Top 5 Party Planners in New York

New York City is the ultimate stage for celebration. From the glittering skyline views of Manhattan to the industrial-chic warehouses of Brooklyn, the Big Apple offers an energy you simply cannot replicate anywhere else. It’s a city of extraordinary moments, welcoming over 65 million visitors a year who come to experience its unique magic.

Whether you’re organizing an intimate milestone birthday in a West Village loft venue, a high-stakes corporate gala in Midtown, or a wedding that defies convention in a Long Island City art gallery venue, the backdrop of this city sets a high bar.

But pulling off a flawless event in the city that never sleeps requires a lot more than just a vision. It requires navigating complex logistics, securing coveted vendors, and managing timelines that move at a New York minute. That is where a professional party planner becomes your most valuable asset.

To truly bring your vision to life, you need a team that understands the nuances of execution. We researched the NY event planning market to bring you a list of the top 5 party planners in New York who have the expertise to turn your ideas into reality.

How we create our list

Finding the right partner for your event is a decision that requires trust. It’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into and minimize any surprises. Our NY event planner selection process is designed to highlight professionals who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence.

Our selection criteria include:

• Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze client feedback across multiple platforms like Google, The Knot, and social media to ensure a track record of reliability and positive experiences.
• Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners who are active in the event community and recognized by their peers and top publications.
• Professional credentials and associations: We value professionals who communicate clearly and effectively, maintain verified business operations, and demonstrate ongoing education in their field.

Best party planners in New York

1. Amy Katz Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Amy Katz Events / Amy Katz

Amy Katz established her eponymous firm with a vision to bring a highly personalized, boutique approach to the New York event scene. With years of experience navigating the high-pressure environment of NYC luxury events, Amy has built a reputation for being both a creative visionary and a logistical powerhouse. Her background allows her to seamlessly blend the artistic side of event design with the rigorous demands of production, ensuring that every celebration is not only beautiful but also flawlessly executed.

Specialty/niche: Amy Katz Events specializes in full-service party and event planning with a distinct focus on creating sophisticated, high-touch experiences. The firm is known for delivering a seamless, stress-free experience for clients who expect a high level of personal attention and detail-oriented execution. They excel at translating a client’s broad ideas into a cohesive, polished reality that feels both personal and professionally managed, catering specifically to a clientele that values timeless elegance over fleeting trends.

Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Amy Katz Events is defined by timeless elegance mixed with modern sensibilities. A review of their portfolio reveals a talent for transforming spaces through lighting, floral design, and table settings that create an immediate “wow” factor. Their work often features lush floral arrangements that serve as focal points, paired with ambient lighting that changes the mood of the room as the evening progresses. They’re particularly skilled at managing the flow of an event; in a city like New York where space can be tight, they ensure guests move effortlessly from cocktails to dinner to dancing. Whether it is a rooftop venue overlooking the skyline or a ballroom venue transformation, the visual language of their events speaks to luxury and precision.

Pricing: Amy Katz Events creates custom packages for each client based on the scope of the event, guest count, and specific design requirements. Given the high-touch nature of their full-service planning, clients should expect pricing commensurate with the luxury market in New York City; we recommend contacting the firm directly for a personalized quote.

Why we love them: We love Amy Katz Events because they embody the professionalism required to succeed in the New York market. Amy Katz brings a level of dedication that turns clients into repeat customers. In an industry that can sometimes feel transactional, this firm focuses on building relationships and understanding the emotional weight of the events they plan. Their ability to handle the pressure of New York events while maintaining a calm, welcoming demeanor is a significant value proposition.

Connect with them: Follow @amykatzevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

2. The Party New York

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Company name and founder/lead planner: The Party New York / Lacy Karl

Lacy Karl founded The Party New York to inject a fresh, modern energy into the city’s event landscape. Moving away from the stuffy, traditional ballroom aesthetic, Lacy brings a background that blends creative direction with meticulous organization. She understands the pulse of the city and has positioned her company as the go-to resource for hosts who want their events to feel current and culturally relevant. Her approach is deeply rooted in the idea that a party should be a reflection of the host’s personal style, and she works tirelessly to ensure that every event feels unique rather than a carbon copy of the last.

Specialty/niche: The Party New York occupies a distinct niche in the event planning landscape, focusing on stylish, trend-forward social gatherings. Their specialty is creating “Instagram-worthy” moments that feel organic and fun rather than stiff or overly staged. They excel at planning parties for a modern demographic that values aesthetics, brand alignment, and unique guest experiences. They’re the go-to team for hosts who want their event to feel fresh, current, and visually distinct.

Notable projects or signature style: Lacy Karl and The Party New York bring a vibrant, contemporary energy to their work. Their signature style often incorporates bold colors, playful design elements, and custom installations that serve as perfect photo backdrops. Unlike traditional planners who might lean heavily on classic tropes, The Party New York embraces the new. You will often see them utilizing unique, non-traditional venues and transforming them with modern decor. Their projects are characterized by a strong sense of curation; every detail, from the cocktail napkins to the playlist, is chosen to reinforce a specific vibe. They understand the importance of social sharing in today’s event culture and design spaces that encourage guests to capture and share the moment.

Pricing: The Party New York offers bespoke planning services tailored to the specific needs of the client. Pricing is determined by the scale and complexity of the event, with various levels of support available from full planning to design-focused packages; reach out to the company directly for a custom quote.

Why we love them: We love The Party New York for their ability to capture the zeitgeist of the city. Lacy Karl understands that in New York, a party is often an expression of identity, and she helps clients express themselves boldly. There is a sense of joy and playfulness in their work that is infectious. They take the stress out of being a host, allowing you to actually enjoy the party you are throwing. It’s clear that they thrive in unique, customizable spaces.

Connect with them: Follow @thepartynewyork on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

3. Sarah Brennan Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Sarah Brennan Events / Sarah Brennan

Sarah Brennan established her boutique planning firm with a commitment to quality over quantity. She believes that the best events are born from deep personal connections between the planner and the client. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in logistics and design, but her true superpower is her ability to listen and translate a client’s story into a tangible experience. She has deliberately kept her firm boutique to ensure that she can be hands-on with every project, offering a level of accessibility and partnership that is rare in the high-volume New York market.

Specialty/niche: Sarah Brennan Events is a premier boutique planning firm specializing in weddings and social events that require a high degree of personalization. Sarah Brennan focuses on “relationship-based” planning, meaning she limits the number of clients she takes on to ensure she can provide undivided attention to each one. Her specialty lies in guiding clients through the emotional and logistical journey of planning major life celebrations. She excels at working with couples and hosts who want a hands-on partner to help navigate the overwhelming options available in the New York market, focusing on “quiet luxury” and refined details.

Notable projects or signature style: The signature style of Sarah Brennan Events is characterized by warmth, intimacy, and refined detail. Sarah has a talent for making even large New York events feel intimate and personal. Her projects often feature bespoke design elements that tell the client’s story, such as custom signage, personalized favors, and curated menus that reflect the host’s favorite foods. Her work demonstrates a strong command of logistics, particularly in venue management. Whether working in a historic mansion venue or a modern industrial venue, she knows how to utilize the architecture of the venue to enhance the guest experience.

Pricing: Sarah Brennan Events operates on a custom proposal basis and limits the number of events they take on annually to ensure high-touch service. Because costs reflect the exclusivity and comprehensive nature of their support, we recommend contacting the team directly to schedule a consultation and receive a specific quote.

Why we love them: We love Sarah Brennan Events for the personalized, boutique experience she offers. In a city as big as New York, it is easy to feel like just another number, but Sarah ensures her clients feel prioritized. Her verified status and glowing testimonials speak to her ability to build trust and deliver results. She acts as a calming force in the often-chaotic world of event planning. Her expertise in vendor curation is also a major asset; she has a deep network of reliable professionals, ensuring that her clients have access to the best talent in the city.

Connect with them: Follow @sarahbrennanevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

4. Brilliant Event Planning

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Brilliant Event Planning / Chelsea LaFollette

Brilliant Event Planning has carved out a reputation as one of the most innovative and daring planning firms in New York City. Led by Chelsea LaFollette, the team is known for their “yes, and” approach to event design, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. They have a background that includes high-pressure production and elaborate surprise executions, which gives them a unique edge in handling complex logistics. Chelsea and her team view every event as a production, orchestrating moving parts with the precision of a Broadway show while maintaining an atmosphere of effortless luxury for the guests.

Specialty/niche: Brilliant Event Planning is a luxury planning firm that specializes in emotionally charged, high-stakes events. While they are widely renowned for their wedding planning, their expertise extends to elaborate marriage proposal planning and milestone celebrations. Their niche is creating “unforgettable moments”—complex, surprise-heavy, or logistically challenging events that require military-grade precision to execute. They are the experts you call when you have one shot to get it right and you want the result to be nothing short of spectacular, often managing large guest counts and multi-day itineraries with ease.

Notable projects or signature style: As the name suggests, the style of Brilliant Event Planning is brilliant, bold, and often breathtaking. They’re famous for their proposal planning, which often involves elaborate setups in iconic New York locations—think private rooftops with thousands of candles, flash mobs in Central Park, or private concerts. This experience translates into their party planning, where they bring a sense of theatricality and drama. Their signature style involves high-impact visuals and masters of the “reveal,” designing spaces that surprise guests as they enter. Their portfolio is filled with images of lavish floral installations, custom lighting rigs, and intricate tablescapes. They’re not afraid of scale, yet they also understand the power of intimacy, creating polished, photogenic environments.

Pricing: Brilliant Event Planning offers luxury planning services with custom pricing based on the complexity and scale of the event. Due to their specialization in high-stakes, complex productions and their reputation in the luxury market, their fees reflect the premium level of service provided; contact them directly for a quote.

Why we love them: We love Brilliant Event Planning for their ambition and their ability to execute complex visions. Chelsea LaFollette and her team do not shy away from a challenge. If a client wants to do something that has never been done before, they are the team to figure out how to make it happen. They bring a level of creativity that pushes boundaries, making them perfect for transforming raw spaces into winter wonderlands or tropical oases. Their value proposition lies in their ability to handle the “impossible” logistics while maintaining a flawless aesthetic.

Connect with them: Follow @brillianteventplanning on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.

5. Merriman Events

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Company name and founder/lead planner: Merriman Events / Serena Merriman

Notable Projects & Signature Style: Serena Merriman is widely known for creating elevated, inventive, joyful experiences that feel both effortless and deeply personal to her clients. Her events often blend old-world elegance with personalized, quirky touches. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times, and consistently reflects an editor’s eye for composition while never losing sight of the guest experience.

Specialty & Niche: Merriman Events has carved a niche in the luxury lifestyle and editorial wedding space. With Serena’s background in fashion and editorial styling, she approaches event planning like a well-curated photoshoot, focusing on pacing, light, spatial energy, and the balance between form and function. She often works with tastemaker clients and creative professionals, making her especially skilled at translating nuanced aesthetic visions into seamless, real-world events.

She also brings a strong hospitality sensibility to her planning process, having planned weddings in private homes, restaurants, and distinctive city venues where logistics are complex and must be adapted with precision. 

Pricing: While Merriman Events does not publish fixed pricing on its website, the service is positioned firmly in the luxury tier. Events are custom-quoted and often highly personalized, with a full-service planning and design approach tailored to the client’s lifestyle, venue, and creative ambitions. Given the caliber of venues, vendors, and styling details involved, clients should expect a premium investment commensurate with a bespoke experience.

Why We Love Them: We love Merriman Events for their rare ability to craft moments that feel as effortless as a garden lunch and as refined as a fashion editorial—always with at least one detail that makes you wonder, “How did she think of that?”. Press outlets consistently praise her for being unflappable, and deeply thoughtful. Whether working with legacy florists or small-batch artisans, she builds teams that align with each couple’s sensibilities, never pushing a formula. Her events have heart, heritage, and high style all at once: a trifecta that’s hard to find and even harder to fake.

Connect with them: See more from Merriman Events on Instagram at @merrimanevents.

Tips to find the right NY planner

With so many talented professionals available in the city, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. You need someone who matches your style, understands your budget, and knows the city inside and out. Here’s some practical guidance to help you narrow down your options.

1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics

New York City isn’t just one place; it’s a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own rules. Don’t just ask if a planner knows NYC—test their specific knowledge. Ask specific questions like:

• “What’s the parking situation in SoHo on a Saturday night?”
• “Which neighborhoods in Brooklyn have noise ordinances that are strictly enforced after 10 pm?”
• “How would you handle load-in for a venue in the Financial District with narrow streets?”

A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Vague responses like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags. Ask them to walk you through how they would handle guest transportation between specific areas. Their answer reveals whether they have actually managed events across the city or are just listing it on their website.

2. Verify their permit and regulation expertise

New York has some of the most complex permitting requirements in the country. A beautiful idea can be shut down instantly if the paperwork isn’t right. Ask your potential planner:

• “What permits would we need for a tented event in a public park?”
• “How do we handle a Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) permit for a raw warehouse space?”
• “What are the fire safety requirements for using candles or sparklers in this specific venue?”

A knowledgeable planner will outline requirements without hesitation. They should know processing times and costs. If they say, “We’ll look into that,” proceed with caution. If they say, “Here is the exact department to contact and the timeline we need,” you are in good hands. Ask them to share a permit they have secured for a similar event to prove they have navigated the bureaucracy successfully.

3. Confirm communication style fits the pace

The New York event market moves incredibly fast. Venues get booked in minutes, and vendors have tight schedules. You need a planner whose communication style matches this pace. Ask:

• “What is typical response time to emails and texts?”
• “How do you prefer to communicate during the week leading up to the event?”

Test this during your selection process. Note how quickly they respond to your initial inquiry. Some planners do weekly check-ins, while others are available 24/7 via text. Neither is wrong, but misalignment creates stress. Ask about decision-making: “When do you need answers from us versus when do you handle decisions independently?” In this fast-moving market, you need a planner who can act quickly when a vendor hold is about to expire but also knows when to loop you in.

4. Measure budget realism for this market

New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world for events. You need a planner who is honest about what your money can buy. Share your budget range and ask:

• “What is realistic for a cocktail party venue in Manhattan with this budget?”
• “Can you show me two past events—one at our budget and one 50% higher? What did the extra money buy?”

Good planners will be honest. They might say, “For that budget in Tribeca, we might need to look at a Thursday instead of a Saturday,” or “We can save money by booking a raw venue on Peerspace and bringing in a mobile bar. Warning sign: A planner who promises everything without discussing tradeoffs. Their answer regarding where to splurge (better venue location vs. premium bar) reveals what they optimize for and whether it aligns with your priorities.

5. Review their portfolio for this city specifically

Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in New York neighborhoods relevant to your event. Request 3-5 examples similar to yours in terms of event type, size, and venue style. During the portfolio review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this event?”

Strong planners will cite city-specific obstacles like parking logistics, noise complaints, vendor scheduling during peak season, or weather backup plans, and explain their solutions. Follow up by asking if you may contact the client. Then ask the client: “What local knowledge did the planner demonstrate that impressed you?” Real references reveal whether the planner’s NYC expertise made a tangible difference.

Tips for NY party planning

Event planning is all about timing and logistics, especially in a city as dense as New York. Here are the factors you need to consider to ensure your celebration runs smoothly.

Keep weather patterns and seasons in mind

New York has four distinct seasons, and each presents challenges. Late spring (May/June) and early autumn (September/October) are peak seasons for a reason—the weather is generally mild. However, this also means venues are at their most expensive. Summer can be incredibly humid, making outdoor events risky without climate control backup. Winters are cold, but January and February often offer lower rates for indoor venues. Always have a “rain plan” for outdoor event venues, such as a tent or an indoor alternative on the same property. For detailed historical data to help you choose a date, consult the National Weather Service New York data for regional climate information.

Factor in traffic and transportation

Never underestimate NYC traffic. If your ceremony is in Uptown and the reception is in Downtown, you must account for potential gridlock, especially on days with UN General Assembly meetings, parades, or presidential visits. Check the city’s NYC Gridlock Alert Days calendar to avoid major congestion events. For guest transportation, consider that parking is rarely available. It is often better to provide shuttle buses or ride-share codes rather than expecting guests to drive and park.

Consider noise levels and neighbors

New York is dense, and noise complaints are common. Most outdoor venues have strict noise curfews, often as early as 10:00 PM in residential areas. If you are booking a private residence or a rooftop party venue, clarify the sound rules immediately. A professional planner will know which neighborhoods are more lenient and which venues have soundproofing. You can review the specific NYC Noise Code regulations to understand the legal limits for amplified sound in different zones.

Secure permits and meet legal requirements

If you’re planning a wedding or a large gathering in a public space, you’ll likely need a permit. For example, any event with more than 20 people in a public park requires a Special Event Permit from the NYC Parks Department. Additionally, couples planning to wed in the city must obtain a marriage license from the NYC City Clerk’s Office at least 24 hours before the ceremony.

Avoid major events (unless they’re your vibe)

New York hosts massive events that swallow up hotel blocks and drive up vendor prices. Be wary of booking your party during:

• New York Fashion Week (February and September)
• UN General Assembly (September)
• New York City Marathon (November)
• Pride Week (Late June)
• New Year’s Eve (December 31)

FAQs: NY party planning

When should I hire a New York event planner?

You should hire a planner as soon as you have a date in mind. For weddings and large corporate events, 12 months in advance is standard. For smaller parties, 3 to 6 months is recommended. The best planners book up quickly, especially for dates in May, June, September, and October.

How much does an event planner cost in New York?

Costs vary widely based on experience and scope. Generally, full-service planners charge a flat fee or a percentage of your total budget (typically 15-20%). For a comprehensive service in NYC, fees often start in the $5,000 – $10,000 range and go up significantly for luxury events. Partial planning or “month-of” coordination is less expensive.

Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?

Yes. A venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to protect the property and manage the staff. An independent event planner works for you. They handle your timeline, your design, your outside vendors, and your personal needs. They are your advocate in a way that a venue coordinator cannot be.

Why hire a local NYC planner versus bringing someone from out of town?

Local knowledge is power. A local planner has personal relationships with vendors, knows which loading docks are difficult, understands local noise codes, and can call in favors when things go wrong. An out-of-town planner, no matter how talented, will be learning the logistics of the city on your dime.

Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life

Extraordinary experiences are crafted by bringing the right people into the right environment. New York City offers an endless array of possibilities, from hidden speakeasies to sun-drenched lofts. The expert planners on this list have the vision and the discipline to harness that energy and create something truly unique. By pairing a standout New York event venue with a top-tier planner, you ensure that every detail, from the atmosphere to the execution, reflects your specific vision.

If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us anytime at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.