Business Details
18 Years
experience
Inclusive Wedding & Event Planning Experts
Magnolia Collective is a full-service event planning company dedicated to creating inclusive, personalized celebrations that reflect each couple's unique story. With nearly 15 years of industry experience and a team boasting over 40 combined years in the field, we specialize in weddings and corporate events across North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond. Our collaborative approach pairs clients with planners whose expertise aligns perfectly with their vision, whether they're hosting an intimate backyard ceremony or a multi-day destination wedding. We provide comprehensive resources including curated vendor networks, proprietary planning tools, and 24/7 client support throughout the planning process. Our commitment to diversity and social responsibility ensures every client finds vendors who share their values, including LGBTQ+ friendly and socially conscious professionals.The team's theater, design, and hospitality backgrounds enable creative problem-solving for non-traditional venues and complex logistics. From initial concept to final execution, we focus on stress-free coordination through detailed budget management, timeline creation, and day-of event direction. Our partial and full-service packages accommodate varying client involvement levels, while specialized offerings handle cultural celebrations and multi-day events. With a proven track record of over 700 successfully executed events, we combine southern hospitality with modern planning methodologies to deliver seamless experiences.
Services
Full-Service Wedding Planning
Partial Service Planning
Wedding Management
Corporate Events
Balloons Installations
Social Planning
Multi-Day Coordination
Vendor Curation
Budget Management
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of wedding planning experience with 40+ combined team expertise
- Our team includes specialists for every event style and venue type
- We provide curated vendor networks prioritizing diversity and social responsibility
- We implement proprietary planning tools and 24/7 client support systems
- Our planners have executed over 700 successful events nationwide
What people say
Top-notch vendors
Seamless coordination
Stress-free process
Exceptional organizational skills
Perfect team matching
Services
Full-Service Wedding Planning
Our comprehensive wedding planning service handles every detail from initial concept to final execution. Beginning 9+ months before your event, our expert planners manage vendor selection, budget tracking, timeline creation, and day-of coordination. With access to exclusive vendor networks and proprietary planning tools, we ensure your vision comes to life flawlessly while reducing client stress through organized communication and expert problem-solving for complex logistics.
Partial Service Planning
The Magnolia Experience offers hands-on support while maintaining client involvement in key decisions. Starting 6+ months before your event, this package includes vendor vetting, budget management, timeline development, and coordination of cultural celebrations or multi-day events. Our planners attend all vendor meetings and provide continuous guidance while allowing couples to maintain creative control over their wedding planning process.
Wedding Management
Ideal for organized couples who've completed most planning, this service begins 90 days before your wedding. Our team handles final logistics, vendor communication, and day-of execution while providing access to our planning portal and vendor network. Perfect for budget-conscious clients with established vendor contracts who need expert coordination during the final planning stages and event day.
Corporate + Social Events
We create memorable corporate and social events ranging from fundraising galas to children's parties. Our services include full design and execution of professional events, day-of coordination, and specialized balloon installations. With experience in both intimate gatherings and large-scale corporate retreats, we deliver curated experiences that align with client branding and event objectives.
Planning Resources
Our Planning On It resources provide structured guidance for budget-conscious couples. The comprehensive guide includes timeline templates, vendor checklists, budgeting tools, and seating charts developed from 15 years of industry expertise. Available as a complete package or individual modules, these resources offer professional planning insights for couples managing their own weddings.
People
Meagan Culkin
Owner, Lead Designer & Planner
With 17 years of experience and over 700 events planned, Meagan specializes in non-traditional venues and logistically complex weddings. Her theater background and attention to detail ensure creative problem-solving for unique celebrations while maintaining strict budget controls.
Lauren Bunn
Operations Manager & Lead Planner
A marketing graduate with extensive HR experience, Lauren excels at connecting with clients and managing vendor relationships. Her organizational skills and local knowledge help couples navigate the planning process while maintaining personal work-life balance.
Marianne Johnson
Lead Coordinator
Specializing in multi-day events and cultural celebrations, Marianne brings East Coast expertise to the team. Her background in event alumni relations ensures smooth coordination of welcome dinners, rehearsal events, and post-wedding gatherings.
Bailey Murad
Lead Coordinator
A Raleigh native with fashion design expertise, Bailey focuses on visual elements and social media presentation. Her attention to design details ensures cohesive aesthetics from linens to floral arrangements while maintaining practical event functionality.
Emily Patton
Associate Coordinator
With hospitality management expertise, Emily specializes in transforming empty venues into cohesive event spaces. Her background in event admissions programs ensures smooth guest experiences from arrival to final event details.
Questions
What areas do you serve for wedding planning?
We primarily serve North Carolina and Virginia, with experience in destination weddings across the US and select international locations.
Do you work with different wedding styles?
Yes, our team includes specialists for every style from intimate backyard ceremonies to large destination weddings and multi-day events.
Can you help with vendor selection?
We provide curated vendor recommendations based on your budget, style, and values including LGBTQ+ friendly and socially responsible businesses.
What's included in your full-service package?
Full-service includes vendor management, budget tracking, timeline creation, day-of coordination, and planning for cultural/multi-day celebrations.
Do you offer partial planning options?
Yes, our partial service package begins 6+ months before your event with customizable support for specific planning needs.
How are your planning fees structured?
We offer tiered packages starting at $3800 for day-of coordination up to $8500 for full-service planning with additional a la carte options.
