Best Event Planners in Chicago
Discover Chicago's top event planning agencies that transform ordinary occasions into extraordinary experiences for corporate and social events.
Last updated: Feb 2026
Chicago's dynamic event planning landscape offers an impressive array of professional agencies specializing in everything from intimate corporate gatherings to large-scale social celebrations. The Windy City's rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural backdrop make it an ideal location for memorable events, and local planners leverage these unique advantages to create extraordinary experiences.
Selecting the right event planning partner requires careful consideration of your specific needs, budget, and vision. Chicago's top agencies bring years of experience, established vendor relationships, and deep local knowledge that can make the difference between a good event and an unforgettable one. They understand the nuances of working within the city's diverse venue options and regulatory requirements.
Whether you're planning a corporate conference, wedding celebration, product launch, or fundraising gala, Chicago's premier event planning agencies offer the expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life. This comprehensive guide examines the city's leading agencies, their specialties, pricing structures, and what sets each apart in Chicago's competitive event planning market.
How We Evaluated Chicago Event planning Agencies
Experience & Reputation
Years in business, client testimonials, and industry recognition demonstrate proven track record and reliability.
Weight: HighService Specialization
Specific expertise in corporate events, weddings, galas, or other event types relevant to your needs.
Weight: HighLocal Market Knowledge
Understanding of Chicago venues, vendors, regulations, and logistics for seamless event execution.
Weight: HighPortfolio Quality
Past events showcase creativity, attention to detail, and ability to execute events matching your vision.
Weight: MediumVendor Relationships
Established partnerships with caterers, venues, entertainment, and suppliers for better pricing and service.
Weight: MediumPricing Transparency
Clear fee structures, detailed proposals, and upfront communication about costs and payment terms.
Weight: MediumTop Providers Ranked
EventCreative
Transforming visions into unforgettable experiences
EventCreative stands as one of Chicago's most established event planning agencies, with over 15 years of experience creating exceptional corporate and social events. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and innovative design concepts, they specialize in large-scale corporate conferences, product launches, and high-end social celebrations. Their team of seasoned planners brings extensive local market knowledge and maintains strong relationships with Chicago's premier venues and vendors. EventCreative's full-service approach includes everything from initial concept development to day-of coordination, ensuring seamless execution of every event element.
Strengths
- Extensive venue network
- Award-winning design team
- Corporate event expertise
- Full-service planning
Considerations
- Premium pricing tier
- Limited availability for smaller events
AMW
Editor's PickFull-service event production with integrated marketing
AMW delivers comprehensive event management from intimate executive dinners to large-scale brand activations. With nearly three decades of experience, their team handles every detail from venue sourcing and vendor management to creative design and on-site production. Their unique advantage is integrating PR and media coverage into every event for maximum impact.
Strengths
- End-to-end event planning and production
- Integrated PR and media coverage for events
- Strong venue and vendor relationships nationwide
- Creative brand activation expertise
Considerations
- Best for events that need media amplification
- Integrated approach means broader scope
- Premium service level
Kehoe Designs
Luxury floral and event design specialists
Kehoe Designs has earned national recognition as a premier luxury event design firm, creating stunning experiences for discerning clients across Chicago and beyond. Their signature style combines elegant florals with sophisticated event design, making them a top choice for upscale weddings, galas, and corporate celebrations. With over two decades of experience, Kehoe Designs maintains an impressive portfolio of high-profile events and celebrity clientele. Their in-house floral design studio and custom fabrication capabilities allow for truly unique event elements that reflect each client's personal style and brand identity.
Strengths
- Luxury floral design
- Celebrity clientele
- Custom fabrication
- National recognition
Considerations
- Higher investment required
- Focus on luxury market
Blue Plate Chicago
Full-service catering and event planning
Blue Plate Chicago offers a unique combination of exceptional catering and comprehensive event planning services, making them ideal for clients who want seamless coordination between food service and event logistics. Their experienced planning team works closely with their award-winning culinary staff to create cohesive experiences that delight guests from arrival to departure. Specializing in corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings, Blue Plate Chicago leverages their deep understanding of hospitality to deliver events that exceed expectations. Their venue partnerships throughout Chicago provide clients with excellent location options.
Strengths
- Integrated catering services
- Hospitality expertise
- Venue partnerships
- Cost-effective solutions
Considerations
- Primarily catering-focused
- Limited non-food vendor options
Liven It Up Events
Creative celebrations with personal touch
Liven It Up Events brings fresh creativity and personalized service to Chicago's event planning scene, specializing in weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate gatherings. Their boutique approach allows for highly customized experiences tailored to each client's unique vision and budget. The team prides itself on discovering hidden gem venues and emerging vendors, often providing clients with unique options they wouldn't find elsewhere. Their collaborative planning process ensures clients remain actively involved while benefiting from professional expertise and stress-free execution on event day.
Strengths
- Boutique personalized service
- Creative vendor sourcing
- Flexible pricing options
- Client collaboration focus
Considerations
- Smaller team capacity
- Limited simultaneous events
Chicago Event Management
Professional corporate event specialists
Chicago Event Management focuses exclusively on corporate events, bringing specialized expertise in business conferences, trade shows, product launches, and executive retreats. Their team understands the unique requirements of corporate clients, including budget constraints, timeline pressures, and brand consistency needs. With strong relationships across Chicago's business community and convention venues, they excel at managing large-scale corporate gatherings and multi-day conferences. Their technology integration capabilities and attention to logistical details ensure smooth operations and professional presentations that reflect positively on their clients' brands.
Strengths
- Corporate specialization
- Convention expertise
- Technology integration
- Budget management
Considerations
- Limited social event experience
- Business-focused approach
Belle Destination Events
Sophisticated weddings and social celebrations
Belle Destination Events specializes in creating elegant weddings and sophisticated social celebrations throughout Chicago and surrounding areas. Their design-forward approach combines classic elegance with contemporary trends, resulting in timeless events that feel both fresh and refined. The team's strength lies in their ability to manage complex logistics while maintaining the romantic, celebratory atmosphere that makes special occasions memorable. Their vendor network includes many of Chicago's most sought-after wedding professionals, and their planning process is designed to reduce stress while maximizing joy for their clients.
Strengths
- Wedding specialization
- Design expertise
- Stress-free planning
- Vendor network quality
Considerations
- Limited corporate experience
- Premium service pricing
Blackbird Creative
Innovative events with artistic flair
Blackbird Creative brings an artistic perspective to event planning, creating visually stunning and conceptually innovative experiences that stand out in Chicago's competitive event landscape. Their background in art and design translates into events with unique aesthetic elements and creative problem-solving approaches. Specializing in product launches, brand activations, and artistic celebrations, they excel at creating Instagram-worthy moments and immersive experiences. Their collaborative approach with local artists and designers often results in one-of-a-kind event elements that become conversation pieces long after the event ends.
Strengths
- Artistic design focus
- Social media worthy
- Creative innovation
- Artist collaborations
Considerations
- Newer agency
- Artistic style may not suit all clients
How to Choose the Right Event planning Agency in Chicago
Begin your search by clearly defining your event objectives, target audience, and budget parameters. Consider whether you need full-service planning, partial coordination, or day-of management services. Understanding your specific requirements will help you identify agencies with relevant expertise and appropriate service levels. Chicago's event planning market offers options for every budget and style preference, from boutique firms to large-scale operations.
Research potential agencies thoroughly by reviewing their portfolios, client testimonials, and industry credentials. Request detailed proposals that outline their planning process, timeline, and fee structure. Many top agencies offer initial consultations to discuss your vision and assess mutual compatibility. Pay attention to communication style and responsiveness during these early interactions, as these qualities often reflect their overall service approach.
Evaluate each agency's local market knowledge and vendor relationships, which significantly impact event quality and cost-effectiveness. Chicago-based agencies typically offer better venue access, competitive vendor pricing, and understanding of local regulations and logistics. Ask about their preferred venue and supplier networks, and request examples of how they've handled similar events in comparable settings.
Consider the agency's capacity and availability for your event timeline. Popular agencies often book months in advance, particularly for peak season events. Discuss their team structure and who will be your primary contact throughout the planning process. Ensure they can provide adequate attention to your event without being overextended across multiple simultaneous projects.
Review contracts carefully, paying attention to payment schedules, cancellation policies, and service inclusions. Many agencies require deposits upon signing, with additional payments tied to specific planning milestones. Understand what happens if timeline changes or scope adjustments become necessary. Clear contractual terms protect both parties and establish expectations for the entire planning process.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Reluctance to provide detailed cost breakdowns or transparent pricing information
- Limited portfolio or inability to show examples of similar events they've managed
- Poor communication or delayed responses during the proposal and negotiation phase
- Lack of insurance coverage or professional liability protection for events
- Pressure to sign contracts immediately without adequate review time
Questions to Ask
- What is your experience planning events similar to ours in scope and style?
- How do you handle budget management and cost overruns during planning?
- What is your vendor selection process and how do you negotiate pricing?
- How many events do you typically manage simultaneously during peak season?
- What backup plans do you have for weather or vendor emergencies?
- Can you provide references from recent clients with similar event requirements?
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book an event planning agency in Chicago?
What is the typical cost structure for event planning services?
Do Chicago event planners provide vendor recommendations or require specific suppliers?
What services are typically included in full-service event planning packages?
How do Chicago event planners handle outdoor events and weather contingencies?
Can event planning agencies help with corporate events and team building activities?
What happens if I need to cancel or postpone my event?
Do event planners provide liability insurance coverage for events?
How involved can I be in the planning process if I hire a full-service agency?
What makes Chicago event planning different from other cities?
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Disclosure: This guide is published by AMW. Rankings are based on our editorial assessment. AMW is featured in this guide as we believe we offer competitive services. We encourage readers to research multiple providers before making decisions.