Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Hughes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began wedding planning for friends during the pandemic, helping out with re-doing wedding details that had to change because of social distancing guidelines. Needless to say, I fell in love with weddings. It wasn’t long before I opened “Something New” to the public in May 2022. The first few years in business consisted of a steep learning curve, for sure, but I had enough experience and savvy to meet each challenge in stride. Business was picking up slowly enough for me to really soak it all in and move forward more prepared for each and every wedding. Walking an average of 21,000 steps each wedding day, coordination is not for the weak of heart (or endurance). Between putting out literal fires, running for forgotten rings right before Ceremony, and sending Instacart orders for men’s socks forgotten at far-off hotels, I have a long-running history of highly satisfied couples who appreciate the intentionality with which I care for them. Looking ahead to Fall 2026, my calendar is fully booked for the remainder of the year, with 2027 almost halfway booked. The reason? Word of mouth recommendations and guests taking notice of the details of the day that I manage! Servicing Northern GA, all of SC, and Western NC, I’m almost always on-the-go creating memories for couples who so deeply deserve them!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In many ways, yes, it’s been smooth. I’ve always been good at holding realistic expectations (one of the reasons I’m a good Wedding Planner), and that’s made a world of difference in my perspective on how the business is doing. I’ve always gotten positive client feedback, and business has steadily grown since the company’s inception. That said, if I had been relying on this to be a full-time job from Day 1, I would have been sorely disappointed and probably would have closed up shop a long time ago. Wedding work is seasonal, for the most part, with dips during the “J” months in my area, and you never know when you’re going to get inquiries. I’ll have months of nothing, and then 11 inquiries in one month. As someone who thrives in steady, consistent environments, that’s been the biggest challenge to accommodate. That said, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of Something New Event Planning. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Something New Event Planning handles everything wedding related–from full-service “white glove” planning services down to power planning sessions for DIY brides and month-of coordination for “Type A” brides that just need some help in the home stretch.
I typically work alone, though there are a few “second set of hands” I bring in for setup when the guest count calls for it. I’m known for my attention to detail, thoroughness in preparation, and calm demeanor. When we’re down to crunch time, I work quicker, not louder or more frantically. I’m a great troubleshooter, hyperorganized, and could build a timeline in my sleep. My “bread and butter” wedding would be Outdoor Ceremony/Indoor Reception with a guest count around 125, though I love an elopement or a blowout celebration, too. My clients have had wedding budgets anywhere from $15,000-$175,000+.
I am most proud of the way I actually do business. At the end of the day, it’s not money in the bank that drives me, but making sure I do right by couples looking to start a life together. As an Enneagram 2, my drive in life is to help others and I’ve found the perfect industry to do just that. If a couple doesn’t need planning services, I tell them. If a couple is having an intimate backyard wedding, it costs less to coordinate than a 200 guest traditional wedding. I’ve never had “flat rate” pricing. I have never “upsold” unnecessary services. Nor have I ever overcharged for my services. To be licensed, certified, and insured, my quotes come in very reasonably priced. I can sign my name beside each of my weddings knowing I’ve done right by the couple.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My father built me a swing set for my 10th birthday in the backyard. One swing for each of us kids (4). He also built a bench swing for him and my mom that ran perpendicular, so we could all spend time together outside. In recent years, I’ve appreciated this memory more and more. The effort that took, in August no less!!
Other favorite childhood memories include summers at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina, weeks spent at Ocean Lakes, in Surfside Beach, SC, and meeting my childhood cat, Essie.
Pricing:
- Month-of Coordination starts at $850
- Partial Planning starts at $2500
- Full Planning starts at $3900
- Power Planning sessions $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SomethingNewEventsSC.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/somethingneweventssc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomethingNewEventsSC
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@torihughes2871
