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Weddings

About

Special Days Weddings and Events is a wedding planner based in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Making unique, personalized visions come to life, owner, Mel Elaine O'Daniels, collaborates with the couples to ensure that their wedding reflects their story. With over 25 years of experience in the area, she knows lots of wedding vendors and venues, offering plenty of options for couples to choose from.

Experience
Mel Elaine O'Daniels worked in a resort for seven years as a wedding planner and event coordinator; during that time, she was able to coordinate over 400 weddings.

Services Offered
Special Days Weddings and Events caters to weddings of all sizes, from an intimate service of two to a luxurious wedding ceremony and reception for hundreds of guests. They offer various planning services for couples to choose from, depending on their specific needs, including:

  • Budget analysis
  • Day-of-coordination
  • Event design
  • Full planning
  • Partial planning
  • Referrals available
  • Timelines
  • To-do lists
  • Veteran-owned
  • Woman-owned
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price for day-of wedding coordination?

$800

What is the starting price for partial wedding planning?

$1,350

What is the starting price for full wedding planning?

$2,300

Do you offer an hourly rate?

Yes

What is the hourly rate?

$75

What wedding events do you provide services for?

Ceremony
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

What wedding planning services do you offer?

Day-of Coordination
Full Planning
Partial Planning

What weddings do you have experience planning?

Civil
Destination
Elopement
Eco-Friendly
Military
Non-Religious
Religious

How many planners are on your team?

2
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4.8 out of 5 rating
40 Reviews
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  • Professionalism
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  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
97% Recommended by couples

34 User photos

40 Reviews
Karen
Karen K. Married on 10/14/2023
5 out of 5 rating

You won't regret hiring Mel!

My daughter recently got married and Mel was our rock. She was on top of everything but never made us feel like she was taking over. She listened to what the bride and groom wanted and made it all happen. Having never hired a wedding coordinator before, we didn't realize she could do so much for us! Whenever we would mention, "Oh yes, we are going to take care of that." , Mel would reply, "I can do that for you if you would like!" While she listened to our ideas and requests, she would offer up tips and advice when asked, using her years of experience to help my daughter's special day run seamlessly! After going through this experience, I know how important it is to make sure all your bases are covered and to feel secure in knowing you have done just that. This is exactly why I wanted to share our experience with Mel. We had over 200 guests at the wedding, and Mel didn't blink! Thank you again, Mel!
Leah
Leah B. Married on 10/22/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Not Just a Coordinator

Mel is the most wonderful person I could’ve hired for my wedding. She went above and beyond and honestly deserved so much more than she asked for payment. She made sure we had the best day regardless of anything that could’ve happened or any hiccups that got in our way. She didn’t care how much we were in contact and she was 100% there for us as a friend also. I recommend Mel to anyone looking to plan a wedding or event who wants someone who CARES!!! She does what she loves and she does it with grace. Couldn’t be happier, not enough stars exist to rate our experience
Deven
Deven B. Married on 09/22/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Simply amazing!

I got married May 14, 2022! I am from Cleveland, OH, but my family has been vacationing in Sunset Beach for over 40 years; my husband and I quickly decided that was the perfect destination for our wedding. Needless to say I was nervous how I was going to plan a NC wedding from OH but Mel put my mind at ease right away.
Last May we met with Mel and I knew right away she was the wedding planner for me; her calm demeanor, knowledge of vendors in the area, sense of humor and responsiveness stood out right away. After we met we immediately got to planning! Mel and Shameka were amazing from start to finish. Mel saw my vision and made it come to life, she recommended all of the vendors we used and they were all nothing short of perfect!
Mel and Shameka were very responsive throughout the year of planning; whether it was emails back and forth, Zoom calls, or setting up meetings with vendors.
On the day of Mel and Shameka got right to work setting up everything (tables, chairs, decorations, etc.) it was hard to imagine how all of the different pieces would come together, but as soon as I saw everything it was as if the picture I had in my head came to life.
Our day was perfect and I have Special Days Weddings and Events to thank for it. My husband and I both say it was the best day of our lives.
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Awards

40
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Real Weddings

Kayleigh & Auston
177 photos · 06/04/2023

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