Inside the Detail-Driven Process of Meredith Tanton Events
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Meredith Tanton leads Meredith Tanton Events with a focus on timeless style, thoughtful design, and meaningful guest experiences. Known for her personalized approach and venue-adaptive elegance, Meredith plans weddings and events across the globe—each one tailored to reflect her clients’ unique vision and emotional tone.
In this edition of The Expert Instinct, Meredith shares her process, inspirations, and the deep layers of work that go into planning an event that feels effortless.
Q&A with Meredith Tanton
What is your signature style?
Personalized elegance—luxurious, timeless, venue-adaptive, with intentional floral and décor choices.
How do you describe your creative approach?
Our creative approach is a collaboration with our clients. We begin by establishing a relationship and trust with our client, and dig in to understand their vision. From there, we define the aesthetic and emotional tone of the day. We curate mood boards, color palettes, and design direction that align with both the setting and their unique taste—whether that leans romantic and traditional or bold and modern.
Where do you search for new inspiration?
We draw inspiration from our travels, thoughtfully exploring new places and environments. Our creative vision is shaped by the natural surroundings of each venue, as well as current influences in interior design and architecture.
What do you recommend investing most in?
Invest in elements that enhance the guest experience—whether it’s added comfort or a personalized touch that reflects the couple’s story. We believe in creating meaningful moments that ensure every guest feels considered and cared for.
Team big or small: What type of events do you prefer?
We love a thoughtfully curated guest list—intimate enough to feel personal, yet large enough to celebrate meaningfully. It’s important to be surrounded by those who matter most, without the event becoming so large that you miss the chance to connect with each guest.
How far in advance should people hire a planner?
16-12 months
Best advice for a bride-to-be?
Bring on a planner before committing to a venue. Too often, couples fall in love with a space and sign a contract before fully understanding how it aligns with their vision, guest count, and overall budget. A seasoned planning team can guide you through the big picture—ensuring the venue is not only beautiful, but also a smart and seamless fit for your event.
What do you wish more people understood about what you do?
I wish people knew how multifaceted this job really is. It’s so much more than showing up and coordinating on the day of. We wear many hats throughout the planning process—part designer, part logistician, part engineer. Behind every seamless event are months of detailed planning, problem-solving, creative direction, and constant communication. It’s also incredibly physical work—long hours on our feet, managing setups, and making real-time decisions to bring it all to life. It’s demanding, but deeply rewarding.
If you weren’t a planner, what would you be?
I would probably work in the travel industry as a luxury travel advisor.
