The short version
You’ll have a wedding weekend that runs on a single plan, with vendors who know where to be and when, a weather setup that’s already decided, and a point person fielding questions so you can stay present with your guests.
I’ll run full-service wedding planning from here, starting with budget and priorities, then booking vendors in a clean order, then building a plan everyone can follow on the weekend. Next is a budget call and a first vendor shortlist.
I start with one working budget and a short list of non-negotiables, then I book the “date-lock” vendors first so you don’t spend money in the wrong places. From there I map logistics at the venue, build the run-of-show, and keep the vendors moving on a timeline that matches your decisions and your deadlines.
About me
I’m Caroline Whitaker, a wedding planner, and I run Rutledge Wedding Planning as a one-person, full-service practice. I got into this work because I like the parts other people find slippery: the order you sign contracts, the math that keeps a budget honest, and the logistics that turn a pretty plan into a day that moves on time.
Most couples hire me when they’ve booked a venue and can see how fast the decisions stack up. I’m the person who will answer the vendor questions, pin down timing, and call what’s decided versus what’s still open. I also plan for Charleston reality, which means heat, wind, salt air, and a rain plan that holds up when the forecast changes.
Past events
Here are three recent weddings where I handled the vendor booking order, the weekend schedule, and the day-of flow so the couple didn’t have to.
Portfolio
Waterfront tented wedding. Full weekend planning for a tented reception with tight load-in rules. I built a rain-and-wind plan, staggered vendor arrivals in 15-minute windows, and kept the ceremony start within five minutes of call time.
Historic venue ceremony. Planning with a venue vendor list and strict setup times. I sourced a florist and band from the allowed list, negotiated a rehearsal window, and built a run-of-show that kept portraits and guest flow from colliding.
Multi-event wedding weekend. Welcome party, wedding day, and farewell brunch with different locations. I set one master timeline, coordinated transportation blocks, and kept final headcounts synced so each caterer ordered to the same number.
“Caroline kept the whole weekend moving, and we never had to field questions.”
Bride, planning from out of town
Leading up to the day
I work backwards from your wedding date and lock the big pieces early, then I tighten the plan as decisions land. You’ll always know what I need from you next, and what I’m handling in the meantime.
1. Kickoff and budget Right away We meet for a budget and priorities call and I build a working budget with target ranges by category. You’ll tell me what matters most and what you want to protect. After that call, you’ll get a short monthly checklist so decisions don’t sprawl. 2. Vendor booking Next 2 months I send vendor shortlists and intro emails, then I manage availability, proposals, and contract review so bookings happen in the right order. You pick from a tight set of options, and I keep a running total so every signature matches the budget. 3. Venue walk and plans 3 to 6 months out I schedule a venue walk-through and map logistics: guest flow, vendor load-in, power, timing, and where weather changes the setup. I’ll bring a rain, wind, and heat plan that covers ceremony, cocktail hour, and portraits, so there’s no scramble later. 4. Final numbers and weekend Last month I build the full run-of-show, confirm vendor arrival times, and issue a wedding weekend timeline and load-in schedule everyone can follow. You’ll make final choices on seating, headcounts, and timing. I’ll set the deadline for final numbers and the balance due date based on your vendor requirements.
Vendor management on-site
I’m the point person for vendor arrivals, setup questions, and timeline calls, so you’re not answering texts while you’re getting ready or greeting guests.
WEDDING WEEKEND TIMELINE
A single working timeline used by you, your venue, and your vendors, including welcome party, wedding day, and farewell brunch if they’re part of your weekend plan.
RUN-OF-SHOW LEADERSHIP
I cue ceremony start, entrances, toasts, and key moments, and I adjust in real time when photos run long or weather changes the order of events.
Weather plan in motion
I execute the rain, wind, and heat plan you approved, including any ceremony flip, tent side decisions, fan and water timing, and portrait location changes.
LOAD-IN AND SETUP COORDINATION
I coordinate vendor load-in windows and setup order so rentals, florals, lighting, and entertainment can work without blocking each other or missing venue rules.
GUEST AND FAMILY GUIDANCE
I direct family for key timing points like ceremony lineup and portraits, and I keep small questions from landing on you during the weekend.
Pricing
Pick the package that matches how many events you want covered. All pricing starts with your date, venue, and guest count, then I confirm the final total after kickoff.
Priced items
Getting started
If you’d like me to hold your date and start booking vendors, the next three steps are simple.
1. Sign the agreement on this page to reserve your date. 2. Pay the 30% retainer invoice within 14 days to lock it in. 3. Book your budget and priorities call so I can build your vendor shortlist.
Signature
Fee summary
Retainer
A 30% retainer is due when you sign the agreement. That retainer holds your date on my calendar and I start work as soon as it is received.
Balance and invoices. The remaining 70% is due before the event, based on your final numbers, by a date I set. Each invoice is payable within 14 days of its date.
Final numbers. I will ask for your final guest count and key details on a deadline I set, so timelines, seating counts, and vendor orders can be locked. Changes after that point may add fees from vendors.
How many weddings I take. I take a limited number of weddings at one time because I am your planner and your on-site lead. I will confirm current availability for your date in writing before you book.
Vendor lists and venue rules
If your venue has required or preferred vendors, I will work within that list and tell you where it affects pricing or availability. Any venue rules are built into the run-of-show and load-in plan.
Weather plans. I build a rain, wind, and heat plan during the venue walk, including decision points and who does what. Weather-related rentals or last-minute changes are billed by the vendors providing them.
Changes after signing. After you sign, plans can change, but I need changes in writing so I can update the timeline, vendor notes, and logistics plan. Vendor cancellation or change fees are set by your vendors.
Rescheduling and cancellation. If you need to move or cancel the date, tell me as soon as you can so I can release vendors and hold new options. Any amounts kept depend on how far out the change happens, using the schedule in my agreement.
