The Dancing Tulip Events

Service levels: Partial planning

Team size: 1 – 3

About The Dancing Tulip Events

Ariana Dolan | The Dancing Tulip Events

Owner, Lead Coordinator

The Dancing Tulip Events is a North Carolina wedding planning and coordination company specializing in partial planning and wedding day management. We work with couples who want to be involved in planning their wedding while having an experienced professional alongside them to provide guidance, manage the details, and bring everything together. From vendor research and design guidance to timelines, logistics, and wedding day coordination, our services are customized to meet you where you are in the planning process—so you can enjoy planning your wedding without having to figure out every detail alone.

Wedding planning support shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Whether you’ve planned nearly everything or need help filling in the gaps, we tailor our involvement to your needs while keeping your vision at the center. With 12+ years of experience, we bring a calm, organized and hands-on approach—managing the details behind the scenes so you can stay present and enjoy your celebration. Based in Durham, we serve couples throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and beyond.

In three words: Collaborative, Positive, Resourceful

Best of Zola 2026

Services by planning level

Service included in starting price
Service available for an extra cost
Partial planningDay-of coordination / wedding managementElopement / microwedding
Description

Designed for couples who want a trusted partner in the final stretch of planning. Includes up to 3 planning meetings, timeline creation, vendor coordination, layout review, and 12 hours of wedding day coverage—so every detail feels organized and effortless.

For couples who’ve planned it all but want a pro to manage the big day. Includes timeline creation, vendor coordination, rehearsal direction, and 10 hours of wedding day coverage—so you can be fully present and stress-free.

Perfect for intimate weddings or couples who just need key moments covered. Includes one planning call, day-of vendor management, and 6 hours of on-site coordination to manage your ceremony, setup, and flow—so you can relax and enjoy the day.

Planning begins3 Months out1 Month out
Vendor Management
Final Venue Walkthrough
Onsite Event Management
Event Styling & Design
Rentals & Linens
Invites & Stationery
Venue Visits
Timeline Creation & Management
Venue Recommendations
Vendor Selection
Transportation Coordination
Wedding Favors & Accessories
PricingStarts at $1,500Starts at $1,200Starts at $1,000

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

18 reviews

  • C

    Camille

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 29, 2026

    Book them!

    Booking The Dancing Tulip Events was absolutely the best call we made during our wedding! From our initial call, I felt 100% confident that Ariana would ensure our wedding went smoothly. Ariana and Joey went above and beyond during our planning calls and on the day itself. They made sure that everything ran without issue, the decor was set up just as I had envisioned, and any minor challenge that occurred was handled quickly (without letting us know until it was resolved)! They made sure that our entire bridal party, families, and guests were comfortable during the rehearsal dinner, getting ready, and all day throughout the event. I can’t say enough good things about this business and would recommend them to anyone getting married!

  • RY

    Roberto Y.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 20, 2026

    The only reason our wedding happened

    Arianna was the most detailed and attentive person my wife and I have EVER met point blank period. Organized to a point if you wonder if she was born that way. It’s safe to say she thought of things we never even grazed in our thoughts. She was a great communicator, great collaborator and also incredibly kind to our families and their questions. I cannot recommend her enough. If I could brainwash you into picking her as your coordinator, I would, and it would be for your own good and maximum benefit

  • EC

    Elizabeth C.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 17, 2026

    Couldn’t recommend them more!

    I know you’re here because you’re trying to find the right answer and you found it!! Ariana and Joey were BEYOND amazing to work with. I truly couldn’t recommend The Dancing Tulip team more! I don’t think you can run any event without a few hiccups, and a few popped up on our wedding day. But with this team, they were truly nonissues. They handled everything seamlessly, and we never felt stressed or even noticed most of what was happening behind the scenes. (But Ariana bringing you drinks and appetizers while you’re taking pictures, you will notice;)) My wedding day was picture perfect, and I’m so thankful we had The Dancing Tulip team there to make it that way.

  • ML

    Maria L.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 13, 2026

    Lifesaver

    Ariana is the only reason our wedding even happened. We had a low budget and had to do a lot of things ourselves like the desserts, catering etc. and she saved the day with last minute details (who is setting up the dessert table??) Everyone was late, so many people didn’t know where to go and what to do and she handled everything seamlessly and graciously. I was not stressed whatsoever and even my family didn’t bother me as the bride with anything because they knew she was on top of it. Could not recommend her ENOUGH. 10000% worth it and if my best friend wasn’t getting married out of the country I’d make her also book Ariana.

  • MT

    Mollie and T.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Aug 18, 2026

    Dream Day

    Ariana and her team organized the perfect day for us! Every detail was beautiful and everything ran so smoothly day of. We are so grateful for her help and could not have done the planning and details without her. She was kind and supportive throughout the process leading up to the wedding and was on top of everything for the rehearsal and day of coordination. We really enjoyed working with her assistants as well. We can’t thank them enough for bringing our vision to life and exceeding our expectations. Highly recommend Ariana and her team!

Preferred vendors of The Dancing Tulip Events

Band/DJ
Next Level Band Of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Venue
Traine @ Seaboard Station
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Raleigh, NC
Venue
The Cotton Room
Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)
Durham, NC
Starts at $5,000
Band/DJ
Upstate Strings Trio
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
Charlotte, NC
We specialize in partial planning and day-of coordination. We have several packages that include different services include: - Planning Assistance with Vendors, Budget, Logistics, Design - Timeline Creation and Management - Event Layout and Design Review - Final Walkthroughs with Venue - Rehearsal Coordination - Day of Coordination for Ceremony & Reception - Venue Set-Up and Decor Placement - Vendor Confirmation & Management - Event Timeline Management - Point-of-Contact for Vendors, Guests & Wedding Party - Event Breakdown - Wedding Signage
Typically, we prefer 6+ months advance notice for booking. Scheduling is dependent on availability. We are currently booking 2027 and 2028 wedding dates.
We are located in Durham, North Carolina and typically service the surrounding Triangle region. Our normal rate applies to any location within 60 miles of Durham. Travel fees can be negotiated for events outside of that area.
We strive to provide an exceptional, yet affordable service to couples. Once you provide us with the details of your event, we can work with your budget to find a pricing structure that ensures the best coverage for your day. Our minimum package pricing starts at $1,000.
Part of your pricing package will include time for your rehearsal the night before the event. We do not work weddings without being present for the rehearsal - This ensures that everyone is on the same page before the day of the event!
The timeline for the wedding planning process is unique to each couple depending on when we get in touch and how far out your wedding is planned. But typically, working with us looks like this: - Introduction call to capture basic event information & proposal creation - Signed agreement & deposit - Planning meetings (dependent on package level; can be at 6 months, 3 months, etc.) - Event logistics call (6-8 weeks out) - Final venue walkthrough (4-6 weeks out) - Finalize ceremony logistics (2-4 weeks out) - Rehearsal (Night before the event) - Day-of Coordination (Hours dependent on package)
No. At this time, we only book one wedding per weekend. Once a signed agreement and deposit is received, we block off that entire weekend.

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