How much does event planning cost on the North Shore?

Every event is quoted individually based on the level of support, guest count, and complexity. Tell us about your event and we’ll give you a clear, no-pressure quote; there’s no fee to inquire.

What’s the difference between day-of coordination and full-service planning?

With full-service planning, we lead from the first idea: vision, vendors, budget, and logistics. With day-of coordination, you’ve done the planning and we step in to run the event itself: timeline, vendors, and troubleshooting.

How far in advance should we book a planner?

The earlier the better for peak seasons, but don’t rule yourself out on a short timeline. We’ve solved tighter turnarounds than you’d think, and our À la Carte last-minute coordination exists for exactly that.

Do you provide the event staff too?

Yes, and it’s what makes us different. We’re the only local North Shore company with both a planning division and a professional staffing division, so the team serving your event answers to the same company that planned it.

Do you plan events outside the North Shore?

Our home is the North Shore: Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Glenview, and Northfield. We also plan events across the greater Chicagoland area; just ask.

How much does event planning cost on the North Shore?

Every event is quoted individually based on the level of support, guest count, and complexity. Tell us about your event and we’ll give you a clear, no-pressure quote; there’s no fee to inquire.

What’s the difference between day-of coordination and full-service planning?

With full-service planning, we lead from the first idea: vision, vendors, budget, and logistics. With day-of coordination, you’ve done the planning and we step in to run the event itself: timeline, vendors, and troubleshooting.

How far in advance should we book a planner?

The earlier the better for peak seasons, but don’t rule yourself out on a short timeline. We’ve solved tighter turnarounds than you’d think, and our À la Carte last-minute coordination exists for exactly that.

Do you provide the event staff too?

Yes, and it’s what makes us different. We’re the only local North Shore company with both a planning division and a professional staffing division, so the team serving your event answers to the same company that planned it.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes. A 50% deposit is required to secure the engagement, with the remaining balance due on the day of the event.

Do you plan events outside the North Shore?

Our home is the North Shore: Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Wilmette, Deerfield, Lake Forest, Glenview, and Northfield. We also plan events across the greater Chicagoland area; just ask.

Event Planning with North Shore Experience

Some clients hand us an idea and a date. Others have planned everything and just need a professional to run the day. For 25 years, That Special Event has met North Shore hosts wherever they are, and carried every detail from there

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Floral arch over a decorated wedding event table with lanterns, planned by That Special Event

Hospitality in Every Detail

That Special Event is a hospitality company before it is anything else. Our planning philosophy is simple: your only job at your own event is to enjoy it. We handle the vendors, the timeline, the layout, the logistics, and the hundred small decisions you shouldn’t have to think about on the day itself.

And because we’re the only local team that both plans events and staffs them, your planner and your service team work from the same playbook.

Need staff for an event you’ve planned yourself?

Four Ways to Work With Us

Every event and every host is different, so we offer four levels of planning support. Not sure which fits? That’s exactly what the first conversation is for; tell us where you are, and we’ll recommend the right fit, even if it’s the smallest one.

*	Full-Service Planning	Partial Planning	Day-of Coordination	À la Carte
In One Line	We plan everything, concept to completion	You started; we finish	You planned it; we run it	Pick only the services you need
Best For	Hosts who want an expert leading from day one	Hosts partway through who want a pro to bring it home	Hosts who planned everything and want to enjoy the day	Hosts who need targeted help, not a package
We Handle	Vision, vendors, budget, logistics, and the day itself	Refining plans, vendor coordination, timeline, and the day itself	Timeline, vendor management, troubleshooting on event day	Your choice: vendor recs, timelines, rentals, décor styling, last-minute coordination

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Full-Service Planning

From the first idea to the last dance. We curate your vision, secure the right vendors, manage every budget line and logistic, and oversee the event itself.

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Partial Planning

You’ve made real progress; now you want an experienced hand to refine the details, coordinate your vendors, and carry the plan across the finish line.

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Day-of Coordination

Your plan, executed flawlessly. We manage the timeline, wrangle the vendors, and solve problems before you see them, so you’re a guest at your own event.

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À la Carte Services

Vendor recommendations, timeline creation, rentals, décor styling, or last-minute coordination. Choose exactly the help you need and nothing you don’t.

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“Maya and Jerry are pros. Maya was my point of contact, always available but never stepping on our toes, letting the wedding vendors do what we do best.”

Chris, Owner, Moving N Grooving DJs

“Attended an event they planned last Saturday. Gorgeous setting, the tent was beautiful, lighting was so nice, the catering staff were superb. Very organized, super communicative.”

Safire Belly Dancers

“Our wedding looked pretty with their help and advice. I will hire them again on our 10th, 20th, 30th anniversary’s.”

Miguel

Tell Us Where You Are. We’ll Take It From There.

An idea on a napkin or a binder full of vendor contracts, it all starts the same way: a conversation with a specialist who’s done this for 25 years.

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Frequently asked questions

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