Wedding Planners
Always a Bridesmaid
265 Canal St., nr. Lafayette St., Ste. 206; 212-334-0005; alwaysabridesmaid.usSpecializing in raw-space design, Xochitl Gonzalez, Mayra Castillo, and Salome Nortay put together personalized weddings, often held in loft spaces such as Ramscale Studios in the Village. Typically working with clients from creative industries, the duo helps couples showcase their individuality. A basic package costs $9,000; more comprehensive coverage is $15,000; and for couples who need limited help, $1,000 buys ten hours of services.
Amy Atlas Events
917-974-9285; amyatlas.comThis former lawyer became internationally recognized as the “dessert-table designer” after setting a trend with her signature dessert and candy buffets. She runs a boutique planning firm, and also personally works on the details of every event. Clients can hire her for event décor, event planning, or for dessert buffets. Atlas suggests that couples contact her six months in advance. Prices upon request.
Anderson Green Events
646-827-4705; andersongreenevents.comFounder Lisa Green takes on only eight to ten weddings a year. Down-to-earth couples will enjoy her whimsical touches, such as using centerpieces made entirely of candies, cupcakes, and cookies. She also offers day-of-only services for couples on a budget. Prices upon request.
Bryan Jacobson
250 Mercer St., nr. W. 4th St., Ste. 1404B; 917-721-0683 ny-eventplanner.comAs the former owner of Corporate Events Manhattan, Bryan Jacobson used his connections to transition from throwing company blowouts to opening a luxury wedding business. He specializes in transforming atmospheres and landscapes, and caters to a high-end clientele—though he also works with couples on a budget. Prices upon request.
C & G Weddings, LLC
372 Central Park West, nr. 97th St., Ste. 8K; 212-961-1528; candgweddings.comC&G are excellent taskmasters for busy couples in need. They will do as little or as much as their clients require, providing unlimited meetings and support along with creative services like hiring hot-dog carts to line the steps of the New York Public Library. Prices upon request.
Carmona Design and Events
267 Fifth Ave., nr. 29th St., Ste. 810; 212-414-8400; carmonadesign.comEvent designer Mary Krueger and her partner Andrés specialize in dramatic events and they do it all—lighting, staging, and sound. For one couple, they transformed a tent on an English estate into a black-and-white maze, surrounding the bandstand with an eighteen-foot-tall trellis complete with boxwood hedges. Prices upon request. By appointment only.
Cheryl J. Weddings and Events
917-254-0514; cheryljweddingsandevents.comFor couples overwhelmed by planning a wedding on their own, Cheryl Fielding-LoPalo is available as a planner and mentor who helps create an elegant event. Her goal is to make each wedding unique—and stress-free. Basic package starts at $2,500
Cristina Verger
630 Fifth Ave., nr. W. 50th St., ste. 2000; 212-715-0590; tastythoughts.comThis full-service planner works with her clients from the first decision to the last detail. Although the majority of her weddings are in New York, Verger also specializes in destination weddings worldwide—particularly Italy. Family connections in Rome give her access to a broad-reaching network of Italian vendors. Prices upon request.
Colin Cowie Lifestyle
568 Broadway, nr. Prince St., Ste. 705; 212-396-9007; colincowie.comThis internationally in-demand event-planning guru has written eight books on parties and entertainment. He’s also thrown lavish blowouts for everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Tom Cruise. But Cowie doesn’t require a celebrity budget for his services. Expect detail-oriented elegance with an edge. Prices upon request.
David E. Monn, LLC
135 W. 27th St., nr. Seventh Ave., second fl.; 212-242-2009; davidmonn.comTransforming the Met into an English garden party complete with espaliered apple trees and moss-covered stairs—as Monn did for a past Costume Institute Gala—is just one of the reasons many call this dapper society planner the “Architect of Style.” Prices upon request.
David Reinhard Events, LLC
212-535-1520; davidreinhard.comFor the past nine years, Ann David and Nicky Reinhard have tag-teamed to create a hands-on boutique approach to planning weddings. They limit the number of events they handle each month. Prices upon request.
David Stark Design and Production
87 Luquer St., nr. Clinton St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-534-6777; davidstarkdesign.comThis studio approaches event design as if it were a gallery installation—covering an entire wall with candles or filling a room with hanging garlands of paper flowers. Stark personally handles all of the event’s aesthetic elements, including furniture, lighting, and invitations. Prices upon request.
David Tutera
470 Seventh Ave., nr. 35th St., eleventh fl.; 212-229-9280; davidtutera.comKnown more for his A-list parties than for weddings, Tutera can still provide a couple with the ultimate in luxury and couture style. Clients can hire him as a personal wedding planner (to cover all the details and logistics of the event), an event designer (to handle décor-related aspects), or both. Be sure to call nine to twelve months in advance, and expect to pay about $250,000 for 175 guests.
Delaney T. Bagwell Associates, LLC
430 E. 56th St., nr. First Ave., 917-434-0521; delaneytbagwellassociates.comTodd Bagwell has been planning weddings, society events, fund-raisers, and corporate shindigs since 1989. Though based in Manhattan, he specializes in destination weddings, and his all-inclusive services cover everything from save-the-dates to party favors. Client references and prices upon request.
Design Fusion by Jerry Sibal
164 W. 25th St., nr. Seventh Ave., fifth fl.; 212-679-3229; designfusionnyc.comPhilippine-born Jerry Sibal worked with the likes of Preston Bailey before opening his own design firm in 1996. Informed by a background in theater and traditional Chinese brush painting, Sibal creates vibrant and unexpected scenes—such as a wintry landscape inside the Puck Building, or a room filled with sky-high candelabra—that are always on the tasteful side of extravagant. Bouquets from $250; centerpieces from $350.
The Designer's Co-Op
252 W. 73rd St., nr. Broadway, Ste. 1A; 212-721-2188; thedesignersco-op.comThe Designers’ Co-op exudes modern romance without being over the top. Brides come to owner Bridget Vizoso for her custom prop-building and signature “carpets of flowers.” For an event at the Foundry, she reworked the industrial space into a stunning organic environment with curtains of orchids and a canopy of branches decked with candlelight. Prices upon request.
Elegant Occasions
100 Park Ave., nr. 41st St., Ste. 1600; 212-704-0048; elegantoccasions.comElegant Occasions specializes in comprehensive planning for both domestic and destination weddings, especially those in Italy. Each wedding is customized, but the company is particularly adept at overseeing multi-day wedding events, such as those over long weekends. Prices upon request.
Fête
419 Park Ave. S., at 29th St., fourth fl.; 212-725-7268; feteny.comJung Lee heads up this stylish planning-and-design boutique; her partner, Josh Brooks, provides the business acumen. Together, they deliver a wedding day that is seriously detail-oriented. For couples planning their own, they’ve written Fête: The Wedding Experience. Prices upon request.
Floralia Decorators
Waldorf-Astoria, 301 Park Ave., nr. 49th St.; 212-759-6910; floraliadecorators.comCouples seeking the floral equivalent of Rome’s Piazza Venezia in an upscale ballroom need look no further. Not afraid of large-scale, grand events, this innovative hub of Peter Grontas’s flower empire will do parties for up to 2,000 people without blinking an eye. In a word, opulent. Prices upon request.
4 P.M. Events
333 W. 39th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Penthouse; 212-631-7777; 4pmevents.comThis full-service event-planning company also puts on a luxury wedding showcase, the Wedding Salon, which features 70 different vendors, from cake designers and caterers to honeymoon destinations. Couples can be assured that they know their stuff. The basic package starts at $7,500. Comprehensive planning services start at $20,000. Prices upon request.
Francesca Events
5 Tudor City Pl., nr. E. 40th St., Ste. 630; 646-227-9474; francescaevents.comThe hand-holding approach of Francesca Events is ideal for busy clients who want a flawless occasion. Although she focuses on logistics and production, owner Francesca Abbracciamento also has extensive contacts in the New York eating scene for foodie couples. She plans many destination weddings, having done several in Tulum, Mexico. She suggests that couples contact her four to six months in advance. Prices upon request.
Harriette Rose Katz Events/Gourmet Advisory Services
212-535-0005; gourmetadvisory.comKatz has been lauded as one of New York’s most in-demand wedding planners, and her business, with its growing team of experts, has been around for 30-plus years. Her events are usually held at venues like the Plaza Hotel or the Waldorf-Astoria, and tend toward the spectacular. Prices upon request.
In Any Event
212-472-7751; inanyevent.bizPlanners and co-owners Leslie Price and Eyal Tessler know the right questions to ask so that each wedding cleverly reflects the couple’s personality. Price’s background in design and event planning complements Tessler’s experience in catering. Prices upon request.
James Abel
917-399-4552; jamesabelevents.comAbel’s boutique event design and production company is a one-stop shop for everything from handcrafted invitations to flowers to music to menu. Abel works closely with couples to determine how to effectively distribute their budget and match the party to the client—whether it is an outdoor fête with sunken dance floors and built-in banquets or a grandiose affair at the Hudson Theatre. Prices available upon request.
Jennifer Brisman
330 E. 33rd St., nr. Second Ave., Ste. 5C; 212-588-0007; theweddingplanner.comJennifer Brisman, who has been This ten-year industry vet specializes in grand-scale event management and frequently serves as an expert source on television. She works with vendors all over the world to create memorable weddings in New York and destinations around the globe. With budgets from $150,000 to those in excess of $1 million, Brisman designs for diverse tastes, from vintage, to contemporary, to traditional.
Jill Gordon Celebrate
631-324-2422; jillgordoncelebrate.comThis company, which specializes in Hamptons weddings, will plan every element of the event—from the music and food to the tents and lighting and décor. Gordon’s team prides itself on knowing the best vineyards, beaches, and farms in the area, and works with the couple to make sure the big day is as glitch-free as possible. Prices upon request.
Karen Bussen
5 Penn Plaza, nr. 34th St.; 212-835-1521; karenbussen.comPlanning by Bussen transcends mere logistics to include top-notch design and décor. (Bussen is the author of the Simple Stunning Weddings series.) Her relationships with vendors can also yield discounts—she aims to earn back her fee in savings for the couple—and she works with all budgets. Prices upon request.
Lindsay Landman Events
212-206-0026; lindsaylandmanevents.comIn 2001, Landman transitioned from fashion shows and record-release parties to weddings. Her full-service approach is much like that of an interior designer—all the elements have to work together, from the color palette and the flowers, down to the throw pillows and the ceiling treatment. She’s particularly good at effective lighting. The right pin-spots and hues enhance existing design elements and offer a “cost-effective way to do something transformative,” Landman says. Prices available upon request.
Loulie Walker Events
200 W. 79th St., nr. Amsterdam Ave., Apt. 4/5M; 212-316-6135; louliewalkerevents.comThis planner, with whom each couple works directly, has an endless amount of sophisticated ideas. She’s skilled at producing lavish affairs of a more traditional nature, having done weddings at the New York Public Library and the Frick. Prices upon request.
Lyndsey Hamilton Events, LLC
156 Franklin St., nr. Hudson St., third fl.; 212-274-0074; lyndseyhamiltonevents.comThroughout the process, Hamilton and her staff remain attentive, staying in close contact from the day they’re booked to the moment the newlyweds head for their honeymoon. They offer full or partial planning packages with three different tiers available: senior planners, manager planners, and Hamilton herself. Prices upon request.
Manhattan Occasions
446 E. 76th St., nr. York Ave., Ste. 3C; 646-707-3470; manhattanoccasions.comThough their New York branch just opened in July 2008, they’ve been putting together events since 2002 in Florida, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. To up the uniqueness factor, one of their tricks is to borrow from the other offices—like flying up a Florida-based soul band to give a Southern-born bride a hint of home. From $1,500 for a small wedding; for those on a budget, they’ll work by the hour ($125 per hour).
Marc Wilson Design
51-02 21st St., nr. Borden Ave., seventh fl., Long Island City; 212-749-2266; marcwilsondesign.comThis full-scale design and production studio supplies its own line of furniture—backed by Wilson’s expertise from eight years in textiles—to decorate the ceremony and reception. For budget-conscious couples who still want professional event and floral design, the firm’s seasonal packages, aptly called Wedding in a Box, will provide a head start. Prices upon request.
Marcy Blum
55 Fifth Ave., nr. 12th St., 19th fl.; 212-929-9814; marcyblum.comMarcy Blum’s hands-on approach and trademark whimsical elegance make the planning process more fun for couples, filling in their vision with ideas they might not have come up with on their own. From Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s nuptials twenty years ago to the upscale weddings they currently juggle, this boutique company devotes nearly unparalleled personal attention to each event. Prices upon request
MD Events
917-612-4724; mdeventsny.comA native Manhattanite, Alison Dalewitz uses her background in art design and fashion to find up-and-coming talent and collaborate with clients on individual concepts. She occasionally enlists her husband Michael (a lawyer) to help with contract negotiations. And she’ll do à la carte planning services as well. Day-of services start at $3,000.
Meghan Walls Events, Inc.
917-621-5354; meghanwallsevents.comThis new-to-the-scene planner targets couples who want one-on-one attention and creative approaches for their big days. No assistants or junior planners here. Prices upon request.
My Big Black Book
122 Duane St., nr. Church St., Ste. 4B; 212-608-0557; mybigblackbook.comIdeal for couples on a budget, this referral-only service doesn’t charge a fee—the vendors pay My Big Black Book directly. Owner Adam S. Glassman, who managed Tribeca Rooftop for eleven years, created the service with the goal of connecting people with the right vendors, photographers, and bands.
Perfecttableplan.com
Make planning your seating charts easier—for any size event, in any space. Once you purchase and install this program, you can immediately begin to lay out the room and organize the guests. It’s simpler than using Excel or scraps of paper, and you can experiment with different table sizes and shapes.
Preferred Social Planning
917-817-5879; pspnyc.comElegance surrounds every affair that founder Carolyn Altieri manages. Listening to the client’s vision and helping to realize it, she serves as a personal mentor to any couple looking for a lavish New York wedding. She also does destination weddings. Full-service planning starts at $15,000.
Preston Bailey
147 W. 25th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eleventh fl.; 212-741-9300; prestonbailey.comFor couples who want their wedding to be nothing short of spectacular, Bailey is the go-to planner and floral designer. His dramatic events are decadent (picture pools of water strewn with rose petals, larger-than-life daisy-covered poodle sculptures, and enormous crystal candelabra). From $100,000.
Save the Date
18 Harrison St., nr. Hudson St., PH; 212-333-3283; savethedate.comEntrepreneur and founder Jennifer Gilbert has fourteen years of experience planning events for Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, and brides alike. From an understated vineyard affair to a ceremony in a vacated bank, Save the Date specializes in finding the perfect locale. They also have a complimentary service that finds venues for couples who don’t need a planner but want a unique space. Consultants run from $2,500 for last-minute planning services to $35,000 for the works.
Sidekick Events
150 W. 28th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1403; 212-924-2909; sidekickevents.comFull-service event planner Ellen Kostman has the credentials to make sure her events happen precisely to specifications. She’s done everything from well-appointed garden parties to high-drama, black-tie galas at the Rainbow Room, and she supplies day-of services for those worried about last-minute snafus. Prices upon request.
Sofia Crokos Events
16 W. 23rd St., nr. Fifth Ave., 4th fl.; 212-929-1076; sofiacrokos.comThis highly sought-after boutique firm offers a variety of services and destination-wedding planning. Crokos started the firm in 1998 and has since done weddings all over the world, using her fashion background and passion for food, design, and travel to make each event unique. Prices upon request.
Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC
31 E. 32nd St., nr. Park Ave., Ste. 601; 917-742-7449; sjsevents.comSpecializing in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern weddings, Sonal Shah knows where to find the right Bollywood-style choreographers for the sangeet, henna artists for the mehendi party, and the groom’s horse or elephant for the barat—not to mention how to combine all three ceremonies into one (no mean feat). Prices range from $5,000 to $25,000, and she offers hourly consultations for budget-conscious couples.
Soraya Weddings & Celebrations
275 Conover St., nr. Reed St., Red Hook, Brooklyn; 646-256-3816; sorayajollon.comSoraya Jollon provides her wedding-planning services to those seeking something out of the ordinary. For one couple getting married in the recreation hall of the groom’s childhood camp, Jollon covered the walls in burlap to create a rustic feel. One-third of her weddings are green, and she is fluent in Spanish, and conversant in Portuguese and French. Prices upon request.
State of the Art Enterprises
65 W. 55th St., at Fifth Ave., ste. 6c; 212-317-1421; stateoftheartnyc.comOne of New York’s premier event planners, State of the Art works with high-end, reliable vendors to produce fun, beautiful weddings. For a Sundance destination affair, they branded the couple’s initials onto steaks, which were served from an authentic barbecue chuck wagon. Prices upon request.
The Stern Group
646-861-2002; thesterngroup.netThe work of Michael and Dean Stern, a father-son team with an impressive client roster, has included spectacular events around the world. Whether staged in actual archaeological sites, historic buildings, reconstructed gardens, or places of pure fantasy, their concoctions of furniture, flowers, lighting, and space are extraordinary feats of scene-setting. Prices upon request.
Swank Productions, Inc.
231 W. 29th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 605; 212-643-3211; swankproductions.comMaya Kalman started this independent production company after she planned her own well-appointed wedding, which was televised on the Food Network. After the show aired, friends and strangers alike contacted Kalman with requests for her custom services. From $9,500.
Susan Holland and Company Event Design
142 Fifth Ave., nr. 19th St., fourth fl.; 212-807-8892; susanholland.comWith understated elegance, Susan Holland, who has been designing and coordinating events since the late seventies, uses light, space, and location to delight her clients. A stickler for details, she often strategically places candles—in lieu of artificial light—to create a soft glow. Prices upon request.
Toby Ellen Sarna Ltd. Special Events
305 Fairview Ave., Upper Nyack, N.Y.; 845-348-1957; tobyellensarna.comSarna is a seriously hands-on planner who is as comfortable organizing large weddings as she is in small-scale intimate affairs. Although most of her events take place in Manhattan, she can coordinate destination weddings as well. From $12,000.
Van Vliet & Trap Event Design
158 W. 28th St., nr. Seventh Ave; 212-352-3385; vanvlietandtrap.comAs the Met’s in-house designer, this firm specializes in grand-scale creations befitting the museum’s Great Hall. Remco van Vliet and his stepbrother, Cas Trap, are third-generation florists from Holland whose experience in Europe and America manifests itself in a vast range of styles and techniques. Prices upon request.
Van Wyck & Van Wyck
224 W. 30th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 1300; 212-675-8601; vanwyck.netBronson van Wyck honed his party-hosting skills coordinating receptions for diplomats at the American Embassy in Paris. He went into business with his mother, Mary Lynn, and began hosting fêtes for the likes of the Clintons, Gores, and Bushes. Prices upon request.
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PrintFrom the Winter 2009 New York Wedding Guide
- Cheryl J. Weddings and Events
New York NY ; 917-254-0514 ; www.cheryljweddingsandevents.com
Cheryl J. Weddings and Events is a comprehensive planning and consultancy service that helps brides to create the wedding of their dreams. Call us, and let the dream begin.
- Tantawan Bloom Inc.
31 West 31st Street, 3rd Fl New York NY 10001 ; 212-564-0308 ; www.tantawanbloom.com
Designer “Golf” Srithamrong’s unique ability to combine the best of Thai, European, and American traditions raises the bar for high-end floral designs, bringing a refreshing, approach to contemporary arrangements.
- The Wedding Sitter
425 East 86th Street, Suite 6B New York NY 10028 ; 212-427-3616 ; www.theweddingsitter.com
After months of planning your wedding, don’t leave the execution of the final details to chance. The Wedding Sitter will be onsite to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly.
