Top 5 Party Planners in Memphis
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- May 19, 2026
- 16 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Memphis boasts the blues-soaked energy of Beale Street, lush gardens of Midtown, and industrial-chic spaces in the Edge District. All bring a rhythm and warmth to every gathering that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday bash, an elegant corporate soiree, or a reception that rivals the best this city has ever seen, Memphis delivers a backdrop unlike any other.
With so many talented party planners calling the Bluff City home, you’re in a great position to find someone who truly gets your vision and has the local connections to pull it off. The best Memphis planners navigate everything from summer heat contingency plans to vendor availability during Memphis in May, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the celebration.
Every planner on this list has been carefully vetted based on client satisfaction, industry credentials, and portfolio quality. And when you’re ready to pair the perfect planner with the perfect space, Peerspace connects you with unique Memphis party venues that set the stage for something truly memorable.
How we curate our list
This isn’t a random list. We evaluate Memphis party planners based on criteria that actually matter to you as a client—because finding the right fit can make or break your event experience.
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We look at feedback on Google, WeddingWire, The Knot, Yelp, and social media to get a well-rounded picture of each planner’s reputation.
- Industry recognition and credentials: Professional certifications, press features, and awards signal a commitment to the craft that goes beyond the basics.
- Portfolio quality and range: We review each planner’s body of work to assess creativity, consistency, and their ability to handle different event types and styles.
Best party planners in Memphis
Here are the five Memphis party planners who stood out in our research—each bringing something unique to the table.
1. Simone Elise Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Simone Elise Events / Tish and Darius Clay
Specialty/niche: Simone Elise Events is a husband-and-wife company based in Memphis, TN, servicing the tri-state area. They offer wedding day event management, full-service wedding planning, and wedding and event design services for weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings. What makes them stand out is that they handle both planning and floral design in-house, giving clients a cohesive vision without juggling separate vendors.
Notable projects or signature style: Tish and Darius hold the titles of Master Certified Wedding Planner and Certified Wedding Planner from the Certified Wedding Planner Society. Their design work is deeply personalized—they sit down with each couple to understand color palettes and aesthetic preferences, then translate those into lush, layered environments. Past projects include celebrations featuring dramatic fabric draping, fresh florals, and carefully curated details at notable Memphis venues like the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. They bring a consistent eye for elegance while tailoring every detail to the couple’s story.
Pricing: Simone Elise Events offers tiered service packages. Pricing starts at $3,000. Reach out to the company directly to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Why we love them: Couples describe Tish and Darius as caring, organized, and devoted to creating a magical experience. Their dual certifications and hands-on approach—combining planning, coordination, and floral design under one roof—mean fewer moving parts on event day and a deeply personal, detail-driven celebration. That level of cohesion is rare and makes a real difference. Clients consistently praise their ability to create a calm, stress-free experience, noting that the team is “very professional and nice.” Testimonials highlight that the entire experience is “phenomenal” from the first consultation, with flawless vendor coordination ensuring “everything went as planned.”
Connect with them: Follow @thesimoneeliseevents on Instagram for a peek into their creative process and recent events.
2. Reverie Wedding & Event Planning
Company name and founder/lead planner: Reverie Wedding & Event Planning / Madison McGhee
Specialty/niche: Reverie Wedding & Event Planning offers personalized wedding and event services in Tennessee, blending warmth and professionalism to bring your vision to life with care. They specialize in moderate to full planning and event design, with completely customizable packages including à la carte services like RSVP tracking and budget management. Madison’s approach centers on making the planning process feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
Notable projects or signature style: With over a decade of experience and Master Certification through The CWP, founder Madison McGhee brings calm confidence and genuine care to every step of the planning process. After earning her degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Memphis, she stepped into the world of weddings and never looked back. Reverie was born from a magical moment in California Wine Country, where Madison encountered the kind of warmth and hospitality that leaves a lasting imprint. To give each couple their full attention, they limit the number of weddings they take on per month.
Pricing: Reverie creates custom packages for each client. Inquire with the company directly through their website for a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Madison’s hospitality management background gives her a unique edge—she designs experiences rooted in genuine warmth. Her intentional decision to limit her client roster means focused, dedicated attention for every celebration, and that kind of exclusivity translates directly into a more thoughtful, personalized planning experience. Customer reviews overwhelmingly reflect this, with clients consistently praise the team for going “above and beyond” expectations. Testimonials highlight strong personal rapport and note that their comprehensive services are “worth every penny,” delivering a polished, reliable experience from start to finish.
Connect with them: Follow @reverieweddingplanning on Instagram and @reverieweddingplanning on TikTok.
3. It’s Your Day! Weddings & Special Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: It’s Your Day! Weddings & Special Events / Staci Franklin
Specialty/niche: Based in Memphis and serving couples and families throughout the Southeast, It’s Your Day! Weddings & Special Events brings together over two decades of professional expertise and a deep love for this community. Staci’s range extends well beyond weddings—she handles fundraisers, corporate events, tradeshows, and social celebrations with equal skill.
Notable projects or signature style: Staci Franklin is a Memphis-based certified wedding planner and accredited wedding and event designer with more than 20 years of experience in communications and community relations. Her professional background includes serving as Director of Community Investment for the Memphis Grizzlies NBA franchise and coordinating with The White House advance team for President Obama’s commencement address at Booker T. Washington High School. Her work has been featured in Premier Bride Magazine, Munaluchi Bride, The Commercial Appeal, and many others.
Pricing: Pricing begins at $6,100 for full-service wedding planning and $2,500 for wedding day management and coordination. Contact Staci through her website directly to request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Staci’s corporate communications background gives her organizational precision and stakeholder management skills that most planners simply don’t have. Her community roots in Memphis run deep, which means she has relationships with local vendors and venues that translate into better service for you. Clients consistently praise the company’s ability to deliver a stress-free, joy-centered experience. Testimonials highlight their seamless coordination, which allows couples to fully relax and enjoy their celebration, though prospective clients may want to read through their varied Yelp reviews for a complete picture.
Connect with them: Follow @itsyourdayweddingsevents on Instagram for a peek into her creative process and recent events.
4. Bella Baxter Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Bella Baxter Events / Katherine Shell Benson
Specialty/niche: Bella Baxter Events is a full-service concierge wedding planning and event management firm serving the Memphis, Tennessee, and Arkansas areas, as well as producing destination weddings. They offer month-of, partial, and full planning services for weddings plus full planning services for other events. Their concierge-style approach means they handle everything—custom design, vendor curation, logistics, and day-of execution.
Notable projects or signature style: With 16 years in business, over 400 events produced in 35-plus cities, and close to 100 press features, Bella Baxter Events has built a seriously impressive track record. Their press highlights include Arkansas Bride, Southern Bride, The New York Times, Style Me Pretty, Muna Luchi Bride, and BRIDES Magazine. With offices in both Little Rock and Memphis, they bring a broader vendor network and design perspective than most local firms.
Pricing: They offer flat-fee pricing based on investment level and planning timeline length. On average, their clients plan for six months and spend an average of $6,500 for full-service planning. Get in contact directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Katherine’s dual-city presence gives Bella Baxter a national-level perspective while staying rooted in Memphis. Their transparent budgeting approach—where you pay all vendors directly—builds trust and keeps finances clear. With press features in publications like The New York Times, this is a team that delivers at the highest level. Clients consistently praise the team as “true professionals” who execute events seamlessly. Testimonials highlight their “flawless logistics” and reliability, with reviewers noting that their special days went off “without a hitch.”
Connect with them: Follow @bellabaxterevents on Instagram and watch @bellabaxterevents2 on TikTok.
5. Ethan Thomas Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Ethan Thomas Events / Ethan Chute
Specialty/niche: Ethan Thomas Events takes your dreams and ideas and makes them a reality—no matter the size of the event. They provide floral design, partial and full planning options, including booking vendors, lining up entertainment, designing, and renting. If you’re looking for a planner who leads with bold, creative floral design and builds the entire event aesthetic around it, Ethan Thomas is your match.
Notable projects or signature style: A friend took a chance on Ethan in 2020 and hired him as their event designer, and Ethan Thomas Events was born. In just a few years, he has brought over 50 weddings and other events to life. He won Best Florals at The Styled Challenge competition at the Memphis Botanic Garden, hosted by Southern Bride. Ethan loves partnering with local flower sources in Memphis because it gives business back to the city, and he’s focused on arranging seasonally to bring love to every season.
Pricing: Ethan Thomas Events creates custom packages for each client, so reach out to the company directly for to request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Ethan’s passion for local sourcing and seasonal florals means your event will feel authentically Memphis. He’s a University of Memphis graduate with deep community ties, and his rapid growth—from a single event in 2020 to an award-winning design studio—speaks to the quality of his work. Clients describe him as someone who can take a vague Pinterest board and turn it into a cohesive, stunning reality.
Connect with them: Follow @ethanthomas_events on Instagram for a peek into his creative process and recent events.
Choosing a Memphis party planner
With this many talented professionals in the Memphis market, choosing the right one can feel like a big decision. Here’s how to narrow down your options with confidence.
Test their knowledge of Memphis neighborhoods and logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Memphis—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like: “What’s the parking situation in the South Main Arts District on a Saturday night?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise restrictions that could affect our reception?” A planner with real local experience will answer immediately and offer alternatives. Ask them to walk you through how they’d handle guest transportation between Midtown and Downtown—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across Memphis or are just listing it on their website.
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.
Check how they navigate peak season conflicts
Memphis has a packed events calendar, and the best planners know how to work around it. Ask prospective planners: “How do you handle vendor availability during Memphis in May or Beale Street Music Festival weekend?” The right answer includes specific strategies: backup vendor lists, early booking timelines, and price negotiation tactics during high-demand periods. They should mention Memphis’s specific events by name without you prompting them.
Review their portfolio for Memphis events specifically
Don’t just ask for their general portfolio—ask for events specifically in Memphis or the neighborhoods relevant to your celebration. Request three to five examples similar to yours in event type, size, budget range, and venue style. During the portfolio review, ask: “What was the biggest challenge in executing this event?” Strong planners will cite Memphis-specific obstacles—summer heat backup plans, parking logistics near Beale Street, vendor scheduling during peak season—and explain their solutions.
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 Memphis party venue on Peerspace instead of a traditional hotel ballroom, choosing off-peak days, or exploring emerging neighborhoods like Crosstown or the Edge District. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs.
Planning a party in Memphis
Event planning is all about timing, and Memphis has its own rhythm you’ll want to work with.
Weather patterns: Memphis summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly hitting the 90s from June through August. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the sweet spots for outdoor events—mild temperatures, lower humidity, and gorgeous scenery. Winter events work well indoors, though Memphis rarely sees extreme cold.
Peak seasons and tourism spikes: Memphis in May International Festival is the city’s biggest tourism draw, spanning the entire month and featuring major events that shift traffic patterns and drive up demand. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest returns to Liberty Park mid-month, and the Beale Street Music Festival takes place the first weekend in May. Hotel rates spike, vendors book up fast, and traffic patterns shift. Plan around these dates or book your vendors extra early. Check the official Memphis in May festival website for the latest event schedule.
Major events to plan around:
- Memphis in May International Festival (May)
- Beale Street Music Festival (May)
- World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May)
- Memphis Pride Festival (June)
- Cooper-Young Festival (September)
- Indie Memphis Film Festival (October/November)
- Liberty Bowl (December/January)
- Elvis Week at Graceland (August)
For a comprehensive calendar of events throughout the year, visit Memphis Travel’s online event calendar, the official destination marketing site for the city.
Transportation and parking: Downtown Memphis has limited parking, especially near Beale Street and the riverfront. If your event is in the South Main Arts District or Downtown, consider arranging shuttle service or valet parking for guests. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) public transit system operates bus routes throughout the city, though note that all vintage trolley service was suspended in August 2024—check MATA’s site for current status before building trolley rides into your event plan.
Neighborhood differences: Memphis neighborhoods each have their own personality. Midtown offers eclectic, artsy vibes. East Memphis is more polished and suburban. The Edge District and Crosstown are up-and-coming with industrial-chic spaces. Cooper-Young has a walkable, bohemian feel. Your planner should help you match your event’s energy with the right neighborhood.
Permitting and legal details: If your event includes a wedding ceremony, you’ll need a marriage license from the Shelby County Clerk’s Office marriage license portal. Both parties must appear for the issuance of the license, and if the marriage license is not used within 30 days, it is voided and a new license must be purchased.
If you’re not a Memphis local, these logistical details are exactly why hiring a local planner matters. They’ll know the nuances that can make or break your event.
FAQs: party planning in Memphis
When should I hire a Memphis party planner?
We recommend hiring at least six to 12 months in advance, especially if your event falls during peak season (May, September, or the holiday months). Popular Memphis planners book up quickly, so the earlier you reach out, the better your chances of securing your first choice.
How much does a party planner cost in Memphis?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of your event, but party planners typically charge 15–20% of your overall event budget or offer flat-fee packages. In Memphis, full-service planning can start around $3,000–$6,500 and go up from there for larger or more complex events. Many planners offer tiered packages—day-of coordination, partial planning, and full service—so you can find an option that fits your budget.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
A venue coordinator focuses on the property—making sure the space is set up, the rules are followed, and the building runs smoothly. An independent planner focuses on you—your vision, your vendors, your timeline, your guest experience. They’re complementary roles, not interchangeable ones.
Why hire a local Memphis planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners have established vendor relationships, knowledge of Memphis-specific regulations and permits, and an understanding of neighborhood logistics that out-of-town planners simply can’t match. They know which caterers deliver on time, which venues have parking challenges, and how to navigate the city during major events like Memphis in May.
Great events start with standout spaces—and the people who bring them to life
Memphis is a city that celebrates with soul, and the planners on this list know exactly how to channel that energy into events that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable. Whether you’re throwing a milestone birthday, hosting a corporate gathering, or planning the reception of your dreams, the right planner paired with the right party venue in Memphis is the foundation for something truly special.
If you have feedback on our list, our team would love to hear from you. Reach us at [email protected] with suggestions, corrections, or additions.
