Top 5 Party Planners in Sacramento
-
Editor & Publisher -
Client Services Leader
- May 14, 2026
- 17 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
With a thriving food scene, gorgeous riverfront settings, historic neighborhoods, and a cultural calendar that keeps the energy high year-round, Sacramento gives you plenty of reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday, an engagement party, a corporate gala, or a backyard bash that needs a professional touch, Sacramento’s party planners bring the expertise needed to turn your ideas into something truly memorable.
The best planners here know which venues have the best natural light, which caterers can handle a 200-person reception on short notice, and how to navigate the city’s permit requirements without breaking a sweat. Pairing a talented local planner with a distinctive Sacramento party venue is one of the best ways to create an event your guests won’t stop talking about.
We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Below, you’ll find five standout party planners in the Sacramento area, each carefully selected for their creativity, professionalism, and ability to bring a client’s vision to life.
How we curate our list
Finding the right party planner is a big decision, and we want to make it easier. Every planner on this list was evaluated using criteria that matter most when you’re trusting someone with your celebration.
Here’s what we looked at:
- Client reviews across multiple platforms: We checked ratings and feedback on Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, The Knot, and other review sites to get a well-rounded picture of each planner’s reputation.
- Industry recognition and awards: We looked for planners who have earned press features, industry awards, or recognition from respected publications.
- Professional credentials and associations: We considered each planner’s background, certifications, and years of experience in the Sacramento market.
Best party planners in Sacramento
1. Beyond Smitten Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Beyond Smitten Events / Mae Mallon
Specialty/niche: Beyond Smitten Events is a California coast wedding planner specializing in elevated, full-service celebrations. They offer full-service planning, partial planning, and month-of event coordination across Northern California. Their reach extends across coastal California and beyond—covering Bodega Bay, Jenner, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Sacramento, and all the way to the Sierras.
Notable projects or signature style: Mae founded Beyond Smitten in 2017 with a simple intention: to pour her heart into work that truly matters while balancing quality family time. With a degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, Mae often refers to food as her first love—and that hospitality background shines through in her approach. One couple shared that when their officiant got sick on the wedding day, Mae stepped up to officiate the ceremony herself, making the moment even more emotional. Her portfolio includes events at notable Northern California venues like Park Winters and Grand Island Mansion.
Pricing: Investments vary based on each client’s unique needs. Contact them directly through their website to request a personalized quote.
Why we love them: Beyond Smitten Events is a Couples’ Choice Award winner with a 5.0 out of 5 rating on WeddingWire and has been featured on Brides. What really sets Mae apart is her calming presence and genuine warmth—clients consistently describe her as someone who makes the planning process feel joyful rather than stressful. Clients consistently praise the team’s meticulous planning, seamless day-of execution, and proactive vendor coordination. Testimonials highlight their professional demeanor, with one client noting, “Their planning team handled everything with confidence, tranquility, and respect for us and everyone in attendance.”
Connect with them: Follow @beyondsmitteneventsca on Instagram.
2. Alore Vay Weddings & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Alore Vay Weddings & Events / Niangi Igano
Specialty/niche: Alore Vay Weddings & Events is a Northern California-based, full-service wedding and event planning company established in 2016 with a mission to make your dream event a reality—no matter your budget, cultural background, or age group. They offer day-of coordination, partial planning, full-service planning, event design, and floral design across Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Notable projects or signature style: Since its founding, Alore Vay has worked alongside world-renowned event planners Kevin Lee and David Tutera and has been featured on Good Day Sacramento twice. Niangi earned her certification through Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute and has since expanded services to cover the Bay Area, Reno, Tahoe, and Southern California. Their most popular package is the “Crème de la Crème”—full-service planning plus design. Niangi is also passionate about education, serving as a mentor and online instructor for those pursuing careers in the event industry.
Pricing: Pricing is dependent on your event size, scope, and desired level of planning support. Contact them directly through their website to request a custom quote.
Why we love them: Niangi’s commitment to inclusivity stands out. Her mission is rooted in making celebrations accessible regardless of budget or cultural background. Clients frequently describe the planning process as smooth, stress-free, and well-supported from start to finish. Testimonials highlight Niangi’s hands-on involvement and responsiveness, with one client sharing, “The wedding was perfect and wouldn’t have been possible without Alore Vay’s help. Niangi was an amazing coordinator.” Another client shared that Niangi “was able to envision what I was thinking and put it all together,” adding that the extra details she incorporated made the celebration feel truly special.
Connect with them: Follow @alorevayevents on Instagram.
3. Anaïs Event Design
Company name and founder/lead planner: Anaïs Event Design / Amrit Dhillon-Bains
Specialty/niche: Anaïs Events is a full-service company specializing in upscale, highly personalized event planning and production of South Asian weddings and celebrations. Amrit’s innovative outlook and keen sense of design have made her the planner of choice for clients seeking modern, ethnic, and cross-cultural gatherings. Being a full-service design, planning, and one-stop rental studio sets them apart.
Notable projects or signature style: The French word for “graceful” is anaïs—a name chosen to reflect the company’s distinctive approach to design across a multicultural platform. With advanced degrees in Graphic Design and Business Management, Amrit pairs organizational precision with an artistic eye. As a full-service company, they also create floral arrangements, provide rentals, linens, and custom stationery. Amrit additionally designs logos, monograms, and related event collateral for her clients.
Pricing: To receive a custom quote based on your event specifications, get in touch through their website.
Why we love them: Amrit has been recognized as a Top Planner by Over the Moon and featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, Fast Company, Condé Nast Traveler, and The New York Times. That’s an extraordinary level of press recognition for a Northern California-based planner. Her ability to blend cultural traditions with modern design makes her especially valuable for multicultural celebrations. Reviewers consistently praise her exceptional event design and strong ability to translate a client’s vision into reality. Testimonials highlight the elegant and stunning visual execution, with one client stating, “In a word, stunning. Perfect coordination, outstanding display, I cannot express the true feelings I’ve had when entering an event put together by Anais Events.”
Connect with them: Follow @anaisevents on Instagram.
4. Blissful Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Blissful Events / Samar Hattar Khoury
Specialty/niche: Blissful Events was founded in 2007 by premier wine country wedding planner Samar Hattar Khoury. The company creates monumental days for people who love to embrace the fullness of authentic living with the chicness and elegance of laid-back luxury. While most Blissful Events couples reside in the United States, Samar has also planned weddings and commitment ceremonies for international pairs in Australia, China, Guatemala, and India.
Notable projects or signature style: Samar and her team pour themselves into each event, limiting the number of total yearly weddings to 16 to ensure each client gets the fullest attention and support they need. That intentional cap on bookings speaks volumes about her commitment to quality over quantity. One standout project involved a cross-cultural celebration for a Jewish groom and a Persian bride, where Samar designed a ceremony that honored both traditions. Blissful Events has been three times voted in the “Top Ten Best Bay Area Wedding Planners” on ABC’s (Channel 7) Bay Area “A” List.
Pricing: Contact Samar directly through her website for a personalized quote based on your unique needs.
Why we love them: Samar places attention on how the process of planning your wedding feels—she becomes your friend, your organizer, and your personal assistant all in one. Clients consistently praise her warm personality and ability to stay calm under pressure. According to customer reviews, the team is celebrated for delivering a stress-free planning experience and meticulous attention to detail. Testimonials highlight their seamless event execution and personal dedication, with clients noting that the team removes the burden of logistics so couples can fully enjoy their day. Her deep roots in California’s wine country make her an ideal choice for couples celebrating in the Sacramento and Northern California region.
Connect with them: Follow @blissfulevents on Instagram.
5. Jenna Lam Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Jenna Lam Events / Jenna Lam
Specialty/niche: Jenna Lam Events is a fully integrated event planning and design firm producing weddings and events worldwide since 2012. They design events for those seeking the unconventional, and with a special place in their hearts for the altruistic, a Jenna Lam event is distinguished by its blend of original details and a globally conscious perspective.
Notable projects or signature style: Jenna holds a degree in Business from Emory University and has applied her perfectionism, precision, and warmth to weddings, birthday bashes, bat mitzvahs, and corporate gigs alike for over a decade. In 2014, Jenna Lam Events was named one of Martha Stewart Weddings’ Top Wedding Planners. Together, Jenna and Creative Director Lexie Brooks collaborate on crafting celebrations that are timeless and completely yours—developing storyboards, creating floor plans, selecting fabrics, and designing floral arrangements with a custom collection of decorative accessories, linens, and lighting fixtures.
Pricing: Jenna Lam Events creates custom packages for each client, and pricing varies based on specifications. Reach out to the company directly to request a quote.
Why we love them: Jenna channels her love of travel and great design into events that are highly personalized and universally engaging. Her press page features coverage in Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and C Weddings. With an intuitive ability to connect people, places, and things, each Jenna Lam event celebrates togetherness through experiences that are, quite simply, worlds apart. The firm is recognized for delivering a high-caliber, luxury-tier experience. Testimonials highlight their seamless execution, with one vendor noting that working with them is “first-class all the way.”
Connect with them: Follow @jennalamevents on Instagram.
Choosing a Sacramento party planner
With so many talented professionals in the Sacramento area, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down your options and find a planner who truly fits your needs.
1. Test their knowledge of neighborhood logistics
Don’t just ask if they know Sacramento—test their knowledge. Ask specific questions like “What’s the parking situation in Midtown on a Saturday evening?” or “Which neighborhoods have noise ordinances that could affect our late-night reception?”
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 Downtown and East Sacramento—their answer reveals whether they’ve actually managed events across the city or are just listing Sacramento 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. Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork culture means the best caterers and florists book up fast, so a planner with strong vendor relationships can be the difference between getting your first choice and settling.
3. Review their portfolio for Sacramento specifically
Don’t just ask for their portfolio—ask for events specifically in Sacramento or the surrounding areas. Request three to five examples similar to yours in event type and 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 Sacramento-specific obstacles—heat management for outdoor summer events, navigating the city’s permit process, or coordinating around major events like the Farm-to-Fork Festival—and explain their solutions. Follow up by asking: “May I contact this client?” Real references reveal whether the planner’s local expertise made a tangible difference.
4. Measure budget realism for this market
Share your budget range and ask: “What’s realistic for my event type in Sacramento with this budget?”
Good planners will be honest. They should offer two or three cost tiers with concrete examples. They might suggest strategies like booking a unique Peerspace Sacramento party venue instead of a traditional hotel ballroom, choosing an off-peak day, or exploring emerging neighborhoods like the R Street Corridor for more affordable options. Warning sign: promising everything without discussing tradeoffs.
5. Assess their crisis management for Sacramento-specific challenges
Ask about backup plans: “What happens if a heat wave hits the week of our outdoor event?”
Sacramento summers regularly push past 100°F, and experienced local planners have protocols ready. They should mention relationships with indoor backup venues, misting stations, shade structures, and guest comfort strategies. Listen for specifics: Did they have climate-controlled tents ready? Adjusted the timeline to avoid peak afternoon heat? Their answer should include vendor names, timeline decisions, and cost implications they managed.
Planning a party in Sacramento
Event planning is all about timing, and Sacramento has its own rhythm you’ll want to understand before locking in dates.
Weather patterns and best seasons: Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best months for outdoor events are April through June and September through October, when temperatures are comfortable and rain is unlikely. July and August regularly see temperatures above 100°F, so if you’re planning an outdoor summer event, you’ll need shade, hydration stations, and a plan for keeping guests comfortable. Sacramento enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, making outdoor activities a natural fit—so plan your timeline accordingly.
Tourism peaks and when to avoid: Sacramento’s busiest event periods coincide with the legislative session (January through September), major conventions at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, and the fall festival season. Hotel rates and venue availability tighten during these windows. Check the Visit Sacramento official tourism website for up-to-date event listings and hotel availability as you plan your date.
Major events to plan around: Keep these on your radar, as they can affect venue availability, hotel pricing, and traffic:
- Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival (September)
- California State Fair (July)
- Aftershock Music Festival (October)
- Sacramento Music Festival (Memorial Day weekend)
- Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend)
- Sacramento Pride (June)
- Second Saturday Art Walk (monthly)
- Sacramento Kings NBA season (October–April)
Check the official City of Sacramento community events calendar for the latest updates on major happenings.
Traffic and transportation: Sacramento’s grid system makes Downtown and Midtown relatively easy to navigate, but Highway 50 and I-80 can get congested during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM). If your event is in the evening, advise guests to arrive early or suggest alternative routes. Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) public transportation operates light rail and bus service that can be a convenient option for Downtown events. For guests flying in, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is your gateway to Northern California and is located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento.
Marriage licenses: If your event includes a wedding ceremony, you’ll need a marriage license from the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder. Both you and your future spouse must appear together in-person at one of their office locations. Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Visit the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder marriage license application page to schedule your appointment.
Event permits: Depending on your event type and location, you may need permits for noise, alcohol service, street closures, or temporary structures. Applications received not less than sixty (60) days before the proposed special event date shall be acted upon not later than forty-five (45) days from the date of receipt of the application, so plan ahead. Visit the City of Sacramento Special Events permit application page to start the process. A local planner will know exactly which permits you need and how to file them on time.
FAQs: party planning in Sacramento
When should I hire a Sacramento party planner?
We recommend hiring at least six to 12 months in advance, especially if your event falls during peak season (September through November) or around major Sacramento events. Popular planners book up quickly, so the earlier you start your search, the better your options.
How much does a party planner cost in Sacramento?
Costs vary widely depending on the scope of your event, but party planners typically charge 15–20% of your overall event budget. Some offer flat-rate packages for specific services like day-of coordination or partial planning. Ask about bundled services and vendor network access—a good planner’s connections can actually save you money on other vendors.
Do I need a planner if my venue has a coordinator?
Yes, they serve different roles. A venue coordinator focuses on the property itself—making sure the space is set up correctly, catering runs on schedule, and house rules are followed. An independent party planner works for you. They handle your full creative vision, manage all your vendors, build your timeline, and advocate for your interests throughout the process.
Why hire a local Sacramento planner versus bringing someone from out of town?
Local planners know Sacramento’s permit requirements, vendor landscape, neighborhood quirks, and weather patterns intimately. They have established relationships with the best local caterers, florists, DJs, and rental companies—relationships that often translate to priority booking, better pricing, and faster problem-solving on event day.
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. Sacramento’s planners bring deep local knowledge, creative talent, and genuine passion to every event they touch.
Pair that expertise with a unique party venue in Sacramento that matches your vision, and you’ve got the foundation for something truly 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.
