The Top 10 Best Event Planning Companies in New York
- Date: June 11, 2025
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Lauren Caggiano
Source: Made in Peerspace
New York is a sought-after location for events in the United States. It makes sense, as it’s called “the city that never sleeps.” Whether you’re looking to host a lively party in a Manhattan loft or an intimate birthday party in Brooklyn, the Big Apple is home to countless venues that would make the ideal backdrop for any occasion.
With more than 65 million visitors a year, choosing New York means you can take your pick from top-rated planning services in each borough. With an all-star team in your corner, your big city event will make a splash, and you won’t have to worry about doing all the heavy lifting yourself. That’s what the experts are for!
From navigating city permits to orchestrating seamless vendor coordination, professional planners know how to translate bold visions into effortless guest experiences. At Peerspace, we make it easier by connecting planners and hosts with one-of-a-kind venues that match both style and logistics.
To save you time and effort (and endless scrolling), we’ve compiled a list of the best event planners in New York. These companies have been vetted and carefully selected based on factors that make them legit. All of this to say: They’re doing Big Things in the Big Apple, and we’re here for it.
Table of Contents
- How we curate our list
- Featured planners in New York
- Industry leaders in New York
- Tips for finding the right planner
- NYC event-planning tips
- Event planning FAQs
- How planners can be featured
How we curate our list of top event planners in NYC
At Peerspace, we understand that finding the right event planner is crucial to bringing your vision to life. Our recommendations come from two valuable sources:
Featured Planners have successfully managed events in non-traditional spaces and/or Peerspace venues. Their firsthand familiarity with unique spaces can help you make the most of your chosen venue.
Industry Leaders are outstanding planners who’ve impressed us with excellence in key areas, including:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms
- Industry recognition and awards
- Portfolio quality and diversity
- Professional credentials and associations
- Consistent delivery of exceptional events
Each planner on this list, whether a Featured Planner or Industry Leader, has set the standard for professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. We regularly revisit this list to ensure we know about the best out there.
Featured planners in New York
If you’re looking for expert event planning companies in New York who make the mundane magical, you’re in the right place. Peerspace ranks top choices, so you can rest assured the companies on the list are solid. Below, we spotlight the top event planners in New York so you can get a taste of the local flavor.
1. Emily Monus Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Emily Monus Events/Emily Monus
Specialty/niche: LGBTQIA+ couples, vegans, and anyone breaking away from outdated traditions.
Notable projects or signature style: She cites a 40th wedding anniversary celebration at The New Museum, uniquely inspired by artist Robert Rauschenberg, as one of her standout projects. As she described it, the space was transformed into a stunning piece of art, reflecting the couple’s love for challenging convention and embracing creativity.
Pricing: Fees for wedding management start at $5,500. You can expect to pay $10,500 for partial planning, and full service starts at $18,000. Emily takes on a very limited number of clients so she can maintain a high level of service and client satisfaction.
Why we love them: We’ve found Emily’s creative eye and natural ability to honor her clients’ stories to be unmatched. Marrying inclusivity and purposeful planning, she brings a sense of joy and meaning to any occasion. We also love that she goes to great lengths to identify LBTQIA+ vendors and allies.
Planning tip: “From the start of my career, I have always said that ‘a wedding isn’t any one thing’ and you should do what feels right for you versus what is expected of you,” Emily says about challenging convention. “I think we’re starting to see that concept as a ‘trend’ absolutely take off, and it delights me to no end! Whether it’s hot dogs and beer in the backyard with your 10 favorite pals, or a lavish affair with a five-course menu, the important thing is that couples are doing what feels right for them. I love love love it.”
Learn more about Emily Monus and her party-planning chops on her website and Instagram.
2. The Yes Girls
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Yes Girls/Riley Canty
Specialty/niche: Weddings, elopements, anniversaries, and date nights
Notable projects or signature style: Riley Canty and her team at The Yes Girls have pulled off some impressive stunts over the years, like creating a Renaissance-style cherry blossom garden complete with trees.
Pricing: Their base minimum package starts at $2,700, including décor, photography, and a planning fee (not venue cost). Their average event costs between $6k-$10k, however, the team has planned events ranging anywhere from $2,700-$150,000.
Why we love them: Their work has been featured on the Today Show, GQ, ABC News, NY Times, and more. They’re partnered with big-name venues like Montage and Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Carlton, Autograph Collection, Noble House, and more. It also might go without saying, but we’ve found their creativity and dedication to crafting bespoke events to be worth exploring.
Why Peerspace: “Peerspace offers a variety of beautiful spaces, indoor, outdoor, rooftop, etc,” says Riley. “So depending on what ‘vibe’ you are looking to achieve for your down-on-one-knee moment, we will source amazing available options for your special day and specific needs.”
Read testimonials on their website and drool over their portfolio of events on Instagram.
3. Julie Lindenman Events
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Company name and founder/lead planner: Julie Lindenman Events/Julie Lindenman
Specialty/niche: Proposals, weddings, special events, and corporate/non-profit events.
Notable projects or signature style: Gifted with a Midas touch, Julie Lindenman elevates corporate events, brand launches, and modern weddings. Her work is synonymous with sleek, refined designs that effortlessly blend function and beauty.
Why we love them: When you hire Julie, you can count on her to translate brand identities or personal narratives into experiences that stick with you long after the guests leave.
Connect with Julie and her team on their website. Their Instagram has lots of wedding eye candy.
4. Floraland New York
Company name and founder/lead planner: Floraland New York/Bruce Zhao
Specialty/niche: Luxurious floral-centric event designs for weddings, galas, and private celebrations.
Notable projects or signature style: Think: enchanted forests and minimalist modern arrangements. Their work feels fresh, lavish, and inspired.
Why we love them: It’s not every day you encounter a company that offers custom-designed, immersive floral displays to transform events into masterpieces.
Visit their website to learn more about their approach to celebrations. Check out their Instagram to see how they translate abstract concepts into beautiful works of art.
5. Wild Heights Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Wild Heights Events/Willa Dunn
Specialty/niche: Social events, weddings, and intimate gatherings — all with an adventurous flair.
Notable projects or signature style: They’re not afraid to push creative boundaries, playing around with textures, form, elements, and lighting to create a “wow factor.”
Why we love them: Never cookie-cutter, Wild Heights promises a personal, stress-free wedding experience that brings your love story to life. Plus, they were named “best planner” by the app Loverly.
Connect with Wild Heights Events on their website. Follow them on Instagram to see how they made wedding wishes come true.
Industry leaders in NYC to watch
New York is a creative mecca, so it’s no surprise that there are so many bold event planners pushing the envelope. Here are a few impressive companies we’ve found in our research:
6. Fête NY
Company name and founder/lead planner: Fête NY/Jung Lee
Specialty/niche: Luxury weddings and high-end social events
Notable projects or signature style: Fête knows how to transform bland spaces into stunning, one-of-a-kind settings. Their events are elegant, often blending cultural influences and thoughtful design concepts.
Why we love them: Jung’s attention to detail is unparalleled. She has a knack for taking a vision and elevating it into something extraordinary.
Explore Fête NY’s portfolio on their website and follow them on Instagram for inspiration.
7. David Stark Design and Production
Company name and founder/lead planner: David Stark Design and Production/ David Stark
Specialty/niche: Large-scale immersive experiences and themed events
Notable projects or signature style: Brooklyn-based David Stark and his A-List team have planned iconic events for major brands like Louis Vuitton, Target, and The Museum of Modern Art. Their brand is creative, playful, and unforgettable.
Why we love them: David Stark’s team curates theme-driven spectacles, making every event feel magical and unique.
Read David Stark’s manifesto on his website. Follow him on Instagram to get a feel for his creative range.
8. Colin Cowie Lifestyle
Company name and founder/lead planner: Colin Cowie Lifestyle/Colin Cowie
Specialty/niche: High-end luxury weddings, corporate events, and destination events
Notable projects or signature style: Colin Cowie has planned events for A-list celebrities and global brands, including Oprah. His work is defined by sophistication and flawless execution.
Why we love them: Colin combines stunning design with practicality. His ability to seamlessly blend elegance and warmth makes every guest feel like a VIP.
Learn more about how Colin creates bespoke experiences on his website. His Instagram showcases the depth of his work and creativity.
9. Brilliant Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Brilliant Event Planning/Sarah Pease
Specialty/niche: Intimate weddings and meticulous proposal planning
Notable projects or signature style: Brilliant Event Planning dreams up deeply personalized and uniquely intimate events. They infuse romance and sophistication into everything they do.
Why we love them: Sarah and her team know how to seamlessly repurpose items in ways that elevate the space, without adding additional costs.
Head over to their website to learn more about how Brilliant Event Planning brings magic to the ordinary. Follow them on Instagram to get behind-the-scenes looks at their work.
10. REV New York
Company name and founder/lead planner: REV New York/ Seri Kertzner
Specialty/niche: Event design/styling, brand activations, and design consultations
Notable projects or signature style: REV teamed up with Amblin Partners to throw a party for the cast and crew of West Side Story. Seri considers it one of the highs of her career thus far. Every detail was perfectly planned and executed.
Why we love them: Seri’s work and expertise have been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, Martha Stewart, and CBS New York. We also appreciate how he works with clients to create a cohesive look and feel, no matter how modest or ornate the event.
Connect with REV online and check out Instagram to see recent work.
Tips to find the right New York event planner
With so many talented professionals available for hire in NYC, how do you choose the right one for your event? It’s helpful to do some homework before you get serious about your search. Here are some details to ponder:
1. Select a planner based on their niche
Not all event planners bring the same flavor to the job, and in New York, the options are incredibly diverse. Some companies have earned a reputation for producing rooftop weddings worthy of a magazine spread. Others might be better suited to wowing your colleagues in a Manhattan bar.
Follow these steps to feel confident a planner has the right experience:
- Assess your event’s needs: Determine the type of event you’re hosting (e.g., wedding, corporate retreat, baby shower) and the desired vibe to narrow down potential planners.
- Research specialized planners: Look for event planners with expertise in your specific type of event. Check website portfolios, reviews, and past projects to ensure their style aligns with your vision.
- Use local resources: NYC has a dense network of event planners. Leverage online directories, social media hashtags like #nyceventplanner, and local recommendations to find professionals who specialize in your area or event type. Start with these helpful websites for finding event planners.
- Ask for references: Reach out to past clients of the planner to confirm their experience and ability to deliver on your specific needs.
- Communicate your vision clearly: When selecting a planner, provide details about your event, from theme and location to budget and expectations, to ensure they can bring your idea to life.
- Verify availability and fit: Confirm the planner’s availability for your date and gauge their enthusiasm and understanding of your event during consultations.
Be intentional and choose a top-rated New York event planner who’s got the portfolio to prove it. NYC’s density works in your favor, so you’re likely to find someone who can take your idea and run with it.
2. Honor your budget but know when to splurge
New York has a high cost of living, but don’t let that scare you. Being honest with yourself about your means can help you get the most value for your money. Start with an overall budget (or use our event planning budget template) and then drill down into all of the details that are important to you. For instance, booking a space for just a few hours (a benefit Peerspace party venues offer) can help save money while still wowing your friends, family members, or colleagues. That can free up funds for premium services you might want to splurge on later. Learn more about how to keep your event’s costs under budget.
Keep in mind that great locations in the city often come with price tags that match. That’s especially the case for primo locations like SOHO lofts or Midtown rooftops. If you’re considering a full-service planner versus one that focuses on the big-picture items, weigh the value against the higher price point. Sometimes, paying more on the front end can be worth it (and calm your nerves).
Explore this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about event planning costs.
3. Pay attention to communication style
Native New Yorkers may be known for their directness, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get the same flavor from every vendor. You’ll likely have your vendor on speed dial leading up to the big day, so it’s important you find someone who complements your style.
Do you prefer a wall of text or quick phone calls to touch base? Are you looking for a Type A person who loves to take charge, or would you rather have someone who brings you along for the ride? Either way, you should feel comfortable trusting the person or team with your vision. Always schedule a meet-and-greet beforehand for a gut check.
Tips for planning an event in NYC
Like so many things in life, planning an event is all about timing. Consider these factors:
- Weather patterns – NYC weather can be unpredictable, so plan with the seasons in mind
- Tourism peaks – Expect hire rates from May–June and September–December
- Local events – Check the NYC events calendar before solidifying a date
- Traffic timing – Try to avoid rush hour from 7–9 am and 4–7 pm if guests are commuting from outer boroughs, the suburbs, airports, etc.
- Construction projects – Common in NYC, and could delay guests
- Event permits – Can be required for certain venues or activities
- Transportation and parking – Find a spot near multiple subway stations or parking garages
- Neighborhood – Some are more accommodating to out-of-towners than others
For example, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Times Square Countdown on New Year’s Eve, and the TCS New York City Marathon could throw a major wrench in your plans if you don’t account for them!
If you don’t live or work in New York, there might be some logistical details that could elude you. It’s worth deferring to planners who are immersed in the nuances of events day in and day out. In the meantime, check out these expert-backed event planning tips.
Pro tip: You may be tempted to explore spaces on Airbnb in NYC for an event, but Airbnb has a codified ban against parties. Instead, search for spaces on platforms like Peerspace that are built with events in mind.
More event planning FAQs
When to hire an event planner
In big cities like New York, you’ll want to hire an event planner at least six months to a year in advance, especially for holiday-adjacent events.
How much does an event planner cost?
The average cost of hiring an event planning company in New York can vary widely, but involved party planning services typically cost between 15-20% of the overall event budget. Ask about bundling services and tapping into the company’s vendor network to get deals on other services. You might consider paying up for special touches that will enhance your experience, while a DIY approach might do the trick for certain items.
Event planners: Your time to shine
Want to be included in our next Best Event Planners in New York list? We’re always looking to spotlight planners who consistently deliver standout experiences, especially those who’ve brought events to life in Peerspace venues.
If you’ve produced unforgettable events and meet our editorial criteria above, we’d love to hear from you. Want to be featured? Complete this form to be considered!
Pro tip: After booking through Peerspace, you’ll receive a follow-up email with a link to Made in Peerspace, where you can upload photos and showcase your work. This is a great opportunity to highlight your style, creativity, and how you’ve used our spaces to elevate events.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Whether you’re planning your own event or helping someone else bring theirs to life, great experiences start with the right people and the right space. Know an outstanding event planner in New York? Nominate yourself, a peer, or your planner by filling out this form.
Still searching for the perfect setting? Explore unique, bookable-by-the-hour venues in New York on Peerspace to find a space that fits your vision—and makes planning a whole lot easier.
Additional resources for planning an event in NYC
Check out these helpful links to start planning an epic event in the Big Apple:
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