“Overall, our experience with the Francis Marion Hotel was great. The price tag looks huge initially but once we detailed out everything that it includes vs bringing in outside vendors, the price is well worth it. I didn’t need to rent chairs, flatware, dinner ware, glassware, linens, hire an event planner or a caterer, or even buy/make centerpieces- all of those were provided to us. I took it upon myself to set up in the morning pre-ceremony with my Maid of Honor; their staff set up the chairs but we rolled out and measured the aisle runner, set out decorative floral arrangements, placed out the guest book, pens, and place cards for guests, and our welcome sign. The FMH staff flipped our ballroom from Ceremony to Reception during cocktail hour, however I did have a couple of people assigned to set up the reception decorations and from everything I’ve heard, it all went very smoothly. Our ceremony and reception were perfect and the food was delicious. 4 stars instead of 5 because my planning experience started with Gillian, then we were transferred to Marie, then Melissa met us for our menu tasting and we loved her so we asked to work with her exclusively through the wedding, she left the FMH and we weren’t informed of this until about two weeks before the wedding after I called to follow up unanswered emails, then we were moved back to Marie, and Marie was difficult to keep track of during the reception when things started to fall off of the timeline- thank god for my mother, former corporate event planner, taking the wheel and directing the staff and DJ what to do next and when. I don’t imagine this is a common occurrence, at least I certainly hope it isn’t. Overall, we had a very good experience and I will continue to recommend the Francis Marion Hotel to anyone that asks for my opinion concerning a wedding venue. Nearly all-inclusive, you have a day-of coordinator (if you can find her!), and all of the “extras” are included. We opted to provide our own liquor to save money, we purchased florals, and purchased favors. Every other major item was included in our bill. I don’t know how anyone keeps their head attached when they have a dozen different vendors they need to keep track of for all of those items I mentioned before.”
