Services:
Established:	2007
Employees:	3
Accepts:

RSVP Events & PR is located in the Summer House--an elegant and sprawling 19th century plantation home located in beautiful, historic downtown Summerville.  The Summer House is open for wedding ceremonies and receptions.      

RSVP Events & PR was a business a decade in the making, when in the late 1990s, Katie DePoppe (Creative Director) began to plan community events for various schools and church functions in Summerville and Charleston. In the years that followed, when many of her friends became engaged and sought out Katie’s expertise, she became engrossed in the planning, organization, and impeccable attention to detail that coordinating large events, especially weddings, demands. During those very busy months Katie changed her current career plans from full-time graduate student and writer to her new job as a publicist and event planner for a prominent Charleston publishing house. It was that decision that married all of Katie’s academic and business interests together: organizing/ planning & the English language.

After leaving the publishing world in December 2007, RSVP Events & PR was officially founded as Summerville’s premier full-service public relations and event planning firm-- created with careful thought in order to cater to each of RSVP’s long-time clients’ (and new clients’) specific needs. 

Distinguished past clients include, but are not limited to: MTV (under contract), DREAM of Summerville, Golden Age of Summerville Committee, Atlantic Publication Group, Inc., the Junior League of Charleston, The Lee Group, Maxwell Builders, esteemed Charleston author and founder of the Charleston Jazz Initiative--Jack McCray, break-out band Soulstice, numerous authors throughout the north and southeast, and many Southern brides. 

When she is not planning an event, Katie still enjoys writing for fun and is currently at work on her second and third books simultaneously. She also ghost-writes several columns for publications in the Charleston area. Planning events is only one aspect to the business that Katie calls a sort of "umbrella" for everything she loves: RSVP offers professional writing, editing, publicity, marketing, and proofing services as well.

Full Services Include: 
Guest List Preparation & Wedding Attendance Prediction
Budget Creation & Maintenance
Design, Color-Scheme, & Theme Decisions 
All Design Aspects including selection of Tables, Chairs, Flowers, Centerpieces, Linens, Overlays, Chair Covers, Invitations, etc.
All Vendor Selection (Based upon years of Detailed Research & Established Relationships with Vendors of Integrity)
All Necessary Rental Security
Sight Selection for the Ceremony & Reception 
Hotel/ Accomodation Reservations for Guests & Wedding Party
Salon & Spa Reservations for Brides, Bridal Parties, Guests, etc. 
Attendance of Planner at all Necessary Vendor Meetings
Liaison for all Communication Between Vendors and Bride/Groom (at your discretion)
Verification of all Vendors 1-3 weeks out from Wedding Date
Direction of Rehearsal and/ or Church Coordination
Design of Timeline for Wedding Day’s Events
Direction of Reception
Set-up of Ceremony and Reception Site (Including oversight of all vendors, tables, chairs, décor, design, etc.)
Participation of at least two Assistant RSVP Planners plus Katie as your Primary Planner on your Wedding Day
Any & All Other Reasonable & Desired Tasks, including our Signature Services for each booked client 



 

I’ve noticed that a lot of "wedding planners" are popping up lately in my town. Can you tell me what requirements my wedding planner should have? Certainly your planner should exude professionalism upon your first encounter, but almost as important is her/ his ability to interact with you comfortably.  A wedding planner should feel like a friend, big sister/ brother, or a mom to you during the full coordination process.  They should be someone who you can speak freely with and who you feel actually listens when you speak.  On the technical side, it is absolutely unacceptable if a planner has not executed at least 10/ 15 weddings--recently.  I, unfortunately, have encountered many brides who were deeply disappointed when they hired someone with too little experience.  Your planner should also have some type of technical training--that means more than just planning their own wedding or a friend’s wedding. Believe it or not, there is a LOT more to organizing a flawless and budget-friendly event than many people realize.  Established planners work many years to create strong, working relationships with vendors--which often means savings for you.  However, a planner should never receive "kick-backs" or referral fees from vendors. It’s up to you to ask plenty of questions and to make sure that your planner is working in YOUR best interest at all times.

At what price point do your services begin?  RSVP Events is dedicated to NEVER turning a bride away, regardless of budget. Our services begin at $400.

Who are some of your favorite and trusted vendors in the Summerville/ Charleston area? Over the years I have had the honor of working with a number of wonderful vendors in the surrounding areas. From those vendors, I have selected only the most professional, thoughtful, detail-oriented, and genuine people with whom to work. This list includes, but is not limited to: Wildflowers, Inc., Palmetto Images Production Company, Tomme Hilton Photography, Evan Laettner Photography, Jay Maxwell’s Music By Request, The Summer House, Sweetwater Grill & Cafe, Carolina Cakes & More, Cakes by Jim Smeal, Robbin Knight Photography, Chris & Cami Photography (a lovely pair!), and Lee Edwards Entertainment.

What if I don’t need help planning my entire wedding, but need advice or help with certain aspects? Do you have "a la carte" or smaller planning packages available? Yes! There are three basic packages that we offer that can be changed and molded to fit each of your specific needs.  You should never have to pay for services that you don’t need!


 

Be sure to pack a stick or two of white chalk in your Wedding Day Emergency Kit.  Nearly every stain, smudge, or unsightly mark can be camouflaged or removed with a swipe of the chalk (even if your dress is ivory).

*Get many more helpful tips & tricks like this when you book with RSVP.  Each of our brides are treated to our special Signature Services--free of charge.  You deserve it!