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About

On WeddingWire since 2008

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

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
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Any other questions?

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

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
79 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
M
Margaret R. Sent on 11/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Must Hire!!!!

Melanie Murphy and her team are UNREAL. From the minute I met Melanie, her extensive knowledge, connection to various vendors, and dedication to her clients made her a non-negotiable in my wedding planning process. For nearly 15 months, Melanie made me and my wedding feel like a priority. During this time, we were in constant communication and every morning I looked forward to seeing a new email from her in my inbox. Melanie took my vision and made it into a beautiful event that my friends and family are still raving about. Melanie and her team left no stone unturned. There is not a single thing I would change. I cannot say enough good things about Melanie and her team. Not only does Melanie do an incredible job, but she truly makes you feel like you gained a forever friend. Melanie Murphy and BIO forever!!!!
O
Olivia W. Sent on 04/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The best of the best!!!

Melanie is beyond exceptional! She fully understands your vision for your special day and makes it come to life! She alleviates the stress of wedding planning, the worry of everything going just as planned, and makes sure you are happy. Melanie takes the time to get to know you as a person, not just a bride! She knows exactly what vendors would fit best for you and your wedding, which is extremely helpful when you are overwhelmed with many options! She helps in setting up planning meetings, such as florist, caterers, cake tastings, and more if needed! Communication with Melanie during the planning process is professional, so easy, and organized! She truly cares about you, your wishes, and gives her heart and soul into each wedding she plans to make sure it's, without a single doubt, absolutely PERFECT! I couldn’t have asked more from her because she thought of everything which made my special day worry and stress free. She was my biggest cheerleader during the wedding planning process and that made it all so much fun! Melanie can also handle the tougher side of planning with all sorts of ideas to keep everyone happy with your wishes as it is your special day. She is such an amazing woman, even better planner, and after this planning process, a lifelong friend! There’s truly no better person you could choose for planning your dream wedding!!!!
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Anna C. Sent on 04/13/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Best Night of our Lives

I would recommend working with By Invitation Only to all future brides!! Melanie and her team help my dreams come true, down to the very last detail. She was extremely professional throughout the entire process and knew when to be stern and get ideas set but also knew when to let me mull on different decisions and give me creative freedom. Everyone asked me why I wasn't stressed on the day of the wedding, and it most definitely was because I knew Melanie would make everything happen and think of a solution to every problem that might come our way. If you also want to be stress-free on your wedding day, Melanie is someone you can absolutely trust!
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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

Real Weddings

Kari & Dustin
46 photos · 06/08/2019
Lara & Max
36 photos · 12/31/2018

Team

Melanie Murphy
Melanie Murphy
Owner

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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