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Your Stress-Free Wedding Starts Here
Bona Fide Events specializes in creating seamless wedding and event experiences through personalized planning and meticulous attention to detail. With over a decade of experience in the hospitality and event industry, our team partners with clients to transform their unique visions into unforgettable celebrations. We combine professional expertise with a genuine passion for event coordination, offering comprehensive support from initial planning to execution.

Our approach prioritizes stress reduction through strategic vendor management, timeline creation, and problem-solving, allowing clients to fully enjoy their special occasions. Backed by a network of trusted industry professionals and a proven track record of successful events, we deliver reliable, high-quality service that consistently exceeds expectations.
Services
Wedding Planning Event Management Vendor Coordination Day-of Coordination Bridal Showers Rehearsal Dinners Post-Wedding Brunches Fundraising Events Milestone Celebrations Vow Renewals
Highlights and features
  • We offer personalized wedding planning with over 10 years of industry experience
  • Our team provides comprehensive day-of coordination and vendor management
  • We specialize in stress-free event execution with proven organizational systems
  • Our local expertise covers Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding event venues
  • We maintain transparent communication and budget-conscious planning strategies
What people say
Stress-free planning Flawless execution Professional team Vendor expertise Personalized service
Services
Wedding Planning
Bona Fide Events offers comprehensive wedding planning services that transform your vision into reality. Our expert planners work closely with couples to create personalized timelines, coordinate vendors, and ensure every detail aligns with your unique style. With extensive industry experience and local venue knowledge, we provide budget-conscious solutions while maintaining exceptional quality throughout the planning process.
Day-of Coordination
Our day-of coordination service ensures seamless event execution through meticulous preparation and on-site management. We create detailed timelines, coordinate vendor arrivals, and handle all logistics to guarantee smooth operations. This service includes comprehensive checklists, contingency planning, and real-time problem solving to allow clients complete peace of mind during their special celebration.
Vendor Management
Professional vendor management services connect clients with trusted industry professionals while handling all communication and contractual details. We maintain relationships with top-rated vendors across multiple categories, ensuring quality service and competitive pricing. Our team manages vendor timelines, coordinates deliveries, and resolves any issues to guarantee consistent service standards throughout the event.
Milestone Celebrations
Bona Fide Events specializes in creating memorable milestone celebrations including vow renewals, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays. Our planners develop customized themes, coordinate unique venue requirements, and implement creative design elements. We handle all logistical aspects while incorporating personal touches that reflect the significance of these special life events.
Corporate Events
Our corporate event planning services combine professional execution with creative design for conferences, fundraisers, and company celebrations. We manage venue selection, coordinate AV requirements, and implement branding elements while maintaining budget parameters. The team ensures smooth operations through detailed planning documents and on-site coordination for successful business events.
People
Heather OHare Thomas
Owner & Lead Planner
Heather brings over a decade of hospitality and event planning experience to Bona Fide Events. With a background in catering and special events across the country, she combines organizational expertise with creative vision. Her approach emphasizes personalized service and stress-free planning, ensuring clients enjoy the process as much as the celebration.
Questions
What areas do you service for wedding planning?
We primarily serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Raleigh, and RTP areas with additional coverage for destination weddings and events.
Do you work with different wedding styles and themes?
Yes, we accommodate all wedding styles from intimate ceremonies to large celebrations, adapting our approach to match each couple's unique vision.
How far in advance should we book your services?
We recommend booking 12-18 months before your wedding date, though we can accommodate shorter timelines for smaller service packages.
Can you help with vendor selection and contracts?
Yes, we provide curated vendor recommendations, coordinate contracts, and manage all vendor communications throughout the planning process.
What's included in your day-of coordination package?
Our day-of service includes timeline creation, vendor management, setup coordination, timeline execution, and problem-solving support for the entire event duration.
Do you offer different planning service levels?
We provide customizable planning packages ranging from full-service planning to month-of coordination, allowing couples to choose the appropriate support level.