5 Entertaining Tips From South Florida's Top Event Planner

Anna Noriega, founder of South Florida-based Aloré Event Firm

South Florida’s top event planner, Anna Noriega, dishes on planning the ultimate event.

Celebrity event planner Anna Noriega is an entrepreneur extraordinaire and founder of Aloré Event Firm (eventsbyalore.com). When she isn’t designing luxury events and weddings worldwide, Noriega hosts a variety of educational hands-on design workshops for creative-minded folks in South Florida. She also owns The Pineland Cottage (thepinelandcottage.com) in the Redlands. Here are Noriega’s top five tips for entertaining in style.

“I’M ASKED BY CLIENTS TO CREATE EXPERIENCES THAT ARE UNIQUE AND STYLISH—AND IT’S MY HONOR TO HELP BRING SUCH EVENTS TO LIFE. ” –ANNA NORIEGA, FOUNDER OF ALORÉ EVENT FIRM

1.Plan Ahead

“Pick a date, select a time, commit and get planning. A party can be as low-key or as lavish as you decide. There is no right or wrong way to invite guests to a party. Depending on the occasion, you might want to consider sending formal print invitations by mail, while the more common routes these days are private Facebook groups or third-party guest management sites such as Eventbrite. Whichever route you take, give your guests about a month’s notice to properly prepare, and don’t forget to consider seating.”

2.Let’s Eat

“Food in many cases is the central ingredient of parties, and how that food will be presented and prepared is for you to decide. There are no rules anymore—from action stations to sit-down dinners to food trucks, the sky is the limit for food! Plan your menu so there is enough variety for your guests. Take dietary restrictions into consideration and try to provide at least one vegetarian option. Don’t forget those cocktails, which you can also spruce up by customizing to your theme or event style.”

3.Set the Mood

“Atmosphere is everything to me, and something I think truly sets the stage for an incredible event experience. Your tablescape doesn’t have to be over the top, but it should look as if you put some thought and effort into it. Candles are a great place to start. While you want to incorporate your personal style in events you host, it’s always imperative to take some direction from the time of year and the reason for gathering. As you choose your decor, choose colors that blend with the seasons, accentuate the space and elevate the guest experience.”

4.Trust the Professionals

“When it comes to grand affairs, listening to your vendors and team of professionals is key. Everything is co-dependent on one another, and having vendors that understand all the moving parts, logistics, budget and client needs is key in flawlessly being able to bring any vision to life. True professionals will want to ensure your event is the best possible while providing streamlined service and communication.”

5 Be Present

“Planning ahead always gives you more room to bask in the moment. After you’ve nailed the details, focus on yourself. Enjoy the process and know that it does not happen overnight. Give yourself ample time to get ready during the day while your vision comes to life in the hands of professionals.”