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

Timing and depth. Day-of coordination assumes your plan is complete; we step in to run the event itself. Partial planning starts weeks or months earlier: we help finish the plan, coordinate the vendors along the way, and then run the day too.

Is this the same as a "month-of" wedding planner?

It covers everything a month-of planner does and usually more. "Month-of" typically means a coordinator joins about a month out to tie up details and run the day. Our partial planning flexes to when you actually need us, whether that’s one month out or four.

I’ve already booked all my vendors. Is partial planning still worth it?

Often, yes. Booking vendors is one job; coordinating them is another. If your vendors are set but the timelines, confirmations, layout, and day-of logistics are still on your plate, that’s exactly the workload partial planning removes. If you’re truly down to just the day, we’ll tell you day-of coordination is the better fit.

Will you redo decisions I’ve already made?

No. The decisions you’ve made are the foundation we build on. We’ll flag a genuine problem if we see one, a timing conflict, a guest-count mismatch, but the vision and the choices stay yours.

Can you provide the event staff as well?

Yes. We’re the only local North Shore company with both a planning division and a professional staffing division, so the servers, bartenders, and captains at your event answer to the same team that finished your plan.

How far in advance should we bring you in?

Partial planning can begin weeks or months before the event. The right starting point depends on what has already been booked, what remains unresolved, and how much coordination the event requires. Earlier involvement creates more options, but clients should still call when the event is close.

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

Timing and depth. Day-of coordination assumes your plan is complete; we step in to run the event itself. Partial planning starts weeks or months earlier: we help finish the plan, coordinate the vendors along the way, and then run the day too.

Is this the same as a "month-of" wedding planner?

It covers everything a month-of planner does and usually more. "Month-of" typically means a coordinator joins about a month out to tie up details and run the day. Our partial planning flexes to when you actually need us, whether that’s one month out or four.

I’ve already booked all my vendors. Is partial planning still worth it?

Often, yes. Booking vendors is one job; coordinating them is another. If your vendors are set but the timelines, confirmations, layout, and day-of logistics are still on your plate, that’s exactly the workload partial planning removes. If you’re truly down to just the day, we’ll tell you day-of coordination is the better fit.

Will you redo decisions I’ve already made?

No. The decisions you’ve made are the foundation we build on. We’ll flag a genuine problem if we see one, a timing conflict, a guest-count mismatch, but the vision and the choices stay yours.

Can you provide the event staff as well?

Yes. We’re the only local North Shore company with both a planning division and a professional staffing division, so the servers, bartenders, and captains at your event answer to the same team that finished your plan.

How far in advance should we bring you in?

Partial planning can begin weeks or months before the event. The right starting point depends on what has already been booked, what remains unresolved, and how much coordination the event requires. Earlier involvement creates more options, but clients should still call when the event is close.

Staff_Planning_Three-Top-Lounge-Wedding-Photography-by-Megan-Saul-Ketubah (21 of 139)_webs

Partial Event Planning for Chicago’s North Shore

You’ve booked the venue, picked the caterer, maybe even chosen the linens. Now let a 25-year planning team refine the details, coordinate your vendors, and carry your event across the finish line.

Get a Quote

talk to a specialist

You Started. We Finish.

Most hosts don’t need someone to plan their event from scratch. They need someone to step in partway through, when the big decisions are made but the details are multiplying. That’s partial planning. We honor every decision you’ve already made, fill the gaps you haven’t gotten to, and take over the coordination work that’s eating your evenings. Your vision stays yours. The workload becomes ours.

Only need the event day itself handled?

We review your bookings, contracts, inspiration, priorities, and outstanding decisions. The review process is shaped around the condition and complexity of your event rather than forced into one standard meeting.

01 We review what is already in motion

Together, we identify what is complete, what still needs attention, and what responsibilities you want TSE to take over. Your proposal defines the division of work so both sides know exactly what remains.

02 We define the remaining scope

Depending on the engagement, that may include vendor coordination, timeline development, follow-ups, confirmations, logistics, and event-day execution.

03 We manage the agreed scope

Your Vendors, Fully Coordinated

Vendors Booked

We introduce ourselves as your planning team, confirm every contract detail, align arrival and setup times, and become their single point of contact, so a dozen vendor threads collapse into one.

Vendors Needed

We recommend proven North Shore professionals we’ve worked with for years: caterers, rental companies, entertainment, florists, and more, matched to your unique vision and budget.

Vendor Issues

Damaged deliveries, last-minute cancellations, weather calls: we’ve have experience with the unthinkable, and our vendor relationships mean problems get solved in hours, not days.

Quoted for Where You Are

Partial planning is quoted per event, based on how much is already done, how much remains, guest count, and vendor count. Tell us where your planning stands and you’ll get a clear quote with no pressure.

get a quote

“I’ve worked with That Special Event on multiple events and they have the most efficient, friendly staff. We had a sign come in damaged from another vendor, and they even helped find a replacement within 24 hours. Great service!”

Northshore Balloon Décor

“I use That Special Event for my professional networking events. The staff has been super reliable and professional. Love that we have this resource here on the North Shore.”

Louis

Finish Strong

Tell us what’s booked, what’s left, and what’s keeping you up at night. We’ll take it from there.

get a quote

Frequently asked questions

01
02
03
04
05
06