Planning Tips7 min read
The 18-Month Wedding Countdown: A Planner's Real Timeline
Most guides start at 12 months. We start at 18 — because the best venues book years out, and the best photographers even sooner.
March 10, 2025Read
Wedding & Event Planning
Where Every Detail
Tells Your Story
Elara Events crafts bespoke weddings and celebrations that reflect the singular beauty of your relationship. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs — we handle every detail with grace.
100+
Weddings Planned
12
Years in Business
4
States Served
98%
Client Satisfaction
What We Offer
Crafted for Your Vision
Every Elara client receives devoted attention, transparent communication, and a planning experience as beautiful as the event itself.
Full Wedding Planning
From first vision to final farewell toast — we manage every element of your celebration, coordinating vendors, timelines, and logistics so you can be fully present.
- Venue selection & negotiation
- Full vendor coordination
- Day-of coordination
- Budget management
Partial Planning
Already have some pieces in place? We step in wherever you need us most — filling gaps, refining details, and ensuring seamless execution.
- Vendor gap assessment
- Month-of coordination
- Design consultation
- Timeline creation
Design & Styling
A deeply visual service for couples who have their logistics handled but want a cohesive, magazine-worthy aesthetic for every moment.
- Mood board creation
- Floral design direction
- Table & décor styling
- Stationery curation
Corporate & Social Events
Galas, milestone celebrations, and brand experiences that carry the same elegance and attention to detail as our weddings.
- Corporate galas
- Milestone birthdays
- Charity events
- Brand activations
Our Story
Devoted to the Art
of Celebration
Elara Events was founded by Margaux Desroches in 2013 after a decade spent in luxury hospitality across Paris, New York, and Charleston. What began as a word-of-mouth practice among close friends grew into one of the Southeast’s most sought-after boutique planning studios.
We take on a carefully limited number of weddings each year — never more than twelve — so that each couple receives our complete devotion. No assembly line. No stretched attention. Just deeply personal, beautifully executed celebrations.
- Certified Wedding Planner, ABC International
- Featured in Vogue Weddings, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings
- Preferred vendor, Grand Bohemian Hotel Collection
How It Works
The Elara Experience
Discovery Call
We learn your vision, timeline, and priorities in a relaxed 30-minute conversation.
Proposal & Contract
A tailored proposal arrives within 48 hours. Once signed, you're officially an Elara couple.
Vision Development
Deep design sessions translate your ideas into a cohesive, exquisite aesthetic.
Vendor Curation
We connect you with our trusted network of florists, photographers, caterers, and venues.
Client Portal
Your Planning Portal
Access your private client portal to track timelines, review vendor contracts, and message our team at any time.
Your Perfect Day
We handle every detail behind the scenes. You simply arrive and celebrate.
Your Private Planning Portal
Track Every Moment
of Your Journey
Every Elara couple receives access to a private planning portal — a beautiful, secure space where your entire wedding journey lives. Check timelines, review vendor details, share inspiration, and communicate with our team, all in one place.
Get Portal AccessWelcome back, Emma & James
Your wedding: September 14, 2025 · 234 days away
PLANNING PROGRESS68%
✓
Venue confirmed✓
Caterer selectedFloral consultation
Photography review
Kind Words
From Our Couples
“Margaux and the Elara team turned my chaotic vision into something more beautiful than I'd dared imagine. Every detail was handled with such care.”
“From our first call to the final dance, we never once felt stressed. The client portal kept us completely informed and in control. Truly magical.”
“Elara planned our daughter's 25th anniversary gala and it was absolutely breathtaking. The attention to detail was extraordinary.”
The Journal
Inspiration & Insight
Begin Your Journey
Book a
Complimentary Consultation
Your first conversation with Elara is a gift — no pressure, no pitch. Just thirty minutes to share your vision, ask your questions, and discover whether we’re the right fit for each other.
What to Expect
30-minute video or phone call at your convenience
Genuine conversation — no scripted sales process
Immediate access to your planning portal if you book