Your Dedicated Florida Event Planners
With over a decade in the event industry paired with a creative background in musical theatre, our mission as Florida event planners is to provide one-on-one personal service, custom design expertise, and creative direction to craft memorable experiences that are as unique as the clients we serve.
Reliability, authenticity, and kindness are the foundation of everything we do, guiding us as we fulfill our mission to create event experiences that are truly magical, meaningful, and memorable.
Let's Get Planning
Full Service - $5,000+
Full-Service is designed for couples who want a comprehensive, start-to-finish experience. From the moment you say "yes" to the final farewell at your reception, our team is with you every step of the way. We handle everything from venue selection, vendor coordination, budget management, and design conceptualization to the intricate details that make your wedding uniquely yours. This package ensures that your vision is brought to life with precision and care, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey and the big day without the stress of logistics.
Custom Planning - $2,500+
A Customized package is perfect for those who have a clear vision but need expert guidance to bring it to fruition. This option allows you to choose specific services that align with your needs, whether it's assistance with vendor selection, design advice, or timeline creation. Our planners work closely with you to ensure that your wedding reflects your personality and style while staying within your budget. This package offers flexibility and creative freedom, making it ideal for couples who want a hands-on approach with professional support.
Event Management - $1,500+
If you've already secured your vendors and have a solid plan in place, our Event Management package is tailored for you. This option is designed for couples who have done most of the planning but need professional assistance to ensure everything runs smoothly in the final months leading up to the wedding. Our team steps in to manage last-minute details, coordinate with vendors, and oversee the wedding day timeline. This package provides peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day, knowing that every aspect is being expertly handled.
The Details
Full-Service Planning Package - $5,000+
Our Full-Service Planner Package offers couples a full comprehensive and stress-free wedding planning experience from start to finish. This is for the couple who needs someone by their side to help plan and execute every aspect of their big day.
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Full-service planning and monthly check-ins
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Venue research, site tours, and recommendations
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Vendor research, pricing comparisons, recommendations and contract review
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Assistance with design board, theme, and entertainment concepts
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Creation of full event run of show, timeline and final floor/seating plan.
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Custom checklists to help keep you on track and making planning fun!
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Creation of a detailed event budget to help stay on track with expenses and understand industry pricing
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Complete venue/vendor management starting with initial research, vendor calls, and all coordination
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Assistance managing Save the Dates & Invitations
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Wedding favor research, creation and assembly done for you
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Three custom design items created for you (Ex. Welcome sign, place cards, table numbers, signage, programs, menu cards, etc.)
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Assistance and coordination of one other wedding event such as the rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch
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Communication with venue and final vendors to provide timeline and act as point of contact to confirm arrival timelines, vendor meals, day of flow and any other details
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Coordination and direction of ceremony rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and reception with one lead planner + assistant
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Setup of personal items including favors, place cards, programs, signage and other items as agreed
Custom Planning Package - $2,500+
Needing a more customized package? This offering is perfect for those who already have some of the details in place but need help in specific areas of the planning as well as event management or day of coordination on the big day. We'll get on a call to discuss where you currently stand, lay out a timeline, and customize a package and price based on your specific needs.
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Fully customized package to fit your needs along with monthly check-ins
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Vendor research, pricing comparisons, recommendations and contract review
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Assistance developing a comprehensive design board, and theme
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Creation of full event run of show, timeline and final floor/seating plan
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Custom checklists, and planning guides to help keep you on track and making planning fun!
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Wedding favor research and recommendations
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Two custom design items created for you (Ex. Welcome sign, place cards, table numbers, signage, programs, menu cards, etc.)
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Communication with venue and final vendors to provide timeline and act as point of contact to confirm arrival timelines, vendor meals, day of flow and any other details
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Coordination and direction of ceremony rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and reception with one lead planner + assistant
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Setup of personal items including favors, place cards, programs, signage and other items as agreed
Event Management Package - $1,500+
This package is perfect for those who already have their vision in place, a potential venue booked, and most of their vendors secured. Based on your needs we'll step in a few months before your event date to get an understanding of all the details, provide recommendations, take over vendor communication and finalize any last-minute logistics. We'll handle all of the coordination on the day of your event and be there to ensure flawless execution.
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Initial planning call to meet, go over details and schedule regular check-ins
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Vendor recommendations
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Creative planning session for ceremony/reception special moments
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Creation of full event run of show, timeline and final floor/seating plan
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One custom design item created for you (Ex. Welcome sign, place cards, table numbers, signage, programs, menu cards, etc.)
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Communication with venue and final vendors to provide timeline and act as point of contact to confirm arrival timelines, vendor meals, day of flow and any other details
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Coordination and direction of ceremony rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and reception with one lead planner + assistant
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Setup of personal items including favors, place cards, programs, signage and other items as agreed
Venue Consulting
Looking for help on your own venue search, but not yet ready to commit to hiring a wedding planner? No problem. Let me help you secure the most important aspect - your wedding venue! We'll get together to review your vision including, guest count, design theme, and budget in order for me to understand exactly what you're looking for. With over a decade in the industry, I'll then provide you with recommendations on venues that could be a perfect fit! Saving you the hours of research, and headache of having multiple phone calls & emails back and forth. Learn more about venue consulting here.
"I could not have asked for a more organized and creative planner, not only did she bring my vision to life but she made the entire process fun and stress-free. Marykate was a dream to work with".
- Liza, Bride
FAQ's
Where do I start? What does the process look like?
Our logistics coordination starts as soon as you hire us, whether you’re 5 months or 2 years away from your event! We'll kick things off with a consultation call to talk about your vision, plus you’ll get access right away to our professional spreadsheets and checklists to help guide you along the way. No need to google and sort through all the noise out there, we'll provide custom items just for you!
From there we'll check in periodically to confirm detials such as the design theme, vendors, and make sure everything is on track. Three months out we'll begin to dive into a comprehensive minute by minute timeline creation with you and act as the lead point of contact for all your vendors. We'll direct your rehearsal the day before and execute flawlessly on event day so that you and your family can enjoy every moment.
Where are you located?
Events by Marykate is a wedding and events planner in the Greater Tampa Bay, Florida area. As Florida wedding planners we service multiple areas including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Odessa, Trinity as well as venues three hours outside of the Tampa Bay area.
What’s the difference between you and a venue coordinator?
This can be very confusing and something we're asked all the time! Your venue coordinator or event manager is there to help assist with details related to the actual venue you've booked. This could include items like onsite catering, and information on the tables and chairs they have available.
They will not help you plan any other details of your wedding day, they don't create your timeline, they don't setup any of your personal items, and in some cases, this person isn't even onsite on your wedding day. Your planner is there to help in every aspect from the pre-planning stages all the way up to ensuring your wedding day is executed flawlessly onsite.
Ok, so what makes you different from other wedding planners?
This is one of the single most important days of your life, and we believe in creating an experience throughout your wedding planning journey. No more talking to ten different wedding vendors who all give you different advice and prices. No fear of having to wait weeks to hear back from your planner or wondering if they'll be the same person helping on your actual wedding day.
We provide one-on-one personal service, custom design expertise, and creative direction. You won't find this from other planners. We have budget, production and even crafting expertise to help you do everything from outlining a realistic budget, orchestrating that showstopper entrance moment, to making custom unique wedding favors your guests will actually use. Plus, we run your rehearsal and have 2 lead planners on site the day of your wedding, for no extra hidden costs.
How often can I reach out with questions?
You can reach out via email anytime with questions! Depending on when you book, we'll have monthly check ins where we’ll meet to discuss all of the details and assess what still needs to be done. We'll assist in the final weeks to take the stress off of you, including confirming with each of your vendors and developing a comprehensive timeline for the big day.
When in the planning process should we hire you?
This could depend on a number of factors, such as when your actual wedding day is, how large of a wedding, etc. Ideally you want to book your planner as soon as possible - we always recommend the first steps in planning include confirming your venue and your planner. We find the process is so much more stress-free this way versus couples who wait until they are overwhelmed with all the details to finally hire a planner. Many couples book a year or more in advance, so the earlier the better.
What does the actual wedding day look like?
It’s time for you to take your place as the guest of honor and let us do the heavy lifting. We've worked together to ensure a flawless event day and we'll be there day of to ensure an exceptional experience from start to finish!
Why We're Different
One-On-One Planning
With such an important moment in your life, why would you settle for anything less than working directly with the same lead planner throughout the entire process - one who actually responds to all your questions AND knows the industry? Plus the process should be FUN, and we help make it that way with surprises along the way.
Custom Design
Need help with table signage? Looking at engraved place cards? Or maybe you want custom favors that will actually surprise and delight your guests? Don't hold back, we LOVE helping couples create all of these custom details, without spending hundreds of dollars on Etsy.
Creative Direction
While Pinterest provides great inspiration, we don't all have unlimited wedding budgets. With our background in musical theatre, we can help you brainstorm the perfect wedding entrance moment, a showstopper first dance, or a unique floor plan for the reception.
Event Expertise
Consultation and Vision: We begin by getting to know you as a couple, understanding your vision, preferences, and priorities for your wedding day. Through detailed consultations and brainstorming sessions, we work collaboratively to bring your dream wedding to life, ensuring every detail reflects your unique style.
Vendor Selection and Management: From venue selection and catering to florals, photography, and entertainment, we know how overwhelming the vendor search can be. We'll assist you in the search for trusted vendors who align with your vision, budget, and expectations. We'll work closely with your vendors ensuring a seamless and cohesive experience from start to finish.
Budget Management: You don't need to fret over the looming concept of how to put together a proper budget, we'll help you create and manage a realistic budget, providing guidance on cost-saving strategies, and prioritizing expenses, to ensure you stay on track financially without compromising on quality or vision.
Timeline Development and Coordination: We'll create a detailed timeline and schedule for every aspect of your wedding day, from ceremony rehearsals to vendor arrivals and reception festivities. We oversee all logistical details, ensuring everything runs smoothly and according to plan.
Creative Design Details: We can help bring your wedding vision to life, from concept development and theme selection to website, invitation and RSVP management. With our background in musical theatre and A/V, we can bring to life those special moments you've only ever dreamed of, without spending a fortune.
On-Site Management: On the day of your wedding, our team is onsite to oversee every detail, manage vendors, and ensure everything runs seamlessly. From setup to teardown, we handle all logistics, allowing you to relax, be fully present, and cherish every moment with your loved ones.