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Weddings

About

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, By Invitation Only...Event Planning & Design helps engaged duos create their dream wedding. Owner and lead planner, Melanie, has been helping soon-to-be-weds achieve their dream day since 2005, and enjoys working with clients from all walks of life. Each service she offers is customized to suit each individual couple, to make their special day feel personal and unique.

Services Offered

By Invitation Only...Event Planning & Design combines classic details with modern, contemporary trends, to make a couple’s day feel timeless. Melanie and her dedicated team of planners will assist you throughout your journey down the aisle, from your budget to your floral design. Their day-of-coordination services will give you time and peace of mind to enjoy your special day, while they focus on the important details.

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Do you offer an hourly rate?

No

What wedding events do you provide services for?

Ceremony
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

What wedding planning services do you offer?

Full Planning
Partial Planning

What weddings do you have experience planning?

Civil
Cultural
Destination
Double Weddings
Eco-Friendly
Military
Non-Religious
Religious

Reviews of By Invitation Only...Event Planning & Design

Aryanna
Aryanna Sent on 09/06/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Your Wedding Fairy God Mother

Hiring Melanie was easily one of the best decisions we made throughout our wedding planning process! She helped us plan an absolutely fabulous and magical wedding in just 4 months, and was really there for us every step of the way. I had a very detailed vision for the day and tons of tiny details, and she flawlessly helped us bring them to life. She's professional, friendly, kind, supportive and so talented at what she does. Her responsiveness and ability to calm my indecisive mind were so helpful and appreciated. If you're looking for a partner who will be with you every step of the way throughout your wedding planning process, you need to hire Melanie. We can't imagine our day without her, and we are so, so grateful for everything she and her team did to make our wedding the best day ever!
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 05/01/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Hire Immediately!

Melanie Murphy and the team at By Invitation Only are masters of wedding planning! My husband and I were planning our wedding from out of state and Melanie made it happen. She was in constant communication with us, keeping us on track and giving advice every step of the way. If we had a question she always had an answer, any problem that arose, no matter how small, had a solution almost instantly. Melanie was completely on top of every detail.

I was extremely daunted by planning a wedding and had no clue all of the little details that go into every aspect so I knew from the start that I wanted a wedding planner, and Melanie was absolutely perfect for us! She worked incredibly well with all of our vendors and kept our stress to a minimum.

On the day of our wedding my husband realized multiple of the guys didn't have a pocket square for their tuxes, he called Melanie and she had it covered. She was our advocate throughout the wedding planning processes and worked with our budget to make the wedding of our dreams.

Our day was absolutely perfect and it was because of all the hard work from Melanie and the rest of the ladies at By Invitation Only.
Lara
Lara Sent on 01/19/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Everything We Could Ever Ask For

Melanie and her team did a spectacular job for our New Year's Eve wedding. We chose the Essential Design and Day of Coordinating package because I had already done a lot of the initial meetings by the time we decided to hire a wedding planner. I wish I had asked earlier though because this team really took the stress out of the entire planning process. Melanie was so organized at each of our meetings and helped me think of things that I hadn't even considered. She has an eye for what is going to look great, fit your budget, and fit the style of your wedding. We are so thankful to have found such a great team. I enjoyed our wedding day immensely and I know that had a great deal to do with all of the behind the scenes work that they did. I was able to relax and completely trust them to make sure every detail was perfect!
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Awards

79
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2011 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2010 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2009 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

27 Endorsements
EdgeWire Music EdgeWire Music Wedding Musicians

EdgeWire Music has worked with Melanie Murphy of By Invitation Only countless times. Melanie is a true professional - handling any situation with composure and professionalism. We are excited to see her name/company as the wedding planner in our contracts!!!

Carolina Event Services Carolina Event Services Wedding Decor & Lighting

I have always loved working with Melanie on her weddings... she always tasks me with some sort of incredible drape design. I always fam anxious to see the final outcome and as always her final vision looks stunning!

Studio Two One Two, LLC Studio Two One Two, LLC Wedding Photographers

Melanie and her team are the cream of the crop when it comes to event planning and design. Always wonderful working the BIO!

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4.9 out of 5 rating , 121 reviews
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