Top 5 Party Planners in San Francisco
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- May 14, 2026
- 16 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
The Bay Area’s iconic neighborhoods, world-class dining scene, and creative energy make it one of the most exciting places in the country to throw a party. Whether you’re dreaming up a milestone birthday overlooking the Golden Gate, a corporate celebration in a converted SoMa warehouse, or an intimate dinner party in a Pacific Heights home, San Francisco delivers a backdrop unlike anywhere else.
With so many talented event professionals working across the Bay Area, you have access to planners who specialize in everything from ultra-high-net-worth tech gatherings to editorial-worthy weddings in Wine Country.
The best party planners in San Francisco navigate the city’s complex permitting requirements, microclimate weather surprises, and neighborhood-specific quirks so you can focus on actually enjoying your event. We’ve carefully vetted each planner on this list based on client satisfaction, industry recognition, portfolio quality, and professional credentials.
How we curate our list
Finding the right party planner is a big decision, and we take our recommendations seriously. Our team evaluates San Francisco event professionals using a consistent set of criteria designed to surface the planners who genuinely deliver for their clients.
We look at:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We check Yelp, Google, WeddingWire, The Knot, and other review sites to get a well-rounded picture of each planner’s reputation.
- Industry recognition and awards: Press features, editorial mentions, and professional accolades signal that a planner’s work stands out among peers.
- Professional credentials and associations: Membership in industry organizations and relevant certifications demonstrate commitment to the craft.
Best party planners in San Francisco
1. All Set Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: All Set Events / Heather Ferrai
Specialty/niche: All Set Events is a full-service event design and production company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in corporate events, weddings, birthday parties, destination events, nonprofit galas, themed parties, and mitzvahs. Heather holds a BS in Special Events Management from California Polytechnic State University–San Luis Obispo, bringing formal training to every project. Their method is refreshingly straightforward: listen first, then plan—working one-on-one with each client to determine and meet their every event need.
Notable projects or signature style: One standout was a California warehouse wedding for 400 guests, where Heather transformed a blank-canvas space into a warm, welcoming venue complete with a ceremony in the round—chairs arranged in concentric circles around a central platform to create a deeply connected community experience. She’s also partnered on a 1,500-person party at Hofburg Imperial Palace, demonstrating her ability to scale for large international events. Clients praise her “impeccable” taste across every event style.
Pricing: Investments vary according to event size, scope, and desired level of planning support. Reach out to the company directly to request a custom quote based on your needs.
Why we love them: With well over a decade of hands-on Bay Area experience since incorporating in 2010, Heather is also a Founding Board Member of the California Events Coalition. Clients consistently describe her as someone who feels like “not only our fantastic planner, but also our friend,” and testimonials highlight the planning experience as a “dream come true.” What really sets All Set Events apart is the team’s ability to handle everything from intimate baby showers to massive international galas with the same level of personal attention, with reviews praising their responsive communication and helpfulness from start to finish.
Connect with them: Follow @allsetevents on Instagram.
2. Shift + Alt Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Shift + Alt Events / Vivienne Errington-Barnes
Specialty/niche: Shift + Alt Events is a bespoke San Francisco and London-based event planning company that caters to ultra-high-net-worth clients, many of them in tech. Events range from five-person dinner parties to 10,000-person summits, with clients spanning UHNWs, nonprofits, VCs, and corporates. The company is focused entirely on originality—every event is built from scratch around the client’s vision.
Notable projects or signature style: Vivienne’s portfolio reads like something out of a movie. She once covered a client’s California estate in 20 tonnes of real snow for a winter-themed party. Another standout was a Japanese-inspired party for 120 guests at St. Joseph’s Art Society, complete with neon, izakaya-style touches, and immersive details. Other notable projects include fundraisers for James Turrell at Roden Crater, crypto brand launches for Solana, and a “Beetlejuice”-themed Halloween party for a San Francisco venture capital firm.
Pricing: Total event budgets range from $10,000 to $10,000,000. Shift + Alt Events plans around 100 events per year. Inquire with Shift + Alt Events directly to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Vivienne grew up in England and transitioned from finance to the startup space before launching her events company. Her entire team is made up of ex-tech execs who treat events with the same rigor they brought to their corporate careers. Vivienne holds an O1 visa—designated for individuals of “extraordinary ability”—in the field of events, and was named a BizBash Industry Innovator.
Connect with them: Follow @shift_alt_events on Instagram.
3. Alicia K Designs
Company name and founder/lead planner: Alicia K Designs / Alicia Falango
Specialty/niche: Alicia is an experienced event producer with over 20 years of designing multi-sensory experiences. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she’s produced high-end galas, immersive brand activations, and corporate events for Fortune 500s, luxury brands, and professional sports teams—including the Golden State Warriors and the Curry family. She grew up in the hospitality industry under the wing of her mother, who owned a floral business, eventually expanding from floral to full event design and production.
Notable projects or signature style: One standout was the Warriors’ holiday event, where the team coordinated spectacular décor including erecting a 100-foot tree—the largest in California—with less than two months to plan and three days to install. Another highlight was a bat mitzvah where the young guest of honor loved fairies, so the team designed an evening where guests experienced four seasons over the course of one night as lighting, food, and entertainment shifted from spring to summer to fall to winter.
Pricing: Alicia K Designs offers a free consultation call to discuss custom packages. Schedule yours directly through their website to discuss your event needs and budget.
Why we love them: Launched in 2004, Alicia K Designs brings over two decades of Bay Area expertise. The Golden State Warriors organization has praised Alicia directly for her ability to execute projects of all sizes, often with extremely last-minute changes. According to customer reviews, clients consistently praise her as a “great communicator” who is prompt in returning questions, with one testimonial noting that working with her was “one of the best experiences of my career.” Reviewers highlight her phenomenal talent and the joy she brings to the process. Beyond her professional work, Alicia volunteers as a party coordinator with the Birthday Party Project, a nonprofit that throws birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness.
Connect with them: Follow @aliciakdesigns on Instagram.
4. Kate Siegel Fine Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Kate Siegel Fine Events / Kate Siegel
Specialty/niche: Kate Siegel Fine Events is a boutique event planning company based in San Francisco, specializing in timeless, highly personalized celebrations across California and beyond. Kate focuses on the art of hands-on service to orchestrate a range of celebrations—from San Francisco weddings and social functions, galas and corporate events, to birthday parties and holiday gatherings. Before launching her own company, Kate worked for nationally known event planners, caterers, and production teams, building a deep foundation of industry knowledge.
Notable projects or signature style: Kate Siegel Fine Events understands the art of effortless luxury. They design events for clients who value discretion, authenticity, and organically curated opulence down to the last detail. Clients have highlighted her ability to dress up a lounge space for a fundraising launch party with a sophisticated vibe—gorgeously dark florals and sparkling table linens—without the feeling of stuffy or overdone. Her approach is deeply personal, ensuring every detail feels intentional.
Pricing: Kate Siegel Fine Events creates custom packages for each client; contact her directly through their website for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: At Kate Siegel Fine Events, you will only work with Kate Siegel—from your very first planning meeting through the implementation of your event. That level of personal attention is rare, and clients consistently call Kate “the best investment” they could have made. Testimonials highlight her as personable, professional, and “incredibly detail-oriented,” with reviewers noting she is “quick and decisive” while always having her clients’ best interests in mind. Whether it’s an intimate gathering at home or a destination celebration, Kate creates experiences that honor tradition while embracing modern, understated sophistication.
Connect with them: Follow @katesiegelevents on Instagram.
5. Dream A Little Dream Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Dream A Little Dream Events / Kathryn Kalabokes
Specialty/niche: Dream A Little Dream Events is a full-service wedding and event planning company located in San Francisco. They design and coordinate events all over the Bay Area, with a focus on Wine Country and San Francisco weddings, but also work from the Monterey Peninsula up to Lake Tahoe. Packages range from full planning and design to partial planning to month-of coordination—giving clients flexibility based on how much support they need.
Notable projects or signature style: Chrisman Studios, one of the Bay Area’s top wedding photography teams, has praised Kathryn as a take-charge, get-it-done planner who executes with kindness, style, and grace. Kathryn’s work has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, and Town & Country—a testament to the caliber of events she produces. The company has multiple planners who each pride themselves on giving every couple a custom experience, with a planning and design studio in Lower Pacific Heights.
Pricing: Rates start at $18,000 for their full planning services. Schedule a consultation through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Operating since 2004, Dream A Little Dream was voted Best Event Planner in Northern California by The Knot. With 71 reviews on Yelp, clients consistently rave about Kathryn, calling hiring her “quite possibly the best decision” they made while planning. Customer reviews highlight the team’s strong attention to detail and praise them as great communicators who make clients feel like they are their only focus, even when fully booked. What really stands out is the team’s ability to make clients feel completely at ease—shielding them from unnecessary stress while fighting for their vision relentlessly and providing amazing vendor recommendations.
Connect with them: Follow @daldevents on Instagram.
Choosing a San Francisco party planner
With this much talent in the Bay Area, choosing the right planner can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down your options and find the best match for your event.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know San Francisco—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like: “What’s the parking situation in the Mission on a Saturday night?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that end at 10 pm versus midnight?” 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’d handle guest transportation between the Marina and SoMa—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the city.
2. Verify their permit and regulation expertise
San Francisco has notoriously complex permitting requirements. Ask: “What permits would we need for a 150-person outdoor party in Golden Gate Park?” A knowledgeable planner will outline requirements without hesitation—noise permits, street closures, alcohol licenses, fire safety inspections. They should know processing times and costs. Red flag: “We’ll look into that.” Green flag: “Here’s the exact department to contact, the forms you’ll need, and the timeline.” Ask them to share a permit they’ve secured for a similar event.
3. Evaluate their vendor network depth
Ask: “Which caterers, florists, and rental companies do you work with regularly, and why?” Strong planners will name three to five vendors per category and explain the relationship. Then ask: “What happens if they’re booked?” The depth of their backup list matters. Request introduction calls with two or three key vendors. During those calls, gauge the vendor’s enthusiasm—do they light up mentioning this planner? That chemistry translates to better service, priority scheduling, and problem-solving on your event day.
4. Review their portfolio for San Francisco specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in San Francisco or neighborhoods relevant to your event. Request three to five examples similar to yours in event type, size, budget range, and venue style. During portfolio review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this event?” Strong planners will cite San Francisco-specific obstacles—parking logistics, noise complaints, vendor scheduling during peak season, weather backup plans—and explain solutions. Follow up by asking: “May I contact this client?”
5. Measure budget realism for this market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for a party of this size in San Francisco with this budget?” Good planners will be honest about what’s achievable. They should offer two or three cost tiers with concrete examples and suggest where you can save—like booking a San Francisco party venue on Peerspace instead of a hotel ballroom, booking on an off-peak day, or exploring emerging neighborhoods. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs.
Planning a party in San Francisco
Event planning in San Francisco is all about timing. Here are the key factors to keep in mind.
Weather patterns: San Francisco’s microclimates are legendary. Summer months (June through August) can actually be foggy and cool, while September and October often bring the warmest and sunniest weather. If you’re planning an outdoor event, aim for early fall and always have an indoor backup plan. Check the National Weather Service Bay Area forecast as your event approaches.
Tourism peaks and major events: San Francisco draws millions of visitors annually, and certain periods create capacity issues and premium pricing across the city. Check the San Francisco Travel events calendar for a comprehensive month-by-month breakdown. Major events to plan around include:
- Dreamforce (September)—Salesforce’s massive conference floods downtown hotels and restaurants
- Outside Lands (August)—Golden Gate Park’s music festival impacts the entire western half of the city
- Bay to Breakers (May)—the iconic footrace shuts down major streets
- Fleet Week (October)—air shows and naval events draw huge crowds to the waterfront
- Chinese New Year Parade (January/February)—one of the largest outside of Asia
- San Francisco Pride (June)—a major citywide celebration
Transportation and parking: Parking is notoriously limited in most San Francisco neighborhoods. Consider venues near BART or Muni stops, and budget for rideshare or shuttle services for your guests. If your venue is in a neighborhood like North Beach or the Haight, street parking will be nearly impossible during peak hours.
Event permits: The San Francisco Entertainment Commission permits and regulates entertainment for venues and events in San Francisco. The One Time Outdoor Event permit is for an outdoor event with entertainment or amplified sound, and if your amplified sound or entertainment exceeds six hours, or will happen before 9 am or after 10 pm, you should apply for a San Francisco outdoor event permit at least 45 days before the event. Applications for temporary street closures for special events are reviewed by the Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation (ISCOTT), which is chaired by the SFMTA—you can find the special event street closure application on the SFMTA website. Start the permit process at least six to eight weeks before your event.
Construction projects: San Francisco always has active construction projects that can affect traffic patterns and venue access. Check the SFMTA street closure and event list for current road closures and transit changes before finalizing your venue.
FAQs: party planning in San Francisco
When should I hire a San Francisco party planner?
Hire at least six to eight months in advance for large parties, and 10 to 12 months ahead if your event falls during peak season (September through October) or coincides with major conventions like Dreamforce. Popular planners book up quickly, so the earlier you reach out, the better your options.
How much does a party planner cost in San Francisco?
Costs vary widely, but most San Francisco party planners charge either a flat fee or a percentage of your overall event budget—typically 15–20%. Day-of coordination can start around $4,500, while full-service planning for larger events can run significantly higher depending on complexity and guest count.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes—a venue coordinator focuses on the property itself (setup times, catering logistics, house rules), while an independent party planner manages your entire vision, including vendor selection, design, timeline, and guest experience across every touchpoint.
Why hire a local San Francisco planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners know San Francisco’s permitting requirements, neighborhood quirks, vendor landscape, and logistical challenges intimately. They have established relationships with the best local caterers, florists, DJs, and rental companies—and they know which backup plans work when the fog rolls in unexpectedly.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
The party planners on this list represent the best of what San Francisco has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to the immersive, boundary-pushing experiences of Shift + Alt Events, the warm personal touch of All Set Events, or the editorial-worthy elegance of Dream A Little Dream Events, each of these professionals brings deep local knowledge and genuine creative talent to every celebration they produce.
Pair that expertise with the right San Francisco party venue, and you’ve got the foundation for something truly memorable.
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.
