Welcome to Charleston

Reception and Dinner

The Old Exchange Building

Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon A Brief History…..

The Old Exchange was completed in 1771 with materials brought from England and was the last

building in America built by the British. With its striking Palladian architecture, the Exchange

dominated the harbor.

During the Revolution, the Provost Dungeon was used by British troops to incarcerate rebels, and

in 1788, the convention to ratify the US Constitution met in the Exchange. George Washington was

entertained here several times on his Southern tour. From 1818 until 1896, the building served

both the federal and confederate governments as Charleston's post office.

The Exchange is now owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution of South Carolina and is

open as a museum. It is considered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to be one of the

three most important buildings from Colonial America.

CARRIAGE RIDE – 6:30pm from the Market Street Circle Depart Charleston Place for a wonderful private tour of Charleston’s Historic District in a horse-

drawn carriage. During your carriage tour you may see any number of the “Port City’s” major

landmarks; the Battery, White Point Gardens, Rainbow Row and Charleston’s oldest church, St.

Michael’s (circa 1752). During the carriage ride your guide will regale you with Charleston folklore

and “insiders’ ” stories.

King of Pop’s “Pop-Tails” (Champagne or Fruit Pops) (optional)

Carriages hold 16 adults per carriage. “Spacious Seating” is available. 7:00pm - Reception and Tour of the Old Exchange Guests will be greeted by a costumed Fife and Drummer playing. (George Washington can also

make an appearance during dinner or the reception for an additional fee.)

Costumed docents offer tours of the building in the most interesting way to delve into the history of

this stunning building. The guide will give a brief history of the building and its place in American

history and will then escort guests into the Provost Dungeon, where chained patriots and pirates

once spent time awaiting decisions from their British captors. A full bar will be available as well as

passed hors d’oeuvres and stations. These will be located on both the first and second floors,

space permitting.

7:45pm - Dinner in the Grand Ballroom When your guests have moved to the second floor Ball Room for dinner, they will be greeted by the

sounds of a classic harpist or Classical Duo. White-gloved staff will be standing at attention, ready

to greet your guests. Please see your email for attached menus- we recommend the Platinum at

The Old Exchange Building for the most elegant effect.

Lighting:

Your guests will be greeted with the feeling of a warm Southern sunset by adding amber uplighting

around the perimeter of the room.

Tablescapes:

To continue with the feel of the room, we will have 9 x 72” Round tables with 11 guests placed at

each. These tables will have floor length light blue lamour linen with a Royal Mariner striped sheer

overlay and a navy lamour napkin. Placed at place setting will be silver rim hammered glass

chargers. The chairs will be a White Chivari chair with a navy pad. The Centerpieces will consist of

a clear glass square container filled with only white hydrangea. Surrounding this will be square

votives.

Mantle and Fireplace Décor:

Each of the mantles will be accented with lush dark green Italian Russets and candles. Placed in

the fireplace will be a collection of candles.

Resting at each place setting will be a Confederate Rose with a description of its history.

“It is said that during the War Between the States Confederate Soldiers went off to war wearing

Palmetto Roses woven by their sweethearts in Carolina. Your rose was handmade in Charleston,

South Carolina. Palmetto Roses are everlasting. This legend is attached to each Palmetto Rose.”