The Top 10 Best Event Planners in Boston
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Written by Ashley Kosciolek
Contributing Writer -
Edited by Randi Kest
Lead Editor & Publisher
- November 7, 2025
- 20 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Planning an unforgettable event in Boston requires more than just a vision. It takes expertise, creativity, and a team that knows how to turn inspiration into reality. Whether you’re hosting an intimate wedding, a large-scale gala, or a corporate celebration, Boston’s event planning scene offers exceptional talent ready to make every detail shine. To help you find your perfect fit, we’ve rounded up some of the best event planners Boston has to offer.
How we curate our list of the best Boston event planners
At Peerspace, we believe the right event planner transforms ideas—from unique venue spaces and decor to your visions for photography and flowers – into extraordinary experiences, all while staying on budget. To help you discover Boston’s most trusted professionals, we’ve carefully selected each expert planner based on a combination of expertise, creativity, and client satisfaction.
Our evaluation process considers a range of excellence indicators, including:
- Consistently strong client feedback across verified platforms
- Recognition through awards, publications, and press features
- Impressive portfolios that demonstrate versatility and innovation
- Membership in respected industry associations and professional organizations
- Proven success in executing seamless, high-quality events across formats
Each of our picks not only meets our rigorous standards but also brings their own distinctive touch to the art of event design and management. We continuously update this list to ensure it reflects the most exceptional Boston event planners.
Featured event management companies in Boston
Boston’s event planning community is rich with visionaries who balance creativity with flawless execution. Below, you’ll find our curated selection of industry professionals – trusted professionals known for their unique style, organization, and ability to craft events that feel effortless, elegant, and one-of-a-kind.
1. Rafanelli Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Rafanelli Events / Bryan Rafanelli
Specialty/niche: Luxury, full-service event planning and design that spans weddings, corporate galas, destination occasions, non-profit fundraisers, and brand/consulting events. The company positions itself as storytellers who translate their clients’ personal experiences into design.
Notable projects or signature style: The firm is renowned for designing grand, meticulously executed celebrations that might include intimate high-end weddings and large-scale corporate events. Founder Bryan Rafanelli also recently created his own wedding under a 30-day timeline—a feat that was picked up by Vogue. Rafanelli also serves clients globally, designing destination weddings and high-profile corporate and nonprofit events across the U.S. and beyond.
Pricing: The company’s WeddingWire listing shows a “starting price” category of $2,000 for their wedding planning services. Given their luxury positioning, design and production elements are likely to elevate typical pricing significantly above that starting point.
Why we love them: Rafanelli Events blends narrative-driven design—where each celebration tells a client’s unique story—with the polish of luxury production, creating experiences that feel both personal and indulgent. With an extensive portfolio spanning weddings, corporate, social, nonprofit, and destination events, the team brings a depth of expertise that translates across every setting. Clients consistently praise the execution, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to produce moments that feel “larger than life but uniquely ours.”
Their Instagram feed reflects this artistry, showcasing dramatic lighting, lush floral installations, and sweeping visuals. With global experience and a reputation for excellence, Rafanelli Events is the choice for clients seeking high-impact, visually unforgettable celebrations. For inspiration and to keep up with their latest work, check out their Instagram.
2. Brilliant Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Brilliant Event Planning / Sarah Glick & Chelsea LaFollette
Specialty/niche: Brilliant Event Planning is a luxury wedding and event design studio specializing in personalized celebrations for busy but fun-loving couples. They lean into venues ranging from unfinished spaces to private estates, crafting full-service experiences with elevated design and detailed presentation.
Notable projects or signature style: Their signature style emphasizes personalization. Client testimonials highlight how the team distilled couples’ quirks, stories and styles into truly unique events. One client shared, “Sarah absolutely nailed this balance… she was so in tune with us and about making our wedding a beautiful extension of us as a couple.” They also frequently overhaul private homes, tented estates, rooftops and other “raw” spaces.
Pricing: While the company doesn’t publish full pricing tiers publicly, they market themselves as a boutique, high-end planning studio that takes on a limited number of clients each year to ensure top-level service. Client feedback indicates that even when hired late in the planning process (six months or less out), they delivered full-service coordination and design. That suggests their tiers include both full-service and expedited planning options.
Why we love them: Brilliant Event Planning operates across New England and internationally for those couples seeking destination weddings. They combine meticulous orchestration with the kind of creative vision that elevates an event from elegant to unforgettable. Their clients frequently mention feeling heard, understood and genuinely cared for. Brilliant stands out in the Boston market for anyone seeking a partner who brings both high design and stress-free execution.
To get a taste of their work and client experience, check out @brillianteventplanning on Instagram.
3. Lia Bancroft Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Lia Bancroft Events / Lia Bancroft
Specialty/niche: Lia Bancroft Events specializes in full-service, luxury wedding planning with a distinct coastal New England flair. Think private estates, yacht clubs, and elegant tented affairs from Cape Cod to Newport. Their focus is on high-end celebrations where story, style and hospitality merge seamlessly.
Notable projects or signature style: From family estates celebrating July 4th weekends to sophisticated seaside soirées, Lia Bancroft has clients raving about her ability to transform vision boards into reality. One couple said their “tented, seacoast wedding was exactly what we envisioned,” thanks to Lia’s incorporating personal details like frosted glass signage and heirloom china. Her background in corporate finance and project management enables her to anticipate every detail so nothing is overlooked.
Pricing: According to the company’s profile on Zola, packages start around $8,500 for event styling and design and escalate to more than $15,000 for full-service planning. The firm also notes they accept a limited number of clients per year, highlighting exclusivity and a hands-on approach.
Why we love them: What truly sets Lia Bancroft Events apart is the blend of refined design instincts, meticulous planning and the ability to make couples feel completely supported. Clients often compare working with Lia to working with a trusted friend, rather than just a vendor. Her coastal-inspired aesthetic is elegant without being over the top, and her process ensures that each wedding feels personal. If you’re seeking a planner who will both listen deeply and elevate your vision, Lia Bancroft delivers.
For a glimpse into their latest work and signature moments, check out Lia Bancroft Events on Instagram.
4. AJ Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: AJ Events / AJ Williams
Specialty/niche: AJ Events is a full-service event planning, production and design firm based in Boston, with a strong reputation in luxury weddings, high-impact corporate events and fundraising galas. Their specialty lies in bringing ambitious, brand- and mission-driven gatherings to life through immersive design and strategic execution.
Notable projects or signature style: What sets AJ Events apart is a portfolio that spans globally visible fundraising galas, celebrity-studded non-profit events and luxury weddings. For instance, they produced the “King Legacy Night” gala which exceeded its six-month goal by 50% and featured major music acts and a live auction. Client reviews highlight high-energy design, flawless logistics, and the kind of “wow” moments that guests still talk about days later.
Pricing: Their vendor listing on WeddingWire shows a starting price for full-planning around $10,500, with a day-of or partial service option starting as low as $2,500. While the firm doesn’t publish a full price list on their website, they market themselves as handling everything from boutique weddings to large-scale events with budgets into the millions.
Why we love them: AJ Events stands out because they blend visionary design with strategic and results-driven execution. Their clients frequently praise the team’s ability to listen deeply, translate bold ideas into immersive experiences, and manage details professionally. With decades of experience and a track record of exceeding sponsorship and fundraising goals, they offer both artistry and operational excellence.
Their Instagram feed showcases their dramatic décor and event branding; for a deeper look at their signature events and design style, follow them at @ajwevents.
5. EFD Creative Event Planning & Design
Company name and founder/lead planner: EFD Creative Event Planning & Design / Edna Dratch-Parker
Specialty/niche: EFD Creative specializes in full-service wedding planning and branded event design with a strong emphasis in New England (Boston, Newport, The Berkshires) and beyond. The company’s unique niche lies in marrying high-end design with practical delivery.
Notable projects or signature style: Client testimonials highlight how EFD’s strength lies both in aesthetic vision and logistical mastery. One bride credited EFD for “turning my wedding into a masterpiece,” thanks to creative direction and detailed coordination. Their design work appears in media outlets such as Brides Boston, Style Me Pretty, and Wedding Planner Magazine. The team is noted for designing highly personalized weddings and events where brand, color palette, and guest experience are tightly aligned.
Pricing: While EFD Creative does not publish a full pricing schedule, their profiles indicate extensive experience and strong credentials (102 reviews on WeddingWire and multiple couples choice awards). Their Eventective listing also mentions free consultations and custom-package pricing.
Why we love them: EFD Creative impresses because they integrate design intelligence and operational discipline in equal measure. That means clients can expect a beautiful event that goes off without a hitch. Brides and grooms repeatedly reflect on feeling genuinely supported and creatively delighted, even when navigating complex logistics or remote planning.
Follow their work on Instagram for a peek at how strategic branding and event design can elevate one of life’s most important moments.
6. Something Bleu Wedding & Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Something Bleu Wedding & Event Planning / Julie Riley
Specialty/niche: Something Bleu focuses on boutique, full-service wedding and event planning for busy, discerning couples across Boston, Cape Cod, Newport and broader New England. Founder Julie Riley brings a dual strength of elegant design and strategic planning, regardless of the venue or vision each couple has in mind.
Notable projects or signature style: Clients regularly highlight Julie’s calming presence and execution. One couple said, “Julie anticipated every detail long before we even thought to ask…we never once felt overwhelmed or stressed.” She is known for turning visions into polished reality using mood boards, vendor short-lists tied to the budget and timelines you actually use.
Pricing: While specific packages are not publicly detailed, client reviews reflect full-service planning, as well as partial and event management services. That suggests the flexibility to begin mid-process or ramp up as needed. Reviewers note that, despite tight timelines or remote planning, Julie delivered premium results without surprise cost-creep.
Why we love them: Something Bleu stands out because Julie doesn’t just manage logistics; she becomes a genuine planning partner. Couples consistently praise how she listens to their story, crafts tailored design ideas and handles every behind-the-scenes detail, letting them truly relax on their day. With her strong vendor network, calming demeanor and hands-on coordination, Julie ensures weddings feel elegant yet effortless.
Follow her work and latest events by connecting with @somethingbleuweddings on Instagram.
7. Always Yours Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Always Yours Events / Keri Ketterer Walter
Specialty/niche: Always Yours Events specializes in luxury wedding planning and design for private estates. They’re also well-versed in destination celebrations across New England and beyond—from Cape Cod resorts to galas in resort settings.
Notable projects or signature style: Keri and her team are known for dramatic venue transformations that might include turning empty lawns into elegant tented receptions, private homes into luxury wedding destinations, and social events into immersive experiences. The company’s style leans romantic and refined, often with bold palettes or elevated “estate plus weekend-event” formats.
Pricing: While a full pricing menu isn’t publicly listed, community-published budgets for Always Yours Events have exceeded $42,000 for high-end weddings. The firm’s positioning and testimonials suggest they serve luxury bride-and-groom clientele seeking premium experiences.
Why we love them: Always Yours Events stands out because Keri doesn’t just plan weddings; she curates experiences built on the couple’s story, layered with refined design and worry-free logistics. Couples often comment that they felt every vendor detail was under control, and most importantly, they got to live the moment instead of managing it.
For a look at their latest creations, check them out on Instragram: @alwaysyoursevents.
8. Events By Sorrell
Company name and founder/lead planner: Events By Sorrell / Sorrell Downing
Specialty/niche: Events By Sorrell specializes in luxurious, multi-day weddings and estate celebrations throughout New England, especially private‐estate and tented events where both design and logistics require exceptional coordination.
Notable projects or signature style: Sorrell and her team are praised for their calm leadership and organization. They bring a high standard of design to complex event settings, from lakeside estates to multi-venue weekends. Client testimonials highlight Sorrell’s ability to handle massive logistics with ease and to transform challenging spaces.
Pricing: Investment begins with a “virtual consultation” package at $250. According to vendor listings, full planning starts around $25,000 in New England markets.
Why we love them: Events By Sorrell stands out because Sorrell orchestrates weekends of celebration with the poise and timing of a conductor and the eye of a designer. Her clients say they were able to truly enjoy their wedding day because everything from the unseen logistics to the décor details was expertly managed.
For inspiration and a look at their most recent events, visit @events_by_sorrell.
9. Hummingbird Events & Design
Company name and founder/lead planner: Hummingbird Events & Design / Mandy Connor
Specialty/niche: This Boston-based boutique planning studio focuses on full-service luxury weddings and multi-day destination celebrations that feel deeply personal and distinctive.
Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently praise Mandy’s ability to transform vague or fragmented ideas into cohesive, emotionally rich experiences. One loved how she took the words “vineyard, periwinkle blue, rustic” and turned them into a gorgeous theme. Others emphasize her calm control on the day of the event and how vendors consistently say she is “awesome to work with.” Her signature style combines design, storytelling through detail, and unfussy luxury.
Pricing: Public review listings show couples describing full-service luxury experiences—with strong vendor teams and multi-venue logistics—and multiple platforms list her as a premium option.
Why we love them: Hummingbird Events & Design stands out because Mandy listens, shapes your vision, and then quietly orchestrates every behind-the-scenes detail so you can enjoy your day. Her clients rave that their vendor teams were “fantastic,” their events ran like well-oiled machines, and they felt relaxed on their big day. Her design sensibility keeps things elevated and custom without ever feeling stiff or formulaic.
For a taste of their latest work, see @hummingbirdwed on Instagram.
10. Jodi Raphael Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Jodi Raphael Events / Jodi Raphael
Specialty/niche: Jodi Raphael Events is a full-service event planning and design firm based in Newton/Boston. Jodi creates luxury weddings, mitzvahs, milestone celebrations and destination occasions across New England and beyond.
Notable projects or signature style: Clients consistently highlight how Jodi and her team transform challenging venues and ambitious visions into the events of their dreams. For example, one recently reviewed wedding described how the team helped with a last-minute venue switch and still pulled off a stunning celebration: “The design and execution…were perfection. We could not have done it without [Jodi].”
Signature features include polished aesthetics, thoughtful vendor recommendations, and the capacity to manage multi-day weekends, mitzvahs, and weddings with equal confidence.
Pricing: While full pricing isn’t publicly posted, their vendor profile notes high-end service and does not list an hourly rate.
Why we love them: What sets Jodi Raphael Events apart is the balance of artistic vision and logistical mastery. You get a planner who not only understands style and design but also ensures your day flows effortlessly. Couples say they genuinely felt taken care of, from the earliest vendor selections to the last dance.
For a look at their recent work and client highlights, explore @jodiraphaelevents.
Tips to find the right event planning company in Boston
Finding the right planner in Boston isn’t just about personality—it’s about proof of local experience. Here’s how to vet that:
1. Check for local vendor connections you can verify
Ask each planner for a short list of vendors they’ve worked with recently in the Boston area—like caterers, florists, and lighting teams. Then do a quick cross-check: visit those vendors’ websites or social feeds and see if they tag or credit the planner. If you can trace that collaboration, it’s a sign the planner actually has a working network, not just a contact list.
2. Ask about real experience with city permits and venues
Don’t just ask if they “handle permits.” Ask which Boston departments they’ve worked with—like the Mayor’s Office of Tourism or the Entertainment Licensing Division—and how far in advance they typically submit applications. A confident planner should be able to describe past events that needed street or park permits and what the process looked like.
3. Look for Boston-specific portfolio examples
Review their gallery or Instagram feed for events hosted at recognizable local venues—such as The State Room, ICA Boston, or Seaport hotels. If they’ve planned at several Boston or New England venues, they’ll already understand parking restrictions, vendor loading zones, and neighborhood noise ordinances.
4. Get a feel for their understanding of local logistics
Before signing, ask how they’d handle common Boston issues: unpredictable weather, limited downtown parking, or guest transport from Logan Airport. Their answers should sound specific—not generic—and ideally reference real local solutions (e.g., recommending certain shuttle providers or valet partners).
Tips for planning an event in Boston
Even with a planner, knowing how to work with Boston’s quirks will make your event smoother.
Plan around seasonal patterns—not just dates.
Boston’s spring can be wet, summer humid, and winter unpredictable. Before locking in a venue, check the average conditions for your target month on the National Weather Service’s Boston page. If you’re considering an outdoor space, ask your venue what indoor backup they offer or whether tenting is permitted.
Cross-check citywide events before signing a contract.
Before you book, look at the City of Boston events calendar and major university commencement dates. These can spike hotel prices and traffic. If you find overlap, consider shifting your date by a week—your vendors and guests will thank you.
Apply for permits early (and confirm who handles them).
If your event uses public property—like a park or street—identify which permits apply (e.g., tent, alcohol, or occupancy). You or your planner can contact the City of Boston’s Special Events Office at least 30 days in advance. Don’t assume your venue handles this automatically; confirm it in writing.
Create a transportation plan for guests.
Boston’s tight streets and limited parking mean you’ll need a plan early. Identify the nearest parking garage, check if the venue offers valet, and include transit options in your invites. For large events, companies like Local Motion of Boston or DPV Transportation offer private shuttle services that connect venues to hotels or public transit stops.
You can also check out more event planning tips to make sure you have your bases covered.
Event planning FAQs for Boston
What permits do I need for an outdoor event?
For any event held on public property (parks, sidewalks, streets) or involving temporary structures (tents, stages), the City of Boston requires a Special Event Application. You’ll likely need a street-occupancy or “Play Street” permit if you’re closing off a sidewalk/road, as well as potential tent/stage permits and possibly a one-day alcohol license if you serve beverages. Start the process early: large events should ideally submit applications at least 30 days prior through the City of Boston website.
When is the best time of year to host an event?
May through October is peak season thanks to mild weather and long days. For outdoor events, book early—spring and fall weekends often overlap with college graduations and major city festivals.
How far in advance should I secure a venue or planner?
For high-demand venues, aim to book 9–12 months ahead. Start outreach with planners as soon as you confirm your budget and guest count so they can guide venue selection and permitting.
What transportation or parking factors should I plan for?
Downtown Boston venues often have limited parking or valet-only options. Ask about nearby garages or reserved spaces, and share those details with guests in your invites. If your venue is in the Seaport or Back Bay, plan around rush hour and construction—both can delay guest arrivals.
Event planning companies in Boston: How to be featured
Boston’s energy makes it one of the most exciting cities in the country to celebrate life’s biggest moments. Whether you’re planning an event or helping bring someone else’s vision to life, success begins with the right partners and the right setting. Know a talented Boston planner who deserves recognition? Nominate yourself, a peer, or your go-to expert.
We’re always looking for exceptional planners to include as industry professionals in our curated list. If your team has produced remarkable celebrations, corporate events, or weddings that embody creativity and unparalleled execution—and you meet our editorial standards above—we’d love to learn more about you. Complete this quick form to be considered for inclusion in our Best Event Planners in Boston feature.
Great events start with great people and the perfect space
Still on the hunt for that ideal location? Explore Boston’s one-of-a-kind, bookable-by-the-hour venues on Peerspace to find a space that fits your event’s style—and makes planning effortless from start to finish.
In this article
- How we curate our list of the best Boston event planners
- Featured event management companies in Boston
- Tips to find the right event planning company in Boston
- Tips for planning an event in Boston
- Event planning FAQs for Boston
- Event planning companies in Boston: How to be featured
- Great events start with great people and the perfect space
In this article
- How we curate our list of the best Boston event planners
- Featured event management companies in Boston
- Tips to find the right event planning company in Boston
- Tips for planning an event in Boston
- Event planning FAQs for Boston
- Event planning companies in Boston: How to be featured
- Great events start with great people and the perfect space
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