Experts Reviews · 2026 Ratings

The Best Event Planners

We graded 77 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.

—typical jobMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).
98%say the price was fairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
4.89★average ratingPlain average of every Google star rating we collected for these companies.
1.3%bad jobs (1–2★, 2 yrs)Share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.

From 6,806 Google reviews of 77 top-rated event planners nationwide. Updated November 1, 2026.

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Best event planners for birthday party planning

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1Bengal Bounce & Lagniappe logoBengal Bounce & Lagniappe★ 5.00 on this job10 jobs reviewedHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Birthday party planning”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%10Overall Experts Score 20%88Job match= 94Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.89★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.94
2Shift + Alt Events logoShift + Alt Events★ 5.00 on this job5 jobs reviewedHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Birthday party planning”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%5Overall Experts Score 20%99Job match= 88Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.89★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.88
3Perfect Events★ 5.00 on this job4 jobs reviewedHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Birthday party planning”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%4Overall Experts Score 20%98Job match= 86Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.89★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.86
4Aakruti Designers Event Planner logoAakruti Designers Event Planner★ 5.00 on this job3 jobs reviewedHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Birthday party planning”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%3Overall Experts Score 20%96Job match= 82Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.89★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.82

Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Birthday party planning” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.

What customers said about birthday party planning

Anndreatta3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Bengal Bounce & Lagniappe logoBengal Bounce & Lagniappe

Everything was great. The owner was great at helping us set up. Everyone had a blast. The place was clean! I would definitely have another party here.

Customer photo from Anndreatta's reviewCustomer photo from Anndreatta's reviewCustomer photo from Anndreatta's review
Reasonable priceBirthday party planning
Rebecca2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Shift + Alt Events logoShift + Alt Events

Shift + Alt Events has produced many brilliant events for our tech startup network in San Francisco. They understand how to work in unusual spaces immediately and have created events that are thoughtful, sophisticated and completely aligned with our community. Fantastic event planners in San Francisco, could not recommend more highly!

Corporate and conferenceBirthday party planningOutdoor event planning
Rachana1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Aakruti Designers Event Planner logoAakruti Designers Event Planner

Thank you for organizing such a fantastic event! The planning and execution were superb. Your team's dedication was evident, and we truly appreciate how seamlessly you managed all the intricate details. It was a collaborative success. The catering from tasteofsrk was a hit with everyone, and the program flowed…

Birthday party planningPrivate event planningCatering
Andres1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Perfect Events

Perfect Events truly exceeded our expectations. Daniel was amazing to work with—professional, flexible, and incredibly attentive to every detail. His organization and care really stood out and made the entire process stress-free. One of the most impressive parts was the food. It’s rare to find catering for a party…

Customer photo from Andres's review
Reasonable priceEvent staffingBirthday party planningPrivate event planning
Robert3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Shift + Alt Events logoShift + Alt Events

Shift + Alt Events planned a private party for us in San Francisco and were exceptional. Impeccable taste, completely discreet, and effortless from our side. I wouldn’t use anyone else for private event planning in SF.

Great priceEvent staffingBirthday party planning
Crystal5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Bengal Bounce & Lagniappe logoBengal Bounce & Lagniappe

This was our 2nd time booking here and we LOVE it! Very reasonably priced for a nice sized facility and our host is always so nice and helps with setting up and breaking down! Makes it so much easier. I highly recommend this place for any celebration or get together with children.

Great priceBirthday party planning

Overall ratings

Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of event planners).

#CompanyScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown.FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20.★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps.Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
1Geaux Southern Rentals, LLC logoGeaux Southern Rentals, LLCShreveport, LAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
2PK Weddings and Events New Orleans logoPK Weddings and Events New OrleansNew Orleans, LAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
3Downey Street Events logoDowney Street EventsSan Francisco, CAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
4Shift + Alt Events logoShift + Alt EventsSan Francisco, CAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–5.00—
5Jacinda Weddings & Events logoJacinda Weddings & EventsSan Francisco, CAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–5.00—
6Wanderlust Weddings and Events logoWanderlust Weddings and EventsBraddock Hills, PAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–4.99—
7Pittsburgh Backdrop Rentals logoPittsburgh Backdrop RentalsBraddock Hills, PAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–5.00—
8Olive & Rose Events logoOlive & Rose EventsBraddock Hills, PAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00—
9Enhanced Creativity Event Planning, LLC logoEnhanced Creativity Event Planning, LLCBraddock Hills, PAA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
10Fired Up Entertainment LLC logoFired Up Entertainment LLCTexas City, TXA 99How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
11The Historic Swoop-Duggins House logoThe Historic Swoop-Duggins HouseNew Orleans, LAA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–4.97—
12Clandestine Events + Experiences logoClandestine Events + ExperiencesNew Orleans, LAA 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––––5.00—

What jobs cost

What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.

JobLow25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this.TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this.FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.

Event Planners at a glance

How the 77 event planners we rated compare, and what customers praise most.

Experts Score grades

A = score 80+, F = below 20.

  • Grade A5774%
  • Grade B1722%
  • Grade C23%
  • Grade D11%
  • Grade F00%

Google ratings

Average stars per company.

  • 4.90★ and up4862%
  • 4.80–4.89★1013%
  • 4.60–4.79★1722%
  • Below 4.60★23%

What customers praise

Share of Google review highlights.

  • Quality14626%
  • Professionalism15829%
  • Responsiveness13124%
  • Punctuality10%
  • Value11621%

Was the price fair?

All price verdicts left with reviews.

  • Great price7049%
  • Reasonable6244%
  • Overpriced32%
  • Not sure75%

Price verdicts by year

Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.

2025
2026

How we grade

Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.

Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.

Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.

Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.

Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.

Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.