Event Planner, Wedding Planner

Destination Event Planner In Italy and France

It’s been said that I am the “Anti-Wedding Planner.”

Not that it is a bad thing, its just my style of planning and what I believe a wedding or event should be- for me it is actually an enormous compliment. Weddings and events should be inspiring and speak to (and about) the person(s) it honors while being unconcerned by preexisting postulations (i.e the garter toss or veil vs. no veil). For me, planning an event is not about existing traditions, or what “needs” to-be, it is about making new traditions and it being what you “want” it to be-“anti” planner for opposing these relic ideas. I like my own drum beat when marching, and I inspire my clients to do the same.

When choosing a Destination Event Planner in Italy and France (or anywhere) look for the following: 

VIBE

You have to get a long with your planner and vibe with their personality. This is a long (and sometimes stressful) process- work with someone who knows how to get you out of your funk and put a smile on your face. This person is going to be a part of your life for a hot minute so make sure that getting on a video conference is going to be something you look forward to and not something you dread- 

i. Will they be able to make you smile while talking about serious matters such as budget? 

ii. Able to help you cope with potentially dramatic family members?

ii. Be a problem solver instead of only a “reporter?” 

iv. Who is going to snap you out of being the “Zilla,” and keep your Louboutin’s on the ground? 

These are all things to think about when considering not only the previous work the planner has done, but also how their vibration will influence you.

STYLE WORSHIP

Your planner is the maestro of your event- you MUST be obsessed with their portfolio. A frighteningly common error people make when choosing a planner is considering only things like “what do their spreadsheets look like?” Your event is not an Excel document, it is a real life, and live experience for you and your nearest and dearest- make sure the person who is responsible for that vision suits yours properly. 

FLARE

What sets your planner apart and ensures your event wont be an assembly line that mirrors all the rest? Ralph-Waldo-Emerson once said:

            “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” 

Ensure the planner you hire has flare for doing things differently and who can “create” for you instead of following some rule book that predates the T-Rex. Creativity, personality, and passion should not be overlooked.  

GOSSIP

What are people saying?? In the words of Bonnie Raitt, hopefully the planner  gave “them’ something to talk about.” Ask the planner to supply plenty of references, reach out personally, and listen to their own experiences. Will it align with what you want yours to be? Some thoughts here from our past clients.

As an Event Planner it is my job to ensure not only every “t” crossed and “i” dotted but to help decipher exactly what will bring your dreams to fruition. When choosing a Destination Event Planner in Italy or France (or anywhere) consider the above.

Below is a short video created by the illustrious Zen Film Works that shares a glimpse of our Flare, Style, and Vibe for planning and creating your magic moments in destinations such as Villa Balbiano, Villa Astor, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Hotel De Crillon Paris and more!

Ready to render a dream like vacation, event, or wedding? Send us an email to depart together to a destination event in Italy, France or anywhere else your desires take you.  




Planning a Wedding in Italy

Lets start with this- LA DOLCE VITA. 

We have heard the term time and time again, but what does it actually mean? The direct translation means “the sweet life-” what better way to start one of those with your loved one(s) than planning a wedding in Italy? Fabulous food, unimaginable architecture, jaw-dropping views and a vacation wrapped up in one tantalizing adventure for the senses.

 As daunting as it may sound planning a destination wedding 3000+ miles away from home, is not as tough as it it sounds- let us be there to make those Italian fantasies reality. Whether you are dreaming of neighboring the Clooney’s on the shores of Lake Como or dipping your toes into the crystal clear Mediterranean we have become the leading source of those in desperate need of a spritz and some of the best carbs you’ll ever have (all shareable with your nearest and dearest, of course)!

It is about building an experience, not just planning the event- from stepping off the plane to walking down the aisle you should be living the dream, and you will be. Benvenuto in Italia!

Need more? Here are a few of our favorite swoon-worthy locations for your destination wedding or any other life changing experience your are seeking. At Luxe X Billy Folchetti we are not only wedding planners, but planners for life’s biggest experiences- vacations, birthdays, anniversaries or simply an immaculate vacation. 

Venice | Aman 

Amalfi Coast | Villa Astor 

Sardegna | Cala di Volpe

Lake Como | Villa Balbiano

Tuscany | Castiglion Del Bosco 



Villa Balbiano Lake Como Photo by Kristine Grinvalde


Destination wedding in Paris

In 2015, Boston-residents Christina, a native New Yorker and psychologist, and
Jonathan, an attorney, found themselves on vacation in Paris. Behind the lens
of Le Secret D’Audrey
, the two lovebirds toured the city on a photo shoot to celebrate
their recent engagement. While breaking in a new pair of Manolo’s and snapping photos with her soon-to-be-husband, Christina had an idea, brighter
than the tower at night, “let’s get married here!”

First step was finding the right Paris Wedding Planner- they chose to get married in Paris with us at the wedding planning helm and we adored every minute of it.

A little over a year later, and this time with a gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown
in tow, and a perfectly simple wedding day timeline, Christina arrived in Paris with her Mom. Shortly after, Jonathan followed with his parents - the guest list was complete! They were
married (by us)
on the terrace of their Shangri La Hotel suite with just
four guests. Prior to the ceremony Christina got ready in a stunning Parisian apartment that we sourced from an off-market agency and wore a handmade lace semi-couture bridal robe from designer Paolo Corona.

After the ceremony, they toasted santé with a classic coupe of pink
Ruinart champagne
and a small cake from Synie’s bakery. Their guests enjoyed the
Eiffel tower view while the newlyweds took couples portraits around the city
(again with Le Secret D’Audrey). They finished off the evening at Le Cinq with an intimate Michelin-star meal at the Four Seasons George V. A month later, to commemorate the day, the couple added a new member to their family - an adopted fur baby appropriately named “Georgie.” This is how to get married in Paris!

Words from the couple:
“Working with Luxe Paris was an absolute dream! Billy was able to translate our ideas and and vision into a memorable wedding day in Paris that reflected our style and personalities. Weddings can be ‘cookie cutter’ but working with Billy Folchetti as our Paris Wedding Planner proved otherwise.”

American bride in Paris getting ready for her destination wedding by top wedding planner Billy Folchetti
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