Top 5 Event Planners in Memphis
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- June 25, 2026
- 16 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Known for its deep musical roots, legendary barbecue, and a cultural energy that pulses through neighborhoods like Cooper-Young, Midtown, and the revitalized Downtown district, Memphis brings a one-of-a-kind backdrop to every gathering. Whether you’re planning an elegant wedding at a historic mansion venue, a corporate reception overlooking the Mississippi River, or an intimate celebration in a creative studio, Memphis’ diverse event venues deliver atmosphere you simply can’t replicate.
That vibrant event scene means you have access to talented planners who understand the city’s rhythm—from navigating summer heat to coordinating around major festivals like the annual Memphis in May International Festival. The best event planners in Memphis bring deep local vendor networks, neighborhood-specific logistics knowledge, and a passion for creating celebrations that reflect the city’s character.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Every planner on this list has been carefully vetted for client satisfaction, creative excellence, and professional credibility. Here are the five best event planners in Memphis to help bring your vision to life.
How we curate our list
Finding the right event planner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your celebration. That’s why we don’t just pull names at random—we evaluate each planner against meaningful criteria to ensure they meet the standards you deserve.
Our selection process considers:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, and social media to get a well-rounded picture of each planner’s reputation and consistency.
- Industry recognition and awards: Planners who have earned media features, publication spotlights, or industry accolades demonstrate a proven track record of excellence.
- Professional credentials and associations: Certifications, licenses, and memberships in professional organizations signal a genuine commitment to the craft.
- Portfolio quality and diversity: We review each planner’s body of work to assess creativity, range, and attention to detail across different event types and styles.
- Strong online presence: An active, well-maintained digital presence shows that a planner is engaged, current, and invested in their business.
Best event planners in Memphis
These five Memphis event planners bring distinct strengths to the table—from multicultural wedding expertise to budget-savvy coordination. Each one has earned their spot through consistent quality, glowing client feedback, and a deep understanding of what makes Memphis celebrations special.
1. Kelsey Morgan Event Styling
Company name and founder/lead planner: Kelsey Morgan Event Styling / Kelsey Morgan
Specialty/niche: Kelsey is a wedding and event stylist who creates personal and unique visions customized for each couple. Described by clients as calm, organized, and helpful with impeccable design style, she brings a refined aesthetic that feels both timeless and personal. Her services range from hourly creative consultations to full planning and execution.
Notable projects or signature style: Kelsey’s portfolio includes weddings at some of Memphis’s most beloved venues, including the Brooks Museum and the Dixon Gallery. She is a recipient of The Knot Best of Weddings for 2021, 2022, and 2023. One client who planned a wedding from Vermont hired Kelsey for a Memphis celebration and had to postpone not once but twice due to the pandemic—three separate wedding dates—and her reviews highlight how Kelsey handled all vendor rescheduling without missing a beat. That kind of grace under pressure speaks volumes.
Pricing: Event design starts at $2,000; partial planning starts at $4,500; and full planning starts at $6,000. Get in touch directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Kelsey is professional but very personable, staying on top of every task while personalizing each event. Her laid-back personality puts couples at ease, and her meticulous planning ensures nothing falls through the cracks. She’s the kind of planner who becomes a friend by the end of the process. Clients consistently praise her exceptional day-of execution and genuine dedication. Customer reviews highlight her strong creative vision, with one client sharing, “Kelsey went above and beyond! She made sure that the whole day went smoothly and everything came together beautifully. She handled everything so we didn’t have to worry about anything.”
Connect with them: Follow @kelseymorganstyling on Instagram for timeless and elegant wedding inspiration.
2. WeddingsByWhitneyB
Company name and founder/lead planner: WeddingsByWhitneyB / Whitney Hurt
Specialty/niche: WeddingsByWhitneyB creates custom designs for busy traditional, non-traditional, and multicultural couples searching for modern, timeless, and romantic wedding day experiences. Offerings include vendor management, wedding week management, day-of coordination, and in-house floral design. Whitney also handles corporate events, understanding that corporate gatherings are opportunities to inspire, connect, and make a lasting impact.
Notable projects or signature style: Whitney’s signature style blends elegance with personal storytelling, and she’s known for creating events that honor each couple’s unique cultural heritage. Her work has been featured in Black Nuptials, Brides & Weddings, and Memphis Voyager. She also offers micro wedding and elopement planning for couples looking to tell their love story in a non-traditional way. Her planning process includes a 6–18 month breakdown to keep couples on track, and she’s perfected the process for weddings that need to be planned in 90 days or less.
Pricing: WeddingsByWhitneyB builds custom packages for each client. Reach out to the directly through their website to schedule a consultation and request a tailored quote.
Why we love them: Whitney brings a rare combination of heart and hustle to every event she touches. Her ability to serve multicultural couples with sensitivity and style, combined with her in-house floral design capabilities, makes her a true one-stop shop for Memphis celebrations. According to customer reviews, clients consistently praise her for delivering a seamless, stress-free wedding experience from start to finish. Testimonials highlight her strong interpersonal skills and professionalism, with one client noting, “From start to finish, Whitney made our entire wedding weekend absolutely seamless, joyful, and completely stress-free.”
Connect with them: Follow @weddingsbywhitneyb_ on Instagram for a peek into her creative process and recent events.
3. Bella Poggio Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Bella Poggio Events / Claire Lopez
Specialty/niche: The company blends Italian elegance with Southern hospitality. Claire created Bella Poggio Events to help couples experience wedding planning with more calm, clarity, and confidence. Her approach combines thoughtful organization, intentional design, and calm leadership so couples can truly enjoy the season they’re in. She offers full planning, partial planning, and wedding coordination services, including destination celebrations in Italy and Mexico.
Notable projects or signature style: Claire never takes more than one wedding per day to ensure each couple gets her full attention. She operates as a dedicated team of one—meaning you’ll work directly with her from start to finish. Clients consistently praise her calming presence, with one mother of the groom noting that Claire handled every detail with grace and professionalism. The studio is now reserving select 2026 and 2027 celebrations.
Pricing: Planning packages start at $2,000. Reach out to the company through their website for a customized quote based on your vision.
Why we love them: Claire’s approach is rooted in genuine connection—understanding her clients’ vision, honoring their story, and delivering a day that feels uniquely theirs. Whether it’s a chic garden wedding or a sophisticated brand gathering, her signature style is warm, refined, and flawlessly executed. According to reviews, clients consistently praise Claire for delivering a stress-free, well-organized planning experience. Testimonials highlight her calm guidance and strong personal rapport, earning her perfect ratings across major wedding platforms.
Connect with them: Follow @bellapoggioevents on Instagram for behind-the-scenes planning moments.
4. Social Butterflies
Company name and founder/lead planner: Social Butterflies / Michelle Cassagne
Specialty/niche: Their versatility is a standout quality. Social Butterflies covers weddings, birthday parties, sweet sixteens, showers, dinner parties, corporate events, holiday parties, galas, charity fundraisers, product launches, political events, and trade shows. They’re equally comfortable producing an elegant black-tie gala as they are orchestrating a themed sweet sixteen.
Notable projects or signature style: Michelle and her team work with each client from start to finish—planning every detail, managing budgets, orchestrating the best team of vendors, and handling all logistics. They conceptualize and implement creative ideas to design an experience that is custom and memorable. Social Butterflies’ weddings have been featured in the Southern Bride magazine, with local venues like Hillwood/Davies Manor and Memphis Botanic Garden showcasing their work.
Pricing: Social Butterflies creates custom packages for each client, so contact them directly through their website for a personalized quote based on your event specifications.
Why we love them: Social Butterflies is very flexible with the services they offer, accommodating each client’s individual needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or in the middle of planning and feeling overwhelmed, they can meet you where you are in the process. Their range makes them one of the most versatile planning teams in Memphis.
Connect with them: Follow @sbutterflies on Instagram for a peek at their creative process.
5. Pineapple Processions
Company name and founder/lead planner: Pineapple Processions / Kathleen Davenport
Specialty/niche: Pineapple Processions provides planning assistance and event management services with a goal of saving clients time and money. The team has over 17 years of combined experience and has directed over 300 events. Kathleen Davenport is known for her ability to offer detailed timelines, design functional floor plans, and manage every aspect of wedding day coordination, with extensive experience in venue management, floral design, and catering.
Notable projects or signature style: Clients rave about the money Kathleen saves them—one couple shared that how Pineapple Processions negotiated pricing on several contracts, saving them a bundle with discounts on the groom’s attire, invitations, DJ service, and connecting them with a florist whose arrangements were about $2,000 less than other quotes. Kathleen also hosts a podcast loaded with information that every bride needs to hear.
Pricing: Pineapple Processions lists three packages: Platinum starting at $2,400, Gold starting at $2,100, and Silver starting at $1,800. Reach out to the company through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Kathleen keeps clients on track, on time, and saves them thousands by recommending vendors at the right price. Her transparent pricing, budget-conscious approach, and deep vendor network make Pineapple Processions an incredible value for Memphis couples who want a gorgeous event without overspending. Clients consistently praise her highly responsive nature and practical approach to logistics. According to reviews, her ability to reduce wedding-day stress is unmatched, with one testimonial highlighting, “Super helpful, concise, and realistic when it comes to logistics — which is definitely a plus for wedding planning!”
Connect with them: Follow @pineappleprocessions on Instagram for planning tips and event highlights.
Choosing a Memphis event planner
With so many talented professionals in Memphis, choosing the right planner can feel overwhelming. These practical tips will help you evaluate your options and find the perfect match for your celebration.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Memphis—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like: “What’s the parking situation in the Cooper-Young district on a Saturday evening?” or “Which Downtown venues have noise restrictions after 10 pm?” 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 Midtown and East Memphis—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the city or are just listing Memphis on their website.
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. 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.
3. Assess their crisis management for Memphis-specific challenges
Memphis summers are hot and humid, and severe weather can pop up quickly. Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a thunderstorm rolls in the afternoon of our outdoor reception?” Experienced Memphis 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 challenge for a past client. Listen for specifics: Did they have tent sidewalls ready? Climate-controlled spaces secured as backup? Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed.
4. Review their portfolio for Memphis specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in Memphis neighborhoods and venues 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 Memphis-specific obstacles—parking logistics at Downtown venues, coordinating around Beale Street foot traffic, weather backup plans—and explain their solutions. Follow up by asking: “May I contact this client?” Real references reveal whether the planner’s Memphis expertise made a tangible difference.
5. Measure budget realism for the Memphis market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for my event type in Memphis 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 Peerspace Memphis event venue instead of a traditional hotel ballroom, choosing an off-peak day, or exploring emerging neighborhoods like the Edge District. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs. Ask to see two past events—one at your budget and one 50% higher—and find out what the extra money bought.
Tips for planning an event in Memphis
Event planning is all about timing, and Memphis has its own rhythm you’ll want to understand before locking in dates.
Weather patterns: Memphis has hot, humid summers (June through August regularly hits the 90s) and mild winters. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the most popular seasons for outdoor events, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. If you’re planning an outdoor celebration in summer, make sure your planner has a heat mitigation strategy—shade structures, fans, cold beverages, and an indoor backup.
Peak seasons and tourism: Memphis draws visitors year-round, but certain times create capacity issues and premium pricing. Check the official Memphis Travel events calendar to see what’s happening during your planned dates. Keep these major events in mind:
- Memphis in May International Festival (May)— a month-long festival that includes the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
- Elvis Week (August)— commemorating the anniversary of Elvis’s passing, fans from around the world gather at Graceland and surrounding areas
- Memphis Music & Heritage Festival (September)
- Cooper-Young Festival (September)— the biggest one-day festival in the state of Tennessee
- Memphis Pride Festival (June)
- Liberty Bowl (December)
Planning around these events can save you money on venues and vendors while avoiding competition for hotel rooms and transportation.
Transportation and parking: Memphis is a car-centric city, so parking matters. Downtown venues often have limited parking, and your planner should know which garages and lots are closest. For events in Midtown or East Memphis, street parking is generally more accessible. Consider arranging shuttle service for larger events, especially if your ceremony and reception are in different locations. Memphis International Airport (MEM) is the primary international airport serving the metro area, and the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) official website provides public transportation throughout the city and parts of Shelby County. Visit the Memphis International Airport’s official ground transportation guide for rental car, taxi, and shuttle details for out-of-town guests.
Permits and regulations: Depending on your event type and location, you may need permits for outdoor gatherings, alcohol service, or amplified music. A local planner will know the specific requirements for your venue and neighborhood. To obtain a marriage license in Shelby County, both parties must appear for the issuance of the license. Visit the Shelby County Clerk’s marriage license requirements page for full requirements, fees, and office locations.
FAQs: event planning in Memphis
When should I hire a Memphis event planner?
We recommend hiring at least six to 12 months in advance, especially if your event falls during peak wedding season (spring and fall) or coincides with major Memphis events like Memphis in May. Popular planners book up quickly, so reaching out early gives you the best selection.
How much does an event planner cost in Memphis?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of services, but event planners in Memphis typically charge 15–20% of your overall event budget. Day-of coordination packages can start as low as $800, while full-service planning ranges from $1,200 to $5,000 and up. Many planners offer tiered packages so you can choose the level of support that fits your budget.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes—a venue coordinator focuses on the property’s logistics (setup times, catering rules, facility access), while an independent event planner manages your entire celebration. Your planner handles vendor selection, design, timeline creation, budget management, and day-of coordination across all aspects of your event, not just what happens at the venue.
Why hire a local Memphis planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
A local planner brings invaluable knowledge of Memphis-specific regulations, vendor relationships, neighborhood logistics, and weather patterns. They know which vendors deliver consistently, which venues have hidden costs, and how to navigate the city’s unique event landscape. That insider knowledge saves you time, money, and stress.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Memphis is a city that celebrates with soul, and these event planners know exactly how to channel that energy into unforgettable moments. Whether you’re drawn to Whitney’s multicultural expertise, Kelsey’s refined styling, Claire’s calm precision, Michelle’s versatile luxury approach, or Kathleen’s budget-savvy coordination, you’ll find a planner on this list who matches your vision and makes the planning process genuinely enjoyable.
Take the next step in your event prep journey by discovering the perfect Memphis event venue for your celebration on Peerspace.
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.
