Top 5 Party Planners in Kansas
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Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- June 23, 2026
- 15 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
The Kansas City metro area—straddling two states with dozens of distinct neighborhoods—offers everything from historic downtown squares and arts district lofts to sprawling suburban estates perfect for outdoor parties. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, a baby shower with all the trendy details, or an intimate wedding reception, the Sunflower State’s party planning scene is thriving with creative professionals who genuinely love what they do.
With so many talented planners operating across the metro, you have the advantage of finding someone who truly fits your style, budget, and vision. These professionals navigate the unique logistics of Kansas event planning—from unpredictable weather patterns to the two-state quirks of the KC metro—so you can focus on enjoying the celebration you’ve been dreaming about.
We’ve carefully vetted each planner on this list based on criteria that actually matter: consistent client satisfaction, creative portfolio quality, and transparent business practices. These professionals have earned their reputations through years of dedicated work in the Kansas event community.
How we curate our list
Finding the right party planner takes more than a quick search. We dig deep into each company’s track record, creative output, and client relationships to make sure every recommendation delivers real value.
Our selection criteria include:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We analyze feedback on Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, and the Better Business Bureau for consistent positive experiences and responsiveness.
- Industry recognition and awards: Nominations, features in local publications, and professional credentials signal a planner’s standing in the Kansas City community.
- Professional credentials and associations: Active membership in industry groups, ongoing education, verified business operations, and proper licensing demonstrate commitment to the craft.
We also evaluate portfolio diversity, local vendor network depth, and how transparently each company communicates about services and pricing. Every planner on this list meets high standards for professionalism, creativity, and client satisfaction.
Best party planners in Kansas
Here are the five standout party planners serving the Kansas and Kansas City metro area, each bringing something unique to the celebration table.
1. Pretty & Planned Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Pretty & Planned Events / Stephanie Hopkins
Specialty/niche: Pretty & Planned Events is an award-winning wedding planning and stationery studio based in the Kansas City area. They offer three core planning packages—full-service planning, partial planning, and event management—along with 1:1 planning strategy sessions, workshops, and custom stationery including invitations, menus, save the dates, and place cards. They serve clients nationwide and abroad.
Notable projects or signature style: Stephanie started wedding coordinating as a side hustle in 2007 and went full-time in 2015 after becoming a new mom. What truly sets Pretty & Planned apart is their physical storefront in Historic Downtown Parkville, which they’ve operated since 2016—one of few planners in KC offering that in-person collaborative experience. On average, the team coordinates around 30–40 weddings and events per year, giving them a steady rhythm of hands-on execution that keeps their process sharp and dependable.
Pricing: Investments vary based on your unique needs and vision. Get in touch through their website to schedule a complimentary consultation and receive a custom quote.
Why we love them: The team includes Stephanie, three lead planners, and eight assistant planners for weekend support—so you’re getting a full crew dedicated to your event. Clients consistently praise Stephanie’s upbeat, personable approach and her ability to instill confidence and ease stress. As one reviewer noted, “Stephanie was truly the best wedding planner I could have ever asked for! From the start, she brought so much confidence, creativity, and professionalism to the planning process.” They provide clients a clear planning path, create a genuinely fun experience, and aim to become someone you consider a dear friend made during a special season of life. Their stationery side of the business also means cohesive design from invitation to day-of details.
Connect with them: Follow @pretty_and_planned on Instagram.
2. ThirtyOne:Thirty Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: ThirtyOne:Thirty Events / Alisha Richardson
Specialty/niche: ThirtyOne:Thirty Events is a boutique event planning firm specializing in weddings, parties, and corporate events. They offer full-service planning, partial planning, day-of coordination, and consultations. Based in the Kansas City metro area, they also operate sister companies for rentals and photo booth services—giving clients a convenient one-stop-shop experience.
Notable projects or signature style: Alisha launched ThirtyOne:Thirty in spring 2017 after leaving the world of corporate events. Her background in hospitality—including hotel event management and catering—gives her a deep understanding of how events actually run behind the scenes. The firm prides itself on being completely client-focused, representing, working for, and advocating for each client while maintaining strong vendor relationships across the city. That dual loyalty—to you and to the vendor community—means your event benefits from genuine, well-nurtured partnerships rather than transactional bookings.
Pricing: Wedding services start at $2,850. ThirtyOne:Thirty Events also creates custom packages for each client. Contact them directly for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: With over 20 years of combined event coordination experience, the team—including lead planners Amy, Kim, Alisha, and Miranda—receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for being organized, attentive, and dedicated to bringing each couple’s vision to life. Clients consistently praise their ability to create seamless, stress-free wedding day experiences while remaining calm and composed under pressure. Testimonials highlight their warm, attentive approach, with one client noting, “They are incredibly sweet, kind, attentive, and organized. Our entire event was smooth and seamless thanks to her. I cannot sing their praises enough.” Their hospitality roots show in the way they manage the behind-the-scenes details most clients never even think about, and the sister rental and photo booth companies mean fewer vendors to coordinate on your end.
Connect with them: Follow @thirtyonethirty_events on Instagram.
3. The Party Trend
Company name and founder/lead planner: The Party Trend / Emily Quezada
Specialty/niche: The Party Trend specializes in modern party rentals and event design in the Kansas City metro. Their inventory includes white bounce houses, ball pits, kids chairs, backdrops, party props, soft play sets, baby bumper cars, bubble houses, and tent draping. They also run a separate LED marquee letter business under @ledmarqueekc on Instagram.
Notable projects or signature style: It all started when Emily and her husband Paolo searched for an all-white bounce house for their two-year-old’s birthday and couldn’t find one in the entire state. That gap in the market became a business—they now own and operate eight modern bounce houses. Their aesthetic leans trendy, modern, and Instagram-worthy—think neutral palettes, stylish backdrops, and curated setups that photograph beautifully.
Pricing: The Party Trend has a delivery minimum of $500. Contact them through their website for custom quotes.
Why we love them: Their passion for celebrating life’s moments—especially with their own children—is what fuels this business, and Kansas City has welcomed them with open arms. Customer feedback highlights their professionalism and thoroughness in the rental and delivery process. As one customer states, “We had the best experience renting from The Party Trend! They were thorough and professional and had the best options available for bounce houses in the city.” If you’re planning a children’s birthday, baby shower, or any celebration where you want that picture-perfect modern look, The Party Trend is your go-to. The fact that they’ve scaled from one bounce house to a full inventory of eight speaks to just how well the KC community has embraced their vision.
Connect with them: Follow @thepartytrend on Instagram.
4. Cakewalk Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Cakewalk Events / Amy Rizzo & Kristen Bushmoyer
Specialty/niche: Cakewalk Events offers stress-free, affordable, truly all-inclusive weddings, receptions, and events with fully decorated venues and flexible rental options. They’re especially known for micro weddings and intimate celebrations, managing complete wedding and party services so you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors yourself.
Notable projects or signature style: Co-owners Amy Rizzo and Kristen Bushmoyer have been operating since 2014, building a business around making celebrations accessible and stress-free. They operate two intimate venues—one in the KC Crossroads Arts District and another in Historic Downtown Liberty. They also partner with a growing list of venues including The Kansas City Mansion, The Gathering KC, Heritage Hall, and the Kemper Museum of Modern Art. Amy brings more than 30 years of experience in catering and event planning, and their press page highlights media features including coverage in The Independent KC.
Pricing: For weddings, day-of coordination and event execution starts at $2,000, and comprehensive planning starts at $3,500. Mimosa parties and pizza parties start at $1,800 and $1,700 respectively. Inquire directly through their website to request a quote tailored to your needs.
Why we love them: Their philosophy is refreshingly simple—when they say “all-inclusive,” they mean it. Clients consistently praise the stress-free, inclusive, and thoughtful experience they provide. Testimonials highlight their attention to detail and affordability, with one client sharing, “The most thoughtful, incredible experience for all kinds of couples. Everything is seamless, easy, and still with attention to detail and care to make your day…” The level of simplicity they offer is rare for couples who don’t want to spend months coordinating vendors. Having two venue locations of their own also means they know every inch of those spaces and can design around them effortlessly.
Connect with them: Follow @cakewalkeventskc on Instagram and @cakewalkeventskc on TikTok.
Choosing a Kansas party planner
With so many talented professionals across the Kansas City metro, choosing the right planner can feel overwhelming. These practical tips will help you narrow down your options and find someone who truly fits your event.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Kansas City—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like “What’s the parking situation in the Crossroads on a Saturday evening?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that could affect our event?” A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. The Kansas City metro spans two states and dozens of distinct neighborhoods, so vague responses like “we’ll figure it out” are red flags. Ask them to walk you through how they’d handle guest transportation between Overland Park and downtown KC—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the metro.
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 Kansas-specific challenges
Kansas weather is notoriously unpredictable. Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning hits the week of our event?” Experienced Kansas 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 emergency for a past client. Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed.
4. Review their portfolio for Kansas events specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in Kansas or the Kansas City metro area. Request three to five examples similar to yours in event type, size, budget range, and neighborhood or venue style. During portfolio review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this event?” Strong planners will cite concrete obstacles—weather backup plans, parking logistics in the Crossroads, vendor scheduling during peak season—and explain their solutions.
5. Measure budget realism for this market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for my event type in Kansas City with this budget?” Good planners will be honest about what’s achievable and offer two or three cost tiers with concrete examples including unique Kansas party venues within your price range. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs. Kansas City’s event market is generally more affordable than coastal cities, but costs can still add up quickly during peak season.
Planning a party in Kansas
Event planning is all about timing, and Kansas has its own rhythm you’ll want to understand before locking in dates.
Weather patterns: Kansas experiences all four seasons with intensity. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are the sweet spots for outdoor events—mild temperatures, beautiful foliage, and lower humidity. Summer can bring extreme heat and severe thunderstorms, while winter events need contingency plans for ice and snow. Always have an indoor backup plan, no matter the season. The official National Weather Service Kansas City regional office is responsible for forecasts and weather warnings across the metro area and is a valuable resource for monitoring conditions as your event date approaches.
Peak season awareness: Wedding and party season in Kansas runs roughly from May through October, with September and October being the most popular months. Booking venues and vendors during this window requires more lead time—plan at least six to nine months ahead for peak season events. Check the official Visit KC things-to-do calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts with major metro-wide happenings.
Major events to plan around: The Kansas City metro hosts several major events that can affect venue availability, hotel pricing, and vendor schedules:
- Kansas City Chiefs season (September–January)—game days impact traffic and parking citywide
- American Royal (September–November)—one of the region’s largest events
- Plaza Lights (late November–January)—draws massive crowds to the Country Club Plaza area
- Big 12 events and college sports weekends
- Kansas City Renaissance Festival (September–October)—draws visitors from across the region
For a comprehensive look at seasonal happenings, the Travel Kansas state tourism guide and the Visit Kansas City, KS official event listings both maintain up-to-date event listings.
Transportation and parking: The Kansas City metro is car-dependent. Make sure your venue has adequate parking or arrange shuttle services for guests. If your event is in the Crossroads or downtown, consider valet parking or nearby garage options. For guests flying in, the Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the official airport serving the metro area, located about 15 miles northwest of downtown. The RideKC regional transit portal is your one-stop website for trip planning, maps, and schedules for public transit options across the region.
The two-state factor: Kansas City straddles Kansas and Missouri, which means different regulations, tax rates, and sometimes different vendor availability depending on which side of the state line your venue sits on. Make sure your planner understands the implications for your specific event. If you’re planning a wedding in Kansas, you can apply for an electronic Kansas marriage license through the Kansas courts and choose any of the 105 counties in the state to process your electronic marriage license.
FAQs: party planning in Kansas
When should I hire a Kansas party planner?
Hire your planner at least six to nine months before your event, especially if you’re planning during peak season (May–October). Popular planners book up quickly, and the earlier you start, the more venue and vendor options you’ll have.
How much does a party planner cost in Kansas?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of your event. Day-of coordination typically starts around $1,500–$2,500, while full-service planning can range from $3,750 to $10,000 or more. Most planners charge either a flat fee or a percentage of your overall event budget (typically 15–20%).
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes—a venue coordinator focuses on the property’s needs (setup times, capacity rules, vendor load-in), while an independent planner focuses on your vision. An independent planner has broader creative freedom, a wider vendor network, and advocates exclusively for you rather than the venue.
Why hire a local Kansas planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners know the vendor landscape, understand neighborhood logistics, navigate two-state regulations, and have established relationships that can save you time and money. They know which caterers deliver consistently, which venues have hidden fees, and how to handle Kansas weather surprises.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
The right party planner takes your vision and turns it into something real—handling the logistics, managing the stress, and making sure you actually get to enjoy the celebration you’ve been dreaming about. Kansas has a talented community of planners who bring Midwestern warmth, creative energy, and genuine care to every event they touch. Pair that expertise with the right Kansas party venue, and you’ve got the foundation for something truly memorable.
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.
