Top 5 Event Planners in Atlanta
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- April 29, 2026
- 17 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Atlanta is a city that knows how to celebrate. With its rich cultural heritage, thriving arts scene, and neighborhoods that range from the historic charm of Inman Park to the modern energy of Midtown, the ATL offers an event landscape unlike anywhere else in the South. Whether you’re planning a wedding at a stunning Buckhead estate, a milestone birthday in a converted Westside warehouse, or a corporate gathering overlooking Piedmont Park, this city delivers the backdrop—and the talent—to make it unforgettable.
With so many skilled event planners calling Atlanta home, you can find professionals who specialize in exactly the kind of celebration you’re envisioning. These planners navigate Atlanta-specific challenges every day so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
We’ve carefully vetted each planner on this list to make sure they deliver real results for their clients. These five professionals have proven track records, strong reviews, and genuine expertise in the Atlanta market. Let’s get into it.
How we curate our list
Finding the right event planner is a big decision, and we take our recommendations seriously. Our editorial team evaluates Atlanta event planners using a consistent set of criteria designed to surface professionals who genuinely deliver for their clients.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback on The Knot, WeddingWire, Google, Zola, and social media to ensure consistent satisfaction and patterns of excellence.
- Industry recognition and awards: We look for planners with accolades from respected organizations, wedding publications, and local media features that signal credibility.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, formal certifications, ongoing education, and verified business operations signal a commitment to the craft.
Best event planners in Atlanta
Here are the five Atlanta event planners who earned a spot on our list. Each one brings something unique to the table whether it’s eco-conscious design, crisis management skills, or a relationship-first planning philosophy.
1. Miah Luke Co.
Company name and founder/lead planner: Miah Luke Co. / Darcha Exum
Specialty/niche: Miah Luke Co. is an Atlanta-based planning firm for weddings and social events, offering full-service, supplemental, and month-of coordination packages. Darcha specializes in helping style-forward Atlanta couples plan weddings that feel elevated and effortless, with a portfolio spanning luxury, garden, boho, and everything in between across Georgia and beyond. The team also handles showers, engagement parties, and rehearsal dinners.
Notable projects or signature style: What makes Darcha stand out is her ability to handle the unexpected without her clients ever knowing. One couple shared that her professionalism and attention to detail made planning their 200-guest outdoor wedding much more manageable—and they later discovered that Darcha discreetly mitigated an unexpected crisis without either of them realizing it during the entire event. (read Miah Luke Co.’s client reviews on The Knot) Her approach centers on clarity over chaos, with personalized timelines and honest vendor recommendations that keep couples focused on what actually matters. That combination of behind-the-scenes problem-solving and transparent communication is what earns her repeat referrals.
Pricing: Miah Luke Co. offers tiered packages depending on the level of planning services required. The “Crown Package” (day-of coordination) starts at $2,390. The “Majesty Package” starts at $3,060 and the highest-tier “Empire Package” starts at $4,880. Submit an inquiry directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Miah Luke Co. holds a perfect 5.0 rating across platforms like WeddingWire, The Knot, and Zola, and the reviews tell a consistent story: Darcha makes you feel like you’re her only client. Clients consistently praise her reliable, professional, and incredibly kind communication. Testimonials highlight her exceptional end-to-end planning experience, noting that she brings all event elements together seamlessly and effortlessly. She even learns the names of every member of the wedding party—that kind of personal touch means a lot on the big day.
Connect with them: Follow @miahlukeco on Instagram and @miahlukeco’s on TikTok.
2. Slauer Events & Design
Company name and founder/lead planner: Slauer Events & Design / Rachel Slauer
Specialty/niche: While Slauer Events & Design is now based in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, they got their start in Atlanta and regularly travel there (for a reduced travel fee). The expert team offers full-service wedding planning, event management, and day-of coordination, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and visual storytelling. Rachel’s dual-market presence gives couples access to an unusually broad vendor network across the Southeast.
Notable projects or signature style: Rachel’s origin story shapes her empathy-first approach. Her love for weddings began when she got engaged to her high school sweetheart while planning an Atlanta wedding and living in different cities. That personal experience of navigating long-distance planning made her a better listener. The firm combines 10 years of industry experience with honesty, gentleness, and genuine friendship to guide clients from engagement to wedding with ease. By wedding day, Rachel’s team has usually become friends with the couple and their families—a testament to the trust she builds throughout the process.
Pricing: Slauer Events & Design offers tiered service packages well-suited to different needs. Get in touch with their team through their website to learn more and request a tailored quote.
Why we love them: Clients consistently praise Rachel’s calm, reassuring presence and her ability to reduce stress throughout the planning process. Testimonials highlight her thorough organization, specifically mentioning her master timelines and high flexibility when clients change their minds. One couple shared that their wedding day went exactly as planned, crediting Rachel’s coordination—she decorated their reception venue, managed all vendors, and helped them stick to the timeline so smoothly that the bride felt like a guest rather than the host.
Connect with them: Follow @slauerevents on Instagram and @slauerevents on TikTok.
3. For Her Weddings & Events LLC
Company name and founder/lead planner: For Her Weddings & Events LLC / Rachel Collins
Specialty/niche: For Her Weddings & Events LLC provides mid-luxury and luxury wedding and event planning experiences, committed to offering high-quality, stress-free planning while maximizing budgets. The team is LGBTQ+ friendly and willing to travel, making them a great fit for couples planning destination-style celebrations with Atlanta roots.
Notable projects or signature style: Rachel started in weddings as a stylist with a hidden passion for event planning, having been on planning committees for pageants, birthday parties, and family weddings. She combined bridal styling and planning to create her firm—and that dual background gives her a sharp eye for the visual details that make events feel polished. Her crisis management skills are the real deal: when Hurricane Helene did significant damage to a couple’s venue eight days before their wedding, Rachel immediately started looking for alternative locations and had a new site secured by 10:30 PM that same night, already informing all vendors of the updated information. That kind of quick thinking under pressure is exactly what you want in a planner.
Pricing: Event management starts at $2,000 and wedding management starts at $2,500. Partial event planning starts at $2,900 ($3,600 for weddings). Full-service planning for events starts at $3,600 ($4,300 for weddings). Rachel also creates custom packages for each client. Submit an inquiry through her website to connect with the team and request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Rachel blends transparent communication, attention to detail, and active listening to handle every aspect of planning—from venue selection to budget management. Clients consistently praise her exceptional professionalism, unwavering commitment to punctuality, and genuine care. Testimonials highlight her seamless, stress-free execution on the wedding day, allowing brides to be fully present and enjoy the moment. She truly delivers on her promise to be your “wedding planning bestie” for a smooth, enjoyable journey.
Connect with them: Follow @forherweddingsandevents on Instagram.
4. Chic Soirees
Company name and founder/lead planner: Chic Soirees / Teshika Burnside
Specialty/niche: Chic Soirées is a full-service wedding planning and design business focused on creating exceptional, eco-friendly celebrations. Services include day-of coordination, full planning, bridal coaching sessions for DIY brides, partial wedding planning, event production, and luxury picnics. Teshika also handles corporate events and nonprofit fundraisers, making her one of the most versatile planners on this list.
Notable projects or signature style: Teshika brings over 15 years of experience crafting bespoke weddings, corporate events, luxury picnics, and nonprofit fundraisers across Baltimore, Atlanta, Florida, and the greater East Coast. Her eco-conscious approach is what truly sets her apart—she blends real and faux florals, local sourcing, and reusable decor so celebrations are elegant, intentional, and waste-aware. During COVID, when social gathering restrictions hit, Teshika pivoted by creating customized outdoor luxury picnics, allowing clients to celebrate milestones safely. That adaptability speaks volumes about her problem-solving mindset.
Pricing: Corporate and nonprofit event planning starts at $5,000 and $3,000 respectively. Wedding day coordination starts at $3,000 and partial wedding planning starts at $5,000. Visit her services page for detailed package options and contact her directly through her website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Teshika is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Certified Wedding Planner (CWP), with credentials in IT project management and psychology. That combination of project management rigor and creative vision is rare in the event planning world. According to customer reviews, clients consistently praise her for going “above and beyond” and delivering a stress-free planning experience. Testimonials highlight her ability to understand and execute personal visions, noting that she is extremely professional yet down-to-earth and genuine.
Connect with them: Follow @chicsoirees on Instagram and @chic.soirees on TikTok.
5. Bash and Bumble
Company name and founder/lead planner: Bash and Bumble / Danielle Taylor
Specialty/niche: Bash and Bumble takes pride in curating stress-less wedding and event experiences while flawlessly executing every detail big and small. They offer full planning, partial planning, wedding day management and coordination, elevated elopements, and proposals. Danielle also handles corporate events and special celebrations like birthday parties and launch events—all rooted in her belief that wedding days should feel intentional and deeply personal.
Notable projects or signature style: Danielle is a Certified Wedding and Event Professional with over a decade of experience, with formal training through the New York Institute of Art and Design. Her background in corporate events brings a sense of calm and clarity to what can often be a stressful process. One of the most telling stories about Danielle’s character? A couple shared that Bash and Bumble took them on as clients one week before their wedding when their previous coordinator unexpectedly fell through—and their only regret was not getting to work with her from day one.
Pricing: Wedding day coordination packages start at $2,000. Partial planning and full planning coordination start at $3,500 and $4,500 respectively. She also offers wedding consulting at $100/hour. Danielle tailors her service structure to each client’s direct needs and vision. Contact them directly through their website to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Why we love them: Danielle doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all weddings—she takes time to truly understand each couple and what’s important to them. Clients consistently praise her exceptional organization and excellent communication throughout the planning process. Testimonials highlight her personable approach and her ability to coordinate effortlessly with vendors and families, with one couple noting their only regret was not hiring her sooner. She’s often asked if she’s ever had a “Bridezilla” and says she doesn’t even know what that is—because the best weddings start with mutual trust, good vibes, and a great connection.
Connect with them: Follow @bashandbumble on Instagram and @bashandbumble’s on TikTok.
Finding the right Atlanta planner
With so many talented professionals in the Atlanta market, choosing the right planner can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down your options and find the best fit for your celebration.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Atlanta—get specific. Ask questions like: “What’s the parking situation in Buckhead on a Saturday evening?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that could affect our reception timeline?” 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 a ceremony in Midtown and a reception in Inman Park. Their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across Atlanta’s 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 Atlanta-specific challenges
Atlanta’s summer heat is no joke, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast between May and September. Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a severe thunderstorm hits during our outdoor ceremony?” Experienced Atlanta 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. Listen for specifics: did they have tent sidewalls ready? Climate-controlled spaces secured as backup?
4. Review their portfolio for Atlanta events specifically
Don’t just ask for their general portfolio—ask for events specifically in Atlanta neighborhoods relevant to your celebration. 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 Atlanta-specific obstacles—parking logistics at a Buckhead venue, coordinating vendor load-in at a Midtown loft, or managing guest flow at a Beltline-adjacent space—and explain their solutions.
5. Measure budget realism for the Atlanta market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for our event type in Atlanta with this budget?” Good planners will be honest about what your money can buy in different neighborhoods. They should offer two or three cost tiers with concrete examples and point out where you can save—like choosing a unique Atlanta event venue on Peerspace over a traditional hotel ballroom, booking on an off-peak day, or exploring emerging neighborhoods like West End or East Atlanta Village. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs.
Planning an event in Atlanta
Event planning is all about timing, and Atlanta has its own rhythm you’ll want to understand before locking in dates. For a comprehensive overview of what the city has to offer, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s official city guide is a great starting point.
Weather patterns: Atlanta’s climate is humid subtropical, meaning summers are hot and humid (June through August regularly hits the 90s) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most popular seasons for outdoor events, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. Winter events are absolutely doable—Atlanta rarely sees significant snow—but plan for chilly evenings if your event has outdoor elements. Check the National Weather Service’s Atlanta forecast office for detailed seasonal data and event-day forecasts.
Peak seasons and tourism: Atlanta’s convention calendar is packed. The city hosts major events at the Georgia World Congress Center and State Farm Arena year-round. Check the Discover Atlanta’s official events calendar for updated scheduling. Key events to plan around:
- Dragon Con (late August/early September)—hotels book up fast and downtown gets crowded
- Atlanta Jazz Festival (Memorial Day weekend)—Piedmont Park area gets busy
- Peachtree Road Race (July 4th)—major road closures across the city
- SEC Championship (early December)—hotel rates spike
- Shaky Knees Music Festival (spring)—Piedmont Park area congestion
- Atlanta Film Festival (April)—venue competition increases
Traffic and transportation: Atlanta traffic is notoriously challenging. Avoid scheduling events that require guest travel during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays). Consider venues near MARTA public transit system stations for easier guest access—the system connects directly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making it convenient for out-of-town guests. If your event is in a neighborhood with limited parking, arrange shuttle service or provide rideshare codes.
Event permits: The Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) permits all outdoor events in the city of Atlanta. Outdoor Festival permit applications are due 90 days before the start date of the event. Assembly and Large Gathering permit applications are due 30 days before the start date of the event. Visit the City of Atlanta Office of Special Events website for permit requirements and applications. Your planner should know the exact department to contact and the forms you’ll need.
Marriage licenses: If you’re planning a wedding, Georgia marriage licenses are issued through county probate courts. Any Georgia resident may apply for a license in any county in the State of Georgia. However, if neither applicant is a resident of Georgia, you may only obtain your license in the county where the ceremony is to be performed. For Atlanta weddings, you’ll apply through the Fulton County Probate Court marriage license portal. Visit Georgia.gov’s state marriage license application guide for full state requirements.
FAQs: event planning in Atlanta
When should I hire an Atlanta event planner?
We recommend hiring at least six to eight months in advance, and 12 months or more for weddings or large-scale celebrations. Atlanta’s popular planners book up quickly, especially during spring and fall wedding seasons.
How much does an event planner cost in Atlanta?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of services, but event planners in Atlanta typically charge 15–20% of your overall event budget. Day-of coordination packages tend to start lower, while full-service planning for luxury events can run significantly higher. Ask each planner for a detailed breakdown so you can compare apples to apples.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
A venue coordinator focuses on the property itself—making sure the space is set up correctly and house rules are followed. An independent event planner works for you, managing your full vendor team, creative vision, timeline, and budget across every aspect of the event. They’re complementary roles, not interchangeable ones.
Why hire a local Atlanta planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established vendor relationships, know which neighborhoods work best for different event types, understand Atlanta’s permit requirements, and can navigate the city’s traffic patterns and seasonal quirks. That institutional knowledge saves you time, money, and stress.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Atlanta’s event planning community is packed with creative, dedicated professionals who know how to make the most of this incredible city. Whether you’re drawn to meticulous attention to detail, a relationship-first approach, eco-conscious luxury, or something else—you’ve got options that can truly elevate your celebration. The right planner paired with the right Atlanta event venue is the foundation for something 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.
