Wedding Planners
Always a Bridesmaid
265 Canal St., nr. Lafayette St., Ste. 206; 212-334-0005; alwaysabridesmaid.usSpecializing in raw-space design, Xochitl (pronounced "Socheel") Gonzalez and Mayra Castillo have five years of experience putting together personalized weddings, often held in loft spaces such as Ramscale Studios in the Village. Typically working with clients from creative industries, the duo helps couples showcase their individuality. A basic package costs $9,000; more comprehensive coverage is $15,000; and for couples who need limited help, $1,000 buys ten hours of services.
Amy Atlas Events
917-974-9285; amyatlas.comAtlas makes dessert tables that are pleasing to the palate and the eyes. Each table is custom-designed and inspired by the themes and motifs of the event-for example, a coconut-macarons-and-dusted-truffles table for an all-white bridal buffet, or a fun lollipop tree to reflect a cherry-blossom motif. Prices upon request.
Anderson Green Events
646-827-4705; andersongreenevents.comFounder Lisa Green believes that to employ a planner is to gain a friend, which is why she takes on only eight to ten weddings a year. Down-to-earth couples will enjoy her whimsical touches, such as using centerpieces made entirely of candies, cupcakes, and cookies. She also offers day-of-only services for couples on a budget. Prices upon request.
Bryan Jacobson
ny-eventplanner.com 250 Mercer St., nr. W. 4th St., Ste. 1404B; 917-721-0683As the former owner of Corporate Events Manhattan, Bryan Jacobson used his connections to transition from throwing company blowouts to opening a luxury wedding business. He specializes in transforming atmospheres and landscapes, and caters to a high-end clientele-though he also works with couples on a budget. Prices upon request.
C & G Weddings, LLC
372 Central Park West, nr. 97th St., Ste. 8K; 212-961-1528; candgweddings.comC&G sets out to work with women who are still in graduate school or busy with their careers-basically, women who need a task master in the planning process. They will do as little or as much as their clients want, providing unlimited meetings and Excel spreadsheets along with creative services like hiring hot-dog carts to line the steps of the New York Public Library. Prices upon request.
Carmona Design and Events
267 Fifth Ave., nr. 29th St., Ste. 810; 212-414-8400; carmonadesign.comEvent designer Mary Krueger and her partner, Andrés, spend several months of the year in Europe gathering inspiration for their "mini-operas"; they do it all-lighting, staging and sound. For one couple, they transformed a tent on an English estate into a black-and-white maze, surrounding the bandstand with an eighteen-foot-tall trellis with boxwood hedges. Prices upon request.
Cheryl J. Weddings and Events
917-254-0514; cheryljweddingsandevents.comFor couples overwhelmed by planning a wedding on their own, Cheryl Fielding-LoPalo is available as a mentor and friend who helps create an elegant event. Her goal is to make each wedding unique-and stress-free. Basic package starts at $2,500.
Cristina Verger
212-715-0590; tastythoughts.comThis full-service planner works with her clients from the first decision to the last detail. Although the majority of her weddings are in New York, Verger also specializes in destination weddings worldwide-particularly Italy. Family connections in Rome give her access to a broad-reaching network of Italian vendors unknown to other New York planners. Prices upon request.
Colin Cowie Lifestyle
568 Broadway, nr. Prince St., Ste. 705; 212-396-9007; colincowie.comThis internationally known event-planning guru, who is sought out by couples on both coasts and abroad, has penned six books on parties and entertainment. He’s also thrown lavish blowouts for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Tom Cruise. But Cowie doesn’t require a celebrity budget for his services. Expect detail-oriented elegance with an edge-and plenty of chilled bubbly. Prices upon request.
David E. Monn, LLC
135 W. 27th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; 212-242-2009; davidmonn.comTransforming the Met into an English garden party complete with espaliered apple trees and moss-covered stairs-as Monn did for a past Costume Institute Gala-is just one of the reasons many call this dapper society planner the "Architect of Style." Prices upon request.
David Reinhard Events, LLC
212-535-1520; davidreinhard.comFor the past eight years, Ann David and Nicky Reinhard have tag-teamed to create a hands-on boutique approach to planning weddings. Their limit of two events per month allows the pair to spend most of the year planning a variety of celebrations-from urban receptions to tent weddings in the Hamptons, or the occasional destination wedding in Hawaii. Prices upon request.
David Stark Design and Production
87 Luquer St., nr. Clinton St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-534-6777; davidstarkdesign.comThis studio approaches event design as if it were a gallery installation-covering an entire wall with candles or filling a room with hanging garlands of paper flowers. Stark personally handles all of the event’s aesthetic elements, including furniture, lighting, and invitations. Prices upon request.
David Tutera
470 Seventh Ave., nr. 35th St., eleventh floor; 212-229-9280; davidtutera.comKnown more for his A-list parties than for weddings, Tutera can still provide a couple with the ultimate in luxury and couture style. Clients can hire him as a personal wedding planner (to cover all the details and logistics of the event), an event designer (to handle décor-related aspects), or both. Be sure to call nine to twelve months in advance, and expect to pay about $250,000 for 175 guests.
Delaney T. Bagwell Associates, LLC
430 E. 56th St., nr. First Ave., 917-434-0521; delaneytbagwellassociates.comTodd Bagwell has been planning weddings, society events, fund-raisers, and corporate shindigs since 1989. Though based in Manhattan, he specializes in destination weddings, and his all-inclusive services cover everything from save-the-dates to party favors. Client references and prices upon request.
The Designer's Co-Op
252 W. 73rd St., nr. Broadway, Ste. 1A; 212-721-2188; thedesignersco-op.comThe Designer’s Co-op exudes modern romance without being over the top. Brides come to owner Bridget Vizoso for her custom prop-building and signature "carpets of flowers." For an event at the Foundry, she reworked the industrial space into a stunning organic environment with curtains of orchids and a canopy of branches laden with candlelight. Prices upon request.
Elegant Occasions
100 Park Ave., nr. 41st St., Ste. 1600; 212-704-0048; elegantoccasions.comElegant Occasions specializes in comprehensive planning for both domestic and destination weddings, especially those in Italy. Each wedding is customized, but the company is particularly adept at overseeing multi-day wedding events, such as those on long weekends. Prices upon request.
Fête
419 Park Ave. S., at 29th St., fourth fl.; 212-725-7268; feteny.comJung Lee heads up this stylish, in-the-know planning and design boutique; her Wharton-grad partner, Josh Brooks, provides the business acumen. Together, they come up with seriously detail-oriented weddings. For couples planning their own, they’ve written the manifesto Fête: The Wedding Experience. Prices upon request.
4 P.M. Events
333 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave., fifteenth fl. PH; 212-631-7777; 4pmevents.comThis full-service event-planning company also puts on a luxury wedding showcase, the Wedding Salon, which features 70 different vendors, from cake designers and caterers to honeymoon destinations. Couples can trust they know their stuff. The basic package starts at $7,500. Comprehensive planning services start at $20,000.
Francesca Events
5 Tudor City Pl., nr. E. 40th St., Ste. 630; 646-227-9474; francescaevents.comThe hand-holding approach of Francesca Events is ideal for busy clients who want a flawless occasion. Although she focuses on logistics and production, owner Francesca Abbracciamento also has extensive contacts in the New York haute cuisine scene for foodie couples. She plans many destination weddings, having done several in trendy Tulum, Mexico. She suggests that couples contact her four to six months in advance. Prices upon request.
Harriette Rose Katz Events/Gourmet Advisory Services
212-535-0005; gourmetadvisory.comKatz has been lauded as one of New York’s most in-demand wedding planners, and her business, with its growing team of experts, has been around for almost 30 years. Her events are usually held at venues like the Plaza Hotel or the Waldorf-Astoria, and tend toward the spectacular. Prices upon request.
In Any Event
212-472-7751; inanyevent.bizSavvy planners and co-owners Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler know the right questions to ask so that, in the end, each wedding accurately reflects the couple’s personality. Price’s background in design and event planning perfectly complements Tessler’s experience in catering. Prices upon request.
Jennifer Brisman
330 E. 33rd St., nr. Second Ave., Ste. 5C; 212-588-0007; theweddingplanner.comJennifer Brisman, who has been featured in various publications and on television during her ten years in the business, specializes in grand-scale event management. She works with vendors all over the world to create memorable weddings in New York and destinations around the globe. With budgets from $150,000 to those in excess of $1 million, Brisman designs for diverse tastes, from vintage, to contemporary, to traditional.
Jill Gordon Celebrate
631-324-2422; jillgordoncelebrate.comThis shop will plan every element of a Hamptons wedding-from the music and food to the tents and lighting. Gordon’s team knows the best vineyards, beaches, and farms in the area, and prides itself on working with the couple to make sure the big day is as glitch-free as possible. Prices upon
Karen Bussen
5 Penn Plaza, nr. 34th St.; 212-835-1521; karenbussen.comPlanning by Bussen transcends mere logistics to include top-notch design and décor-her specialty. (Bussen is the author of the Simple Stunning Weddings series.) Her relationships with vendors can also yield discounts-she aims to earn back her fee in savings for the couple-and she works with all budgets. Prices upon request.
Loulie Walker Events
200 W. 79th St., nr. Amsterdam Ave., Apt. 4/5M; 212-316-6135; louliewalkerevents.comThis planner is overflowing with sophisticated ideas for personalized, of-the-moment events. She’s skilled at producing lavish affairs of a more traditional nature, having done weddings at the New York Public Library and the Frick. Prices upon request.
Lyndsey Hamilton Events, LLC
156 Franklin St., nr. Hudson St., third fl.; 212-274-0074; lyndseyhamiltonevents.comThroughout the process, Hamilton and her staff remain attentive, working with each couple from the minute they’re contacted to the moment the newlyweds head for their honeymoon. They offer full or partial planning packages with three different tiers available: senior planners, manager planners, and Hamilton herself. Prices upon request.
Manhattan Occasions
446 E. 76th St., nr. York Ave., Ste. 3C; 646-707-3470; manhattanoccasions.comThough their New York branch just opened this past July, they’ve been putting together events since 2002 in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. To up the uniqueness factor, one of their tricks is to borrow from the other offices-like flying up a Florida-based soul band to give a Southern-born bride a hint of home. From $1,500 for a small wedding; for those on a budget, they’ll work by the hour ($125 per hour).
Marc Wilson Design
51-02 21st St., nr. Borden Ave., seventh fl., Long Island City; 212-749-2266; marcwilsondesign.comThis full-scale design and production studio supplies its own line of furniture-backed by Wilson’s expertise from eight years in textiles-to decorate the ceremony and reception. For budget-conscious couples who still want professional event and floral design, the firm’s seasonal packages, aptly called Wedding in a Box, will provide a head start. Prices upon request.
Marcy Blum
133 W. 19th St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-929-9814; marcyblum.comMarcy Blum’s hands-on approach and trademark whimsical elegance make the planning process more fun for couples, filling in their vision with ideas they might not have come up with on their own. From Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s nuptials twenty years ago, to the upscale weddings they currently handle, this boutique company devotes personal attention to each event. Prices upon request.
MD Events
95 Horatio St., nr. Washington St., Ste. 605; 917-612-4724; mdeventsny.comHA native Manhattanite, Alison Dalewitz uses her background in art design and fashion to find up-and-coming talent and collaborate with clients for an individual concept. She enlists her husband (Michael, a lawyer) to help with contract negotiations. And she’ll do à la carte planning services. Prices upon request.
Meghan Walls Events, Inc.
917-621-5354; meghanwallsevents.comThis new-to-the-scene planner (her business expanded due to positive word of mouth) targets couples who want one-on-one attention. Clients won’t be handed off to assistants or junior planners here. Prices upon request.
My Big Black Book
122 Duane St., nr. Church St., Ste. 4B; 212-608-0557; mybigblackbook.comIdeal for couples on a budget, this referral-only service doesn’t charge a fee-the vendors pay My Big Black Book directly. Owner Adam S. Glassman, who managed Tribeca Rooftop for eleven years, created this service with the goal of connecting people with the right vendors, photographers, and bands.
Perfecttableplan.com
Make planning your seating charts easier-for any size event, in any space. Once you purchase and install this program, you can immediately begin to lay out the room and organize the guests. It’s simpler than using Excel or scraps of paper, and you can experiment with different table sizes and shapes.
Preferred Social Planning
917-817-5879; pspnyc.comElegance surrounds every affair that founder Carolyn Altieri manages. Listening to the client’s vision and helping to realize it, she serves as a personal mentor to any couple looking for a lavish New York wedding. She also does destination weddings. Full-service planning starts at $15,000.
Preston Bailey
147 W. 25th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eleventh fl.; 212-741-9300; prestonbailey.comFor couples who want their wedding to be nothing short of spectacular, Bailey is the go-to planner and floral designer. His dramatic events are decadent (picture pools of water strewn with rose petals, larger-than-life daisy-covered poodle sculptures, and enormous crystal candelabras). From $100,000.
Save the Date
18 Harrison St., nr. Hudson St., PH; 212-333-3283; savethedate.comEntrepreneur and founder Jennifer Gilbert has fourteen years of experience planning events for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and brides alike. From an elegant vineyard affair to a ceremony in a vacated bank, Save the Date specializes in finding the perfect locale. They also have a complimentary service that finds venues for couples who don’t need a planner but want a unique space. Consultants run from $2,500 for last-minute planning services to $35,000 for the works.
Sidekick Events
150 W. 28th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1403; 212-924-2909; sidekickevents.comFull-service event planner Ellen Kostman has the credentials to make sure her events happen precisely to specifications. She’s done everything from well-appointed garden parties to high-drama, black-tie galas at the Rainbow Room, and she supplies day-of services for those worried about last-minute snafus. Prices upon request.
Sofia Crokos Events
180 W. 20th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 9U; 212-929-1076; sofiacrokos.comThis highly sought-after boutique firm offers a variety of services, including floral design and décor, and destination wedding planning. Crokos started the firm in 1998 and has since done weddings all over the world, using her fashion background and passion for food, design, and travel to make each event unique. Prices upon request.
Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC
31 E. 32nd St., nr. Park Ave., Ste. 601; 917-742-7449; sjsevents.comSpecializing in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern weddings, Sonal Shah knows where to find the right Bollywood-style choreographers for the sangeet, henna artists for the mehendi party, and the groom’s horse or elephant for the barat-not to mention how to combine all three ceremonies into one. Prices range from $5,000 to $25,000, and she offers hourly consultations for budget-conscious couples.
Soraya Weddings & Celebrations
275 Conover St., nr. Reed St., Red Hook, Brooklyn; 646-256-3816; sorayajollon.comSoraya Jollon provides her wedding-planning services to those seeking something really out of the ordinary. For one couple getting married in the recreation hall of the groom’s childhood camp, Jollon covered the walls in burlap to create a rustic feel. One-third of her weddings are green. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and conversant in French. Prices upon request.
State of the Art Enterprises
655 Madison Ave, 25th fl., nr. 60th St.; 212-317-1421; stateoftheartnyc.comOne of New York’s premier event planners, State of the Art works with high-end, reliable vendors to produce beautiful, fun weddings. For a Sundance destination wedding, they branded the couple’s initials onto steaks, which were served from an authentic barbecue chuck wagon. From $20,000.
The Stern Group
646-861-2002; thesterngroup.netThe work of Michael and Dean Stern, a father-son team with an impressive client roster, has included spectacular events around the world. Whether staged in actual archaeological sites, historic buildings, reconstructed gardens, or places of pure fantasy, their concoctions of furniture, flowers, lighting, and space are extraordinary feats of scene-setting. Prices upon request.
Swank Productions, Inc.
231 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 605; 212-643-3211; swankproductions.comMaya Kalman started this production company after she planned her own wedding, which was televised on the Food Network. After the show aired, friends and strangers alike contacted Kalman with requests for her services. Now expanded, it’s a popular choice for those wishing to have fabulous custom-tailored weddings. From $9,500.
Susan Holland and Company Event Design
142 Fifth Ave., nr. 19th St., fourth fl.; 212-807-8892; susanholland.comWith her trademark understated elegance, Susan Holland, who has been designing and coordinating events since the late seventies, uses light, space, and location to delight her clients. A stickler for details, she often strategically places candles-in lieu of artifical light-to create a soft glow. Prices upon request.
Toby Ellen Sarna Ltd. Special Events
305 Fairview Ave., Upper Nyack, N.Y.; 845-348-1957; tobyellensarna.comSarna is a seriously hands-on planner who is as personally involved in organizing full-spectrum weddings as she is in small-scale intimate gatherings. Although most of her events take place in Manhattan, she also coordinates destination weddings around the globe. From $12,000.
Van Vliet & Trap Event Design
158 W. 28th St., nr. Seventh Ave; 212-352-3385; vanvlietandtrap.comAs the Met’s in-house designer, this firm specializes in grand-scale creations befitting the museum’s Great Hall. Remco van Vliet and his stepbrother, Cas Trap, are third-generation florists from Holland whose experience in Europe and America manifests itself in a vast range of style and technique. Prices upon request.
Van Wyck & Van Wyck
224 W. 30th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1300; 212-675-8601; vanwyck.netBronson van Wyck honed his party-hosting skills while coordinating receptions for diplomats at the American Embassy in Paris. Before long, he went into business with his mother, Mary Lynn, and began hosting parties for the likes of the Clintons, Gores, and Bushes. Prices upon request.
The Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
43 E. 78th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-327-0100; theweddinglibrary.comTheir invitation-only referral list of roughly 80 vendors offers a reliable roster of top-notch bands, florists, videographers, photographers, D.J.’s, and more. The full planning service includes everything from the standard (staff, etiquette advice, and vendor relations) to the extraneous. The basic day-of package is perfect to ensure a scheduled, snag-free event without the extras. Prices upon request.
The Wedding Salon
333 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave., 15th floor, Penthouse; 212-631-7777; weddingsalon.comThis luxury wedding showcase produced by 4PM Events is "one-stop shopping" for 70 different vendors, from cake designers and caterers to honeymoon destinations. Those looking for personalized wedding planning should expect to spend big (from $500,000, with a planning fee that runs typically 10 to 15 percent of the total budget).
From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide