Planning Services

Your Event, Our Priority

Every event is a reflection of its host’s individuality. That’s why we tailor our services to meet each host’s specific needs. Whether it’s assistance with a single aspect of your event, friendly expert guidance throughout your planning journey, or someone who can take the lead and handle every detail, Celebrations by Carlos is dedicated to curating standout events and a stress-free planning process. Contact us today to transform your vision into an unforgettable celebration.

Partner Event Planner in Chicago

Celebrations by Carlos plans weddings, social celebrations, and special events for both private and corporate event hosts. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, the weddings we plan reflect the couple’s unique love story. For social celebrations, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or family reunion, we craft personalized experiences that celebrate joy and connection. In the corporate realm, we organize recognition events such as award ceremonies, employee appreciation events, and galas, creating memorable experiences that celebrate achievements and milestones.

Transforming Event Spaces

A keen eye for aesthetic appeal makes Celebrations by Carlos the ideal partner for transforming an empty space into your own personal venue, fully customized to your event’s needs. We plan events anywhere, but our specialty is planning events in homes, public parks, museums, art galleries, and other nontraditional event spaces. With the city of Chicago as a backdrop, anywhere is the perfect place for a celebration.

Commitment to Teamwork

Our connections with event service providers in Chicago, from small and local businesses to renowned industry professionals, enable us to bring visions to life, no matter the scale. We believe in the power of teamwork, seamlessly coordinating with vendors and embracing the notion that the show must go on.

 

Services A La Carte

Charged per Hour - Negotiable Rates vary based on the complexity of the event

Create your own package with our a la carte services. Our hourly planning rate allows you to get the services you need without paying for what you don’t. Alternatively, book one of our customizable packages for additional planning assistance. If one of our packages doesn’t fit your needs, we can create one that does.

Services

Our services are designed to turn your vision into reality with expert guidance and personalized support. Whether you’re seeking assistance getting organized to start your planning process, or just need help fine-tuning your ideas, our consulting services are tailored to meet your needs.

Services

Timeline Development
Vendor and Venue Research and Connections
Budget Development and Strategizing 
Design and Decor Consulting
DIY Planning resources (itinerary/guestlist/shopping list/checklist templates)
Ideas and Suggestions for things to do in Chicago

Keeping up with all of your guests could be a challenge. We can help manage your guestlist and make sure everyone is accommodated. We can make a form for your guests to RSVP to your event online, and send emails to make sure your guests have all the information they need prior to their arrival.

Services

Guest List Organization/RSVP Tracking
Transportation and Accommodations
Seating Chart Display
Invitation, Escort Card, Printed Menu, Program Design
Stationary Printing
Event Website Creation and Management(The Knot/Eventbrite/Facebook)

Working with vendors could be daunting if you’ve never done it before. We’ll minimize the stress of calling every caterer in the city by finding the vendors that can provide exactly what you need for a price that fits your budget, reviewing contracts to make sure your investment is secure, and making sure they have all the details they need for the event.

Services

Vendor and Venue Research and Recommendations
Bookings and Contract Reviews
Insurance and Permit Coordination
Vendor/Speaker travel and accommodations
Vendor Coordination (Point of Contact, Itinerary/Floorplan Communication)
Coordination and attendance of viewings, tastings, and meetings

We do the research to make sure we only connect you with reliable, trustworthy vendors and can help narrow your options. Contact us for assistance finding vendors, such as:

Venues
Bars/Restaurants/Clubs, Private Event Spaces, Historic Venues, Avant Garde Venues(parks/galleries/etc)

Furniture and Equipment Rentals
Seating, Tables, Tents, Backdrops and props, Table linens, centerpieces, place settings, service and buffet equipment

Entertainment
DJs, Bands, Singer/Instrumentalists
Clowns, Magicians, Specialty Talent
Caricature Artists
Photobooths

Photographers 

Graphic Design
Invitations, Posters & Signage, Personalized Favors, Printed Backdrops
Printing Services

Catering and Equipment
Caterers, Bakeries, Restaurants

Inflatables Rentals
Bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses

Staffing
Servers, Bartenders, Activity Coordinators, Valet, Security

Transportation and Accomodations

Sound/AV/Lighting

The food is one aspect of an event that guests remember most. Wow your guests with a thoughtfully designed menu that perfectly correlates with your event’s theme and style that also accommodates everyone’s tastes. From passed horderves to seated table service to food stations, each with a different menu item, we can help design a menu and serving style that intrigues your guests and leaves them coming back for seconds.

Services

Menu, Dessert, Beverage/Bar Menu Coordination
Food, Dessert, and Beverage/Bar Display and Serving Ideas
Order and Delivery Coordination
Coordination with catering and venue teams
Staffing (bartenders, servers, cleaning crew)

Designing an event is Celebrations by Carlos’ specialty. We can help with decorating decisions, including flower and balloon arrangements, tablescapes, and backdrops. We’ll work with you to personalize each element to your style, all while working within your desired budget. Tell us your vision and we’ll help bring it to life!

Services

Theme, Color Scheme, Style Development
Floorplan
Decor and Styling
(lighting, florals, balloons, focal points, photo ops, tablescapes, themed/personalized decor)
DIY Decor, Favor, and Store-bought Furniture Assembly

Celebrations by Carlos offers tailored design solutions that add a personalized touch to your event. From digital graphics to printed materials, we’re dedicated to bringing your vision to life with creativity and precision.

Services

Invitation/Flyer/Post-Event “Thank you” graphics
Signage(posters, programs, menus)
Slideshow Creation
Snapchat Filter Design
Personalized/Branded Favors
Personalized/Branded Backdrops

Bring your guests together with experiences customized to your guestlist. Turn your celebration into an experience for your games and activities to get them socializing, or let us help you connect by planning group outings, networking events, and cocktail hours.

Services

Engaging Entertainment, including games, hands-on activities, and more
DJ, Live Performance, Specialty Act, and Special Experience Bookings
Brand and Theme Incorporation
Concierge Services for Guests Travelling to and out of Chicago
Group Reservations and Transporation
Favors/Giveaways/Prizes

If you’ve already taken the time to plan your event, you should be able to experience your big day without having to worry about the small details. From securing transportation between event locations to making sure all vendors have the details they need, organizing the day-of details will ensure a stress-free event day and a successful event. We’ll discuss your vision, finalize your itinerary, and be at the event to make sure everything, and everyone, is in place and on time.

 

Services

Planning: Budget, Timeline, Contingency Plans
AV/Sound/Lighting Coordination
Full Day-of Itinerary 
Staffing (Servers, Bartenders, Guest Experiences, Valet, Security, Registration, etc)
Transportation and Accommodations
Speaker/Entertainment and Photography Coordination
Guest Accommodations
Health and Safety
Insurance and Permits (experience arranging Chicago Park District private events and city of Chicago street closures)

We know that hosting an event involves more than just the big picture; it’s about seamlessly managing all the small details. Our personal assistance services are designed to support busy event hosts manage their hectic schedules. From scheduling essential appointments to personal shopping services, Celebrations by Carlos takes the stress out of planning or attending celebrations, allowing you to enjoy every occasion to the fullest.

Services

Scheduling (Hair and Makeup, Photoshoots, Fittings, Tastings, Viewings)
Personal Shopping (personal gifts for special guests)
Fashion Styling
Project Management

Keeping up with your busy social life can get stressful. From coming up with the right ideas to scheduling itineraries and keeping guests updated, Celebrations by Carlos will keep your celebration organized while you enjoy your outing with your special guests.

Events

Group Outings
Date Nights
Networking Events
Surprise Engagements

Services

Outing Itineraries
Bookings and Reservations
Transportation and Accommodations
Coordination of event signage, entertainment, favors, and other special details and moments during your outing
Suggestions for things to do in Chicago

Celebrating in Chicago just got a whole lot easier. Allow Celebrations by Carlos to be your tour guide as we plan your destination wedding, Chicago-centric corporate event, or group outing in Chicago.

Services

Destination Events in Chicago
Destination Weddings in Chicago
Chicago Wedding Weekend
Chicago Vacation Itineraries
Chicago “Stay-cation” Itineraries
Transportation and Accommodations

Packages

Our packages are designed to take you from the initial planning stages all the way to on-site management and coordination. We’re not just a planner, but a partner in your event planning process. We’ll work with you to create a fully customized package, or you can choose from one of our existing packages.

Virtual Planning

Getting Started

For the planner-at-heart who needs help getting started on the right track. We’ll schedule a virtual meeting to discuss your ideas then provide you with the tools you need to plan your event like a pro.

  •  Virtual Consultation to discuss event details, vision, and budget 
  •  Brainstorming: theme, colors, decor, menu, guest activities, entertainment
  •  Personalized Budget and planning timeline
  •  Booking assistance with partner vendors (Venue, Rentals, Catering, Beverage/Bar, Dessert, Entertainment, Photography)
  •  Planning resources (personalized itinerary/guest list/shopping list/checklist templates)
  •  Mood Board with Personalized Ideas and Suggestions, including tips for managing budget and tchecklist
  •  Open communication for questions and support throughout your planning process

Vendor Coordination

Make the Dream Work

For those who can handle most of the details, but need help curating the perfect team. We’ll do the research and make sure your deal is solid. Use this package to secure some, or all of your vendors.

  • Vendor Reasearch and Recommendations
  •  Booking Assistance and Contract Review
  •  Final check-in with vendor before event

Day-of Coorindation

Star of the show

You’ve planned your entire event! Now it’s time to experience your big day without worrying about the details. We’ll discuss your vision, finalize your itinerary, and be at the event to make sure everything, and everyone, is in place and on time.

Prior to Event

  • Consultation 6-8 weeks before the event date to discuss itinerary and details
  • Checklist/Material List Review and Guidance
  • Itinerary Finalization and coordination with venue and vendors
  • Final Check-in with Venue and Vendors

Day-Of Event

  • Centerpiece, Favors, Table Decor setup
  • Point of contact for Venue and Vendors
  • Setup and Breakdown Management
  • Itinerary Execution
  • Decor and material collection at conclusion of event
  • Check out with venue

Partial Planning

Partner-in-Planning

Our Partial Planning Package is designed to help make your vision a reality. We’ll take time to understand your style and needs, then become your guide in turning your celebration into an experience to remember.

  • Initial Consultation to understand your vision, needs, and budget
  •  Planning resources (personalized timeline/itinerary/guest list/shopping list/checklist templates)
  •  Vendor and Venue Recommendations, Contract Review, Booking Assistance (e.g., florists, caterers, photographers)
  •  Budget and Timeline Development
  • Design Consulting (theme, style, floor plan, decor, overall aesthetic)
  •  Guest Experiences Brainstorming (menu, entertainment, activities)
  •  Open communication for questions and support throughout your planning process
  •  Itinerary Planning

Full Planning

Make it Happen

Be a guest at your own event when we take the lead on planning. Our Full Planning Package offers a comprehensive, stress-free planning experience from start to finish.

 

  • In-depth discussion to capture your vision, style, and preferences.
  •  Full Budget and Timeline Management
  •  Venue and Vendor Selections, Booking Assistance, and Point-of-Contact through full planning process
  •  Full Event Design (decor, lighting, florals, signage, and more)
  •  Guest Management (RSVP tracking, seating arrangements, and guest communications)
  •  Timeline and Checklist Management
  •  Rehearsal Coordination
  •  Day-of Coordination (on-site management to handle logistics and ensure smooth execution)
  • Post-Event Support (assistance with post-event tasks, including vendor payments and thank-you notes)
  •  Unlimited meetings to discuss progress and updates

We offer detailed packages based on the type of event you’re planning. You’ll receive current packages and pricing when you request information.

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