time to head back downstairs for the ceremony. During the ceremony, guests were serenaded by the guitarist from the Swingin’ Richards band, Dustin Hofsess.

One thing that isn’t fake at The Big Fake Wedding? The vow renewal ceremony. The bride and groom were real life married couple, Taylor and Grayson Moore, whose heartfelt vows were moving and authentic.

THE RECEPTION

After that, it was party time! The crowd moved back upstairs for the reception where the Swingin’ Richards kicked it into high gear. Guests moved and swayed as they noshed on delights from Sonoma Restaurant Group. Refreshing Ketal One cocktails from Bubbles & Brews Charlotte kept attendees hydrated. Sweet treats were provided by Cookies On The Side, Amelie’s French Bakery, and The Cake Attic.

THE WEDDING PROS

Above all, we cannot say enough great things about the vendors we worked with during this event. Some were old friends and some we had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. However, all were creative, professional, and a pleasure to work alongside. We cannot wait to work with the members of this team again soon.

WANT MORE?

Check out more from The Big Fake Wedding Charlotte over on Wedding Chicks and the BFW blog. We also love this recap video from Flightless Bird Photography.