Top 5 Event Planners in Miami
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Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- June 25, 2026
- 18 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Miami’s year-round sunshine, stunning waterfront venues, vibrant multicultural communities, and a social calendar packed with world-class happenings makes it one of the most exciting places in the country to host everything from intimate weddings to large-scale corporate activations. Neighborhoods like South Beach, Wynwood, Coconut Grove, Brickell, and Coral Gables each bring their own distinct personality to the event landscape. The planners who work here know how to tap into that energy.
That competitive landscape is great news for you. With so many talented event planners in Miami vying for your business, you benefit from a deep bench of creative professionals who bring fresh ideas, strong vendor relationships, and serious hustle to every project and unique Miami event venues. The right planner handles the logistics so you can focus on actually enjoying your event.
We’ve carefully vetted the event planners on this list using meaningful criteria: a thorough evaluation of their portfolios, client feedback, industry recognition, and professional credentials. These are the planners we’d trust with our own celebrations.
How we curate our list
Finding the right event planner is a big decision, and we take our recommendations seriously. Every planner on this list has been evaluated using a consistent set of criteria designed to surface the professionals who truly deliver for their clients.
Here’s what we look for:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We check Google, WeddingWire, The Knot, Yelp, and social media to ensure consistently positive feedback—not just one or two glowing reviews, but a pattern of happy clients.
- Industry recognition and awards: Press features, industry accolades, and notable partnerships signal that a planner’s work stands out among their peers.
- Professional credentials and associations: Certifications, memberships in professional organizations, and years of experience all factor into our evaluation.
- Portfolio quality and diversity: We evaluate the range and caliber of events each planner has produced, looking for creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to execute across different styles and scales.
Best event planners in Miami
Here are the five event planning companies in Miami that earned a spot on our list. Each one brings something unique to the table—from luxury wedding expertise to fashion-forward corporate productions.
1. Keith Willard Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Keith Willard Events / Keith Willard
Specialty/niche: Weddings, social gatherings, corporate events, and milestone occasions are Keith Willard Events’ bread and butter. Keith previously served as Director of Catering for the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour and The One Hotel, giving him deep insider knowledge of how top-tier venues operate. The company offers services ranging from day-of coordination to full-service planning, with a team that understands not everyone needs the same level of assistance.
Notable projects or signature style: Keith’s approach is rooted in personalization and budget consciousness. Clients and vendors praise his positivity and creativity, noting he handles everything “from classic to beach vibes to a movie-themed wedding.” One standout example is a wedding at the Living Sculpture Sanctuary, where nature became an integral part of the event’s story. Keith also provides access to his personal collection of equipment—including uplights, ceremony sound systems, cake stands, and yard games—at no extra cost. During the pandemic, he created “Behind The Veil,” a weekly show where couples could ask questions and get answers from industry experts.
Pricing: Keith Willard Events creates custom packages based on each client’s unique needs. Get in touch through their website to request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Keith is an award-winning planner, consultant, speaker, and podcaster with 38K Instagram followers, and his guiding principles say a lot about his character: “High Impact, Low Cost,” “Creativity Costs Nothing,” and “There’s Always a Solution.” What truly sets him apart is accessibility—all clients have his cell phone number because, as he puts it, “it’s not the answer itself that can cause stress, it’s the time waiting for an answer.” According to reviews, clients consistently praise his exceptional organization and thorough preparation. Testimonials highlight his ability to handle day-of challenges calmly, with one reviewer noting, “Keith and his team are absolutely fantastic! They are super organized and literally prepare for EVERYTHING. He has a backup plan for every snag that could come your way.”
Connect with them: Follow Keith Willard Events on Instagram.
2. Elizabeth Sofia Creations
Company name and founder/lead planner: Elizabeth Sofia Creations / Elizabeth Saladrigas
Specialty/niche: Elizabeth Sofia Creations, also known as The Event Planner Miami, is based in Coconut Grove and offers full-service event planning and coordination for all types of occasions. The team handles weddings, milestone birthdays, Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, corporate functions, galas, fundraisers, baby showers, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteen celebrations. Elizabeth has been working as an event planner in Miami since 1999, giving her over two decades of local expertise. Her bilingual capabilities make her especially well-suited for Miami’s diverse, multicultural community.
Notable projects or signature style: Elizabeth’s style is defined by warmth, adaptability, and a deeply personal approach. One client shared how Elizabeth stayed with them even after they were forced to cancel their large wedding during the pandemic, then helped them plan a smaller celebration within their reduced budget a year and a half later. The company offers a free hour-long consultation for potential clients to discuss their needs and vision. Clients have left glowing reviews in both English and Spanish, reflecting her genuine connection to Miami’s multicultural fabric.
Pricing: Elizabeth Sofia Creations builds custom packages for each client, so contact them directly via their website for a personalized quote based on your specific event needs.
Why we love them: The Event Planner Miami by Elizabeth Sofia Creations holds perfect ratings across dozens of reviews, which speaks volumes about consistency. Clients describe Elizabeth as “not just a planner but a friend who genuinely cares about making the day special.” Her longevity in the Miami market—over 20 years—means she has the vendor relationships and local knowledge that newer planners simply can’t match. Reviews consistently highlight her exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and ability to deliver a stress-free experience. As one reviewer shared, “I cannot express how much she and her team saved us!!! She is extremely professional, efficient, organized… and her experience is worth every penny.”
Connect with them: Follow Elizabeth Sofia Creations on Instagram.
3. YSD Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: YSD Events / Justin Scalzo & Brad Frey
Specialty/niche: YSD Events provides concierge-level event planning and design with a focus on creating lasting, memorable experiences. Founded by Justin Scalzo and Brad Frey—industry experts with over 20 years of experience in fashion, public relations, and event production—the firm’s expertise spans weddings, social events, private dinners, product launches, corporate events, and non-profit occasions. They’re based between New York, Palm Beach, and Miami but execute events worldwide.
Notable projects or signature style: YSD Events operates at the intersection of fashion and event design. In collaboration with Vera Wang, the team presented the launch of her Spring/Summer 2020 Bridal Collection in New York City. They also planned and produced the first wedding ever hosted on the front lawn of The Breakers Hotel in its 125-year history, creating distinct environments throughout the property that gave guests separate and unexpected experiences. Justin Scalzo attended Parsons School of Design, and that design-school sensibility shows in every detail of their work.
Pricing: YSD Events offers many levels of service and work with clients to customize the scope to best suit their budget and needs, so contact them directly through their website for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: As Vera Wang’s partner in event planning, YSD Events brings a fashion-world pedigree and a level of aesthetic sophistication that’s hard to find elsewhere. The team focuses on “planning through an experiential lens,” meaning their main objective is giving guests an experience that feels truly unique and unforgettable. If you’re looking for events that feel editorially polished yet deeply personal, this is your team. According to reviews, clients consistently praise their concierge-level service and impeccable taste. Testimonials highlight their exceptional organizational skills, with one reviewer noting, “Five stars is not enough for YSD Events! Brad and Justin are truly exceptional, have impeccable taste, and are more organized than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Connect with them: Follow YSD Events on Instagram.
4. Rose Gold Collective
Company name and founder/lead planner: Rose Gold Collective / Sarah Sebastian
Specialty/niche: Rose Gold Collective is an experiential marketing agency that uses the power of brand experience to captivate audiences. The team specializes in corporate events where clients need to elevate the experience—bringing a brand marketing and experiential lens to everything from galas and conferences to product launches and trade shows. They’re headquartered in Miami but plan and execute events nationwide. This is the planner you call when your event needs to do more than entertain—it needs to tell a brand story.
Notable projects or signature style: Sarah left her corporate role leading events nationally for Bacardi USA trade advocacy to launch Rose Gold Collective. That spirits-industry background gives her team a unique edge in understanding how to create immersive brand moments. Recent projects include a custom wall for a Tatcha x Ulta influencer event in Miami Beach and a Bingham’s Bourbon launch event in Austin, Texas. Rose Gold Collective was named a top agency by Chief Marketer in its Agencies of the Year program. Sarah was also recognized among the top experiential event producers by BizBash and is a member of The Rolling Stone Culture Council.
Pricing: Rose Gold Collective’s pricing varies based on event specifications, so contact them directly through their website for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Rose Gold Collective is a women-owned and operated business that brings a genuinely modern approach to corporate and brand events. Sarah’s passion for detail and over-delivering led her to launch the agency, and she believes “just OK is never OK.” If you’re planning a product launch, brand activation, trade show, or corporate gathering in Miami, this team brings marketing strategy and creative execution together under one roof. Reviews consistently praise their strong attention to detail, high responsiveness, and creative idea generation that elevates events beyond the original vision. As one reviewer highlighted, “Sarah & her staff are amazing! We had the best party ever. They are very attentive to detail, responsive, dependable, and professional.”
Connect with them: Follow Rose Gold Collective on Instagram.
5. Lisa Pierce Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Lisa Pierce Events / Lisa Pierce
Specialty/niche: Lisa Pierce Events is a South Florida luxury event team specializing in planning, production, and design for bespoke experiences. More than managing a single day, Lisa is an experiential architect renowned for cultivating a planning journey that feels effortless for her clients. For over 15 years, she has planned and produced weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate events throughout South Florida. This expertise has developed into trusted, exclusive relationships with a highly curated network of premier venues and vendors.
Notable projects or signature style: Lisa’s portfolio reads like a tour of South Florida’s most iconic venues. She planned and executed a wedding at Kaseya Center/Miami Heat Arena, working with vendors to transform the sports venue with draping, lighting, and a showstopping floral installation over the dance floor. Her bar and bat mitzvah work is equally impressive—she’s known for epic themed celebrations at venues like Temple Beth Am, with complete custom event branding designed in-house. She also produced a Palm Beach wedding weekend at The Colony Hotel and Flagler Museum. Lisa’s signature is distinctive event branding: custom logos, murals, and acrylic signage crafted for each celebration.
Pricing: Prices vary depending on the services and products selected. Lisa Pierce Events builds custom packages for each client, so contact them directly for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Trusted for her calm presence, eye for detail, and client-first approach, Lisa is often described as a “stress reliever” by those she serves. Clients return to her year after year for all their milestone moments. Her in-house event branding capabilities set her apart from planners who outsource design work, giving every celebration a cohesive, polished visual identity. According to reviews, clients consistently praise her exceptional end-to-end planning and strong personal rapport, often referring to her as a “new best friend” or “therapist” during the process. One reviewer shared, “Most Amazing Wedding Planner! Lisa was so incredible during the entire wedding planning process, and I’m so lucky that she was such a huge part of our special day.”
Connect with them: Follow Lisa Pierce Events on Instagram.
Choosing a Miami event planner
With so many talented professionals in the Miami market, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical strategies to help you identify the planner who’s the best fit for your specific event.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Miami—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like: “What’s the parking situation in Wynwood on a Saturday night?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that end at 10 p.m. versus midnight?” 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 South Beach and Coral Gables—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across Miami or are just listing it on their website.
2. Check how they navigate peak season conflicts
Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability during Art Basel?” or “What changes during Formula 1 weekend?” The right answer includes specific strategies: backup vendor lists, early booking timelines, and price negotiation tactics during high-demand periods. They should mention Miami’s specific events by name—Art Basel, Formula 1, Miami Music Week, Swim Week—without you prompting them. Follow up with: “Can you show me an example of an event you planned the same weekend as a major event?” Their past problem-solving reveals their real expertise.
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. Ask for 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. Assess their crisis management for Miami-specific challenges
Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a hurricane warning hits the week of our event?” Experienced Miami planners have protocols ready: relationships with indoor backup venues, vendor cancellation policies they’ve negotiated, and guest communication templates. Ask: “Can you walk me through how you handled a weather emergency for a past client?” Listen for specifics—did they have tent sidewalls ready for wind? Climate-controlled spaces secured as backup? Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed.
5. Review their portfolio for Miami specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in Miami 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 Miami-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?” Real references reveal whether the planner’s expertise made a tangible difference.
Planning an event in Miami
Event planning is all about timing, and Miami’s calendar has some unique rhythms you’ll want to understand before locking in your date. For a comprehensive look at what’s happening in the area, check the Greater Miami & Miami Beach events calendar maintained by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Weather patterns: Miami’s wet season runs from June through November, with the highest risk of hurricanes between August and October. The dry season (November through April) offers the most predictable weather for outdoor events. Even during dry season, afternoon rain showers can pop up, so always have a covered backup plan. You can track seasonal patterns and storm activity through the National Weather Service’s Miami forecast office.
Peak tourism and major events to plan around: Miami’s event calendar is packed with major happenings that drive up venue and vendor pricing and reduce availability:
- Art Basel Miami Beach (December)
- Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (May)
- Miami Music Week/Ultra Music Festival (March)
- Miami Swim Week (July)
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February)
- Miami Boat Show (February)
- Miami Open (March)
During these events, hotel rates spike, vendor calendars fill up months in advance, and traffic patterns change dramatically. If your event doesn’t need to coincide with these, plan around them.
Permits and regulations: Miami Beach in particular has strict noise ordinances, event permitting requirements, and regulations around beach events. Both the Miami-Dade County Noise Ordinance and the City of Miami Beach Noise Ordinance are applicable and enforceable on public and private property, and excessive noise between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. can result in violations. If you’re planning anything outdoors or in a public-adjacent space, your planner should know the exact departments to contact. Start with the City of Miami Beach Special Events Office for beach and public-space permits, or the City of Miami’s official special events for events within city limits. For county parks and facilities, visit the Miami-Dade County Parks Special Events Permit application portal.
Transportation: Miami traffic is notoriously unpredictable. For events in South Beach, consider valet services or shuttle arrangements. For events in Brickell or Downtown, the Miami-Dade County Metromover transit system—a free elevated people mover serving downtown Miami, Omni, and Brickell—can be a surprisingly convenient option for guests staying at nearby hotels.
FAQs: event planning in Miami
When should I hire a Miami event planner?
Aim to hire your planner at least six to 12 months before your event date, especially if you’re planning during peak season or around major Miami events like Art Basel or Formula 1 weekend. Popular planners book up quickly, and the earlier you start, the more venue and vendor options you’ll have.
How much does an event planner cost in Miami?
Costs vary widely depending on the type of event, guest count, and level of service, but most event planners charge either a flat fee or 15-20% of your overall event budget. Miami’s market tends to skew higher than national averages due to the city’s luxury positioning and high demand. Many planners offer tiered packages, so ask about options that fit your budget.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
A venue coordinator focuses on the property’s logistics—setup times, catering minimums, room configurations. An independent event planner works for you, managing your full vision across all vendors, handling design decisions, and advocating for your interests. They’re complementary roles, not interchangeable ones.
Why hire a local Miami planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners bring established vendor relationships, knowledge of permitting requirements, familiarity with neighborhood logistics, and the ability to handle Miami-specific challenges like hurricane season contingency planning. That institutional knowledge saves you time, money, and stress.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Miami’s event planning community is packed with creative, experienced professionals who know how to harness this city’s incredible energy and turn your vision into reality. No matter which planner you’re drawn to, you’re in exceptional hands. The right planner elevates your entire experience and ensure every detail reflects who you are.
And every great event starts with the right space. Find your perfect Miami event venue on Peerspace, where you can browse unique Miami event venues—from waterfront lofts and art-filled galleries to sleek production studios and private estates—that provide the perfect backdrop for your celebration. We connect you with spaces that go beyond the ordinary, so your event can truly be extraordinary.
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.
