This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Akeshi Akinseye, a luxury event planner and the author of “The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings.” It has been edited for length and clarity.
My first real love for events came when I planned my own wedding back in 2012. I didn’t have formal training in event planning, but I knew what I wanted: thoughtful details, great food, and little surprises for guests.
When I started planning events for other people, I was always drawn to a particular aesthetic: sophisticated, intentional, and service-driven. Over time, I naturally found my way into the luxury space, and now find myself creating custom experiences for CEOs, attorneys, and high-profile athletes.
Pricing always depends on the scope, and my fees are not based on head count — it’s about the complexity of the experience I’m tasked with creating. A private dinner could cost $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the chef, the wine, or the details. A weekend-long celebration could easily run into six figures or more.
Clients want meaningful, immersive experiences
We’re known for beautiful weddings, but more recently, I’ve noticed that same energy and attention to detail extending to other kinds of celebrations. My clients these days are planning three-day birthday weekends, milestone dinners, or full-scale destination gatherings that are just as curated and intentional as weddings.
These events are immersive and multi-layered, offering morning-to-night experiences: a pool party or golf outing during the day, followed by a themed dinner, live entertainment, and a late-night after-party that can last until 4 a.m.
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And then, of course, there’s the “recovery day.” We’ll plan wellness experiences — IV drips, fresh juices, healthy snacks, and spa treatments — so guests can relax after the festivities.
The locations are just as important as the details. We’ve hosted events at exclusive clubs or private estates, places where access alone makes the experience feel special. Other times, it’s a destination celebration where guests are transported from one curated experience to the next.
With this kind of clientele, every moment counts. You can’t rely solely on the basics; it’s about surprising and delighting at every turn.
Food has become far more interactive and personalized. Tableside service is huge — chefs finishing a dish in front of guests, or mixologists creating cocktails that tie into the story of the night. Live stations, caviar pairings, sushi artistry — guests aren’t just eating; they’re participating.
Caviar has made a big comeback, not just on menus but also in cocktails. You might see a dirty martini topped with a spoonful of caviar. Espresso martini towers are trending, too. We’ve built stations where guests press a bell for their martini instead of Champagne.
Mocktail bars are another major shift. Instead of just Champagne and water, there are fully developed nonalcoholic options — beautiful garnishes, zero-proof wines, and inclusive menus that pair each dish with a specific drink.
Desserts are changing, too. Traditional cake service feels predictable. Now, dessert carts roll through the room, or guests receive personal mini cakes boxed to take home — something to pair with Champagne later.
Quiet luxury is overrated
A lot of people talk about “quiet luxury,” but my clients are past that. Privacy is important — many of our events are under NDAs — but they don’t want understated. They want lavish, layered, and full of life.
We’re seeing extravagant gifting suites instead of simple welcome bags. Guests can build their own gift boxes filled with luxury items — candles, scarves, Champagne, or favorite brands the host loves.
Instead of fireworks, we’re creating drone shows that cost much more but deliver a personalized spectacle — sometimes even featuring portraits of the hosts or scenes tied to their story. Lighting and sound design are treated as storytelling tools, transitioning guests from one mood to another throughout the evening.
Fashion has become its own experience. We now design full style guides for multi-day events — complete with mood boards for each party, brunch, or gala night. Guests get to have fun planning their looks, and it sets the tone for the entire weekend.
Of course, it takes a village to plan an event like that. I have an incredible team and a trusted network of top-tier vendors — including chefs, photographers, designers, and mixologists — who share my high standards. Choosing the right collaborators for each client is key because every personality and vision is different.
Luxury events today aren’t just about showing off; They’re about creating moments that feel intentional, joyful, and unforgettable.
We’re in an era where people want to feel the celebration. They’re not afraid of extravagance — they just want it to be meaningful. When it’s done right, every light, scent, and sound tells part of a story.
I always say: A great party is nonnegotiable. But so is purpose. You can be lavish and still be thoughtful — and that’s what true luxury really is.
