Palmetto & Pine Weddings
Full-service wedding planning and coordination with an exclusive network of vetted local vendors, offering event design, logistics, and day-of management for Charleston-area celebrations.
Executive summary
We provide end-to-end wedding planning and coordination tailored to Charleston couples, leveraging strong relationships with preferred vendors to reduce client stress and ensure quality outcomes. Our model combines planning fees with vendor commissions, creating multiple revenue streams while maintaining client loyalty. We target engaged couples planning events in the greater Charleston region with budgets ranging from $40K to $250K.
Financial snapshot
Market snapshot
Charleston is a top-10 destination wedding market with strong local demand and year-round events. Capturing 8-10 events monthly at competitive pricing reflects realistic market penetration for a new, well-networked boutique planner in a moderately saturated but growing market.
Trends
- Increased demand for sustainable and locally-sourced wedding elements
- Micro-weddings and intimate celebrations replacing large traditional events
- Digital tools and virtual consultations becoming standard in wedding planning
Customer segments
- Local/Regional Couples — Engaged couples living in or relocating to the Charleston area planning destination or hometown weddings.
- Destination Wedding Planners — Couples from outside Charleston choosing the Lowcountry as a destination wedding venue.
- High-Touch Coordination-Only — Couples who self-planned but need professional day-of coordination and timeline management.
Pricing model
| Product / Service | Price | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Planning (3+ months pre-wedding) | 5500.0 per event | Reflects 60-80 hours of work across consultations, vendor selection, design, timeline, and logistics for mid-range weddings. |
| Partial Planning (6-12 weeks, design + coordination) | 3200.0 per event | Lower entry point for couples with some elements already selected but needing design refinement and day-of execution. |
| Day-Of Coordination Only | 1800.0 per event | High-margin service for pre-planned events requiring timeline management, vendor coordination, and on-day problem-solving. |
| Vendor Referral Commission | 8.0 per percent of vendor contract value | 8-10% commission from preferred vendors (caterers, florists, photographers, venues) for client referrals driving secondary revenue. |
Competitive landscape
Established Full-Service Planners (e.g., local boutique firms)
Strengths — Deep vendor relationships, established client base, brand recognition, event portfolio
Weaknesses — High overhead, rigid pricing, slower innovation, less personalized service for smaller budgets
Our edge — We offer more flexible pricing, faster vendor coordination, and tech-forward communication
DIY Planning Platforms (e.g., The Knot, WeddingWire)
Strengths — Convenient, free tools, vendor listings, one-stop-shop branding
Weaknesses — No personal service, poor vendor vetting, overwhelming options, limited accountability
Our edge — We provide human expertise, curated vendor quality, and white-glove coordination that automation cannot replace
Day-Of Coordination Specialists
Strengths — Lower price point, focused service scope, minimal overhead
Weaknesses — No planning/design input, limited vendor relationships, reactive rather than proactive management
Our edge — We offer full lifecycle planning and design plus coordination, giving clients one trusted partner and better outcomes
Customer acquisition
- Wedding fair booths and local bridal expos (3-4 per year)
- Referrals from preferred vendor network and past couples
- Instagram and Pinterest content showcasing local Charleston weddings
- Partnerships with venue coordinators for post-ceremony planning handoff
- Google and WeddingWire profile optimization for local search
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