Top 5 Party Planners in Boston
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Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- May 22, 2026
- 16 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
In Boston, history meets modern creativity at every turn. With elegant Back Bay brownstones, waterfront venues in the Seaport, and iconic spaces like the Boston Public Library and Fenway Park, the city offers a celebration backdrop unlike anywhere else. Its distinct neighborhoods, world-class dining, and a cultural calendar packed with energy make Boston a dream destination for parties of every size and style.
With tons of talented party planners calling Boston home, you’ll find professionals who specialize in everything from lavish parties to large-scale corporate galas. The right planner handles the logistics so you can focus on actually enjoying your event.
We’ve carefully vetted each planner on this list based on client reviews, industry recognition, portfolio quality, and deep local expertise. They’re proven professionals who consistently deliver exceptional experiences in the Boston market.
How we curate our list
We don’t just pull names from a directory. Every planner on this list has been evaluated based on criteria that matter to real clients planning real events.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, and social media to ensure consistent patterns of excellence and satisfaction.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations and event publications, signaling a genuine commitment to the craft.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, and verified business operations demonstrate professionalism and accountability.
Best party planners in Boston
1. Kelly Elizabeth Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Kelly Elizabeth Events / Kelly Soule
Specialty/niche: Kelly Elizabeth Events is a boutique wedding and event planning firm specializing in premium planning and signature design in Boston, Cape Cod, and destinations worldwide, including Naples, Florida. Owned and led by Kelly Soule, her 15 years of experience and genuine passion for people shine through in every celebration. The firm handles engagement parties, showers, rehearsal dinners, and welcome parties—making them a strong choice for multi-event celebration weekends.
Notable projects or signature style: Beyond social events, Kelly also owns sister company 8 Stratton Event Management, which works with corporate, brand, and nonprofit clients including the Sundance Film Festival, US Open, and NFL. That corporate pedigree translates into production precision that sets her party work apart. To date, Kelly Elizabeth Events has planned over 50 weddings ranging from 25 to 300 guests across the country. One standout review describes a logistically complex celebration featuring a traditional German log-cutting ceremony, a parade with a marching band, and a reception on a boat—all running on schedule thanks to Kelly’s coordination.
Pricing: Party planning packages are customized based on the scope of the celebration. Get in touch through their website to request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Their collaborative planning approach removes the heavy lifting and lets clients focus on the moments that bring them joy. They happily bring non-traditional and out-of-the-box ideas to life, and clients consistently describe working with Kelly as the best money they spent on their entire event. According to customer reviews, clients consistently praise her flawless event execution, noting that weddings run without issues. Testimonials highlight her highly responsive and warm approach, with one reviewer sharing, “Kelly was an amazing coordinator… everything went smoothly.” Her team of three full-time planners means you’re never left without support.
Connect with them: Follow @kellyelizabethevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Amazing Celebrations & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Amazing Celebrations & Events / Nancy Goldstein
Specialty/niche: Nancy Goldstein—known as “The Party Queen”—and her team of expert planners create private celebrations and corporate events that are unmatched, unforgettable, and above all, enjoyable. Nancy has been the creative mind behind corporate events for more than 20 years. The firm handles everything from weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs to corporate functions, birthday celebrations, and milestone events across New England.
Notable projects or signature style: Amazing Celebrations & Events is a full-service event management company servicing celebrations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and surrounding areas. Their work spans a remarkable range—one client describes a graduation luncheon at Grill 23 & Bar in Boston, while another highlights a home wedding where Nancy coordinated everything from the tent company to last-minute white flip flops for 60 guests. They were voted the winner of the Best Wedding Planner category in the Hartford Magazine Readers Poll. What truly stands out in client reviews is Nancy’s crisis management: when one client’s venue closed during a holiday week, Nancy found a new location that was even better—without the client having to stress.
Pricing: Amazing Celebrations & Events creates custom packages for each client, so contact them directly for a specific quote.
Why we love them: They provide contract negotiations, budget management, cost savings options, and on-site management for every client—giving you peace of mind so you feel like a guest at your own event. With offices in both Boston and Connecticut, they’re uniquely positioned for New England events of all sizes. Customer reviews overwhelmingly highlight a stress-free experience, with clients consistently praising lead planner Nancy Goldstein’s professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. Testimonials highlight her ability to seamlessly manage logistics, with one Yelp reviewer noting, “Amazing Celebrations truly is a 5-star operation! Every single detail was taken care of.” Check out their testimonials page for more real client stories.
Connect with them: Follow @amazingcelebrationsllc on Instagram to see their latest celebrations.
3. Corinthian Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Corinthian Events / Jill Tate & Courtney Church
Specialty/niche: Corinthian Events is a boutique, full-service event agency specializing in corporate, social, and nonprofit events—offering innovative design and expert management at every stage. Founded in March 2000 by Jill Tate, Mary Douglas, and Courtney Church, they leveraged their established rapport and extensive hospitality expertise to quickly become leaders in the field. If you’re planning a large-scale corporate party, awards gala, or team-building event, Corinthian is a powerhouse choice.
Notable projects or signature style: Their services include venue selection, event design, décor, audio visual and production, food and beverage management, entertainment booking, and transportation logistics—plus in-house registration and graphic design teams. They’ve earned multiple ADMEI Excellence Awards and recognition from the Boston Business Journal. One client noted that Corinthian managed “three spectacular events concurrently” while staying on budget and exceeding expectations.
Pricing: Corinthian Events creates custom proposals for each client, so contact them directly through their website for specific details.
Why we love them: Centrally located between Boston’s two convention centers, Corinthian Events has its full complement of resources at its fingertips. Their office isn’t departmentalized—clients work with one primary contact from inception through wrap-up. That single-point-of-contact approach, combined with over two decades of Boston market expertise, makes them a go-to for corporate celebrations and large-scale social events. Feedback highlights their established presence and reliability, with testimonials noting long-term corporate trust in their ability to facilitate seamless events. Explore their awards and recognition page for more on their industry accolades.
Connect with them: Follow @corinthianevents on Instagram for behind-the-scenes looks at their latest events.
4. Stone Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Stone Event Planning / Gabrielle Stone
Specialty/niche: Stone Event Planning is a full-service luxury wedding and event planning business primarily serving the Greater Boston area. Since 2006, they’ve planned exquisite weddings, bridal showers, milestone events, holiday parties, corporate functions, and nonprofit galas throughout Boston and the surrounding region. Gabrielle Stone, president and owner, is a Massachusetts native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut.
Notable projects or signature style: Gabrielle is known for her meticulous attention to detail, extensive knowledge of the Boston wedding market, and positive relationships with leading vendors. Stone Event Planning was named a top wedding professional by The Knot in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 Best of Weddings—and holds a place in The Knot Hall of Fame. One couple described how Gabrielle coordinated a 200+ person affair that included a ceremony at the Institute of Contemporary Art, a welcome party on a Boston Harbor Cruise, a rehearsal dinner at Boston Public House, and a farewell brunch at The Newbury Hotel—all running like clockwork.
Pricing: Stone Event Planning creates custom packages for each client, so get in touch directly through their website for specific pricing details.
Why we love them: Gabrielle describes her design aesthetic as influenced by the individuality and personality of each client. She has a love of fashion, travel, and fine entertaining—and believes what clients love should be incorporated into their celebrations. In 2017, Stone Event Planning became a member of the exclusive Boston Wedding Group, offering luxury services to couples all over New England. Clients consistently praise Gabrielle’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage complex logistics. Testimonials highlight her exceptional service, with one client sharing, “Stone Event Planning has gone above and beyond at every turn and expertly managed every single aspect of our very demanding wedding.”
Connect with them: Follow @stoneeventplanning on Instagram for wedding and event inspiration.
5. The Social Butterflies Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Social Butterflies Events / Paige Pasley
Specialty/niche: The Social Butterflies Events, a women-led and Black-owned event company, specializes in comprehensive event planning, day-of coordination, and event design services for corporate celebrations and weddings. Co-founders Valerie Francois and Paige Pasley established The Social Butterflies in 2017, and today they help clients bring dream celebrations to life with the perfect venue, imaginative décor, personalized favors, and stunning florals. Paige holds a Master’s degree in Hospitality Administration/Management from Boston University.
Notable projects or signature style: They’ve worked at premier venues such as the Four Seasons Boston, Omni Seaport, Park Plaza, Fenway Park, and Boston Public Library, as well as unique spaces across Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. The Social Butterflies have also partnered with the Museum of African American History, the Urban League, and the City of Boston. They host their own biannual community event—Soul & Sangria—which brings together music, innovative sangria beverages, and a charitable component supporting local nonprofits. Co-founder Valerie Francois’ career highlights include Season 14 of Married at First Sight on Lifetime and winning first place in the Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey.
Pricing: The Social Butterflies Events creates custom packages for each client, so get in touch through their website to set up a consultation.
Why we love them: Paige is the business wing, managing client and vendor relations along with budgets and timelines. Valerie is the beauty wing, focusing on aesthetic, design, and social media. That complementary partnership means you get both operational precision and stunning creative vision—making them a go-to event planning company for high-end Boston experiences. Clients consistently praise the team’s exceptional organization and collaborative approach. Testimonials highlight their ability to listen and execute a personalized vision, with one reviewer noting, “Paige and Valerie were incredible to work with! Not only were they super organized, they collaborated with me and worked with my vision for my wedding day.”
Connect with them: Follow @tsb.events on Instagram for inspiration and recent event highlights.
Choosing a Boston party planner
With so many talented professionals in the Boston market, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to evaluate planners and find the right match for your celebration.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Boston—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions: “What’s the parking situation in the Seaport on a Saturday evening?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that could affect our late-night reception?” A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Ask them to walk you through how they’d handle guest transportation between Back Bay and Charlestown—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across Boston’s distinct neighborhoods.
2. 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.
3. Assess their crisis management for Boston-specific challenges
Boston weather is notoriously unpredictable. Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a nor’easter hits the week of our event?” or “How do you handle a sudden heat wave for our outdoor summer party?” Experienced Boston planners have protocols ready—relationships with indoor backup venues, vendor cancellation policies they’ve negotiated, and guest communication templates. Ask them to walk you through how they handled a weather-related crisis for a past client. Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed.
4. Review their portfolio for Boston specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in Boston 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 Boston-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 the Boston market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for my event type in Boston 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 unique Boston party venue on Peerspace instead of a hotel ballroom, choosing an off-peak day, or exploring emerging neighborhoods. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs.
Planning a party in Boston
Event planning in Boston is all about timing. Here’s what you need to know to avoid common pitfalls and make the most of this incredible city.
Weather patterns: Boston’s best outdoor event months are typically June through September, though fall foliage season (late September through October) is stunning for outdoor celebrations. Winters are cold and unpredictable—always have an indoor backup plan between November and March.
Peak season conflicts: Boston is a major convention and college town. Graduation weekends (May), the Boston Marathon (April), and major convention dates at the BCEC can drive up venue and hotel prices significantly. Plan around these dates when possible, or book well in advance. Check the Meet Boston annual events calendar to plan your trip around annual events like First Night, the Boston Marathon, Harborfest, and the Head of the Charles Regatta.
Major events to plan around:
- Boston Marathon (April)
- Red Sox Opening Day (April)
- College graduation weekends (May)
- Boston Pops Fourth of July (July)
- Head of the Charles Regatta (October)
- Boston Comic Con (August)
- New Year’s Eve First Night celebrations (December)
Transportation and parking: Boston’s streets are famously confusing, and parking is limited in most neighborhoods. Consider valet services, shuttle arrangements, or venues near MBTA public transit stations. The MBTA provides public transit across the Greater Boston region, with routes, schedules, and a trip planner available on their website. Your planner should have strong opinions about this—if they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Permits: You may need permits from several departments to host an event in Boston. Depending on your event type and location, requirements may include permits for noise, alcohol service, street closures, or tent installations. Review the City of Boston’s common permits for special events page for a comprehensive overview. If your event includes alcohol, you may also need a special one-day alcohol license application from the Boston Licensing Board— applications must be submitted at least three weeks before the event. A local planner will know the exact requirements and processing timelines for your specific neighborhood.
FAQs: party planning in Boston
When should I hire a Boston party planner?
Hire at least six to eight months in advance for most celebrations, and 10 to 12 months out for large-scale events or anything during peak season (May through October). Popular planners book up quickly, especially for weekend dates.
How much does a party planner cost in Boston?
Costs vary widely depending on the event type, size, and level of service. Most planners charge either a flat fee or a percentage of your overall event budget (typically 15-20%). Day-of coordination starts lower, while full-service planning for large celebrations can run significantly higher. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
A venue coordinator focuses on the property’s operations—things like catering timelines, room setup, and facility rules. An independent party planner handles your broader vision: vendor selection, design, budget management, guest experience, and coordination across all vendors and locations. They’re complementary roles, not interchangeable ones.
Why hire a local Boston planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established vendor relationships that translate to priority booking, better pricing, and faster problem-solving. They understand Boston’s permit requirements, neighborhood quirks, traffic patterns, and weather contingencies from firsthand experience. That institutional knowledge is hard to replicate.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
The best parties in Boston happen when talented planners meet the right venues. Every planner on this list brings deep local knowledge, creative vision, and the logistical expertise to turn your celebration into something your guests will talk about for years.
Ready to start exploring venues? Browse unique Boston party venues on Peerspace and discover one-of-a-kind locations that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration. We connect you with book-by-the-hour venues that are built for events, so you can focus on the fun.
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.
