Special Event Genie

$1895

starting price

Select a service

Zip code

Scheduling

Package

Additional Services

Responds in about 37 min

Introduction: We are licensed, insured up to $2M, and Certified by the American Bridal Association. We are members in excellent standing with the Event Planners Association as well as AAA-rated with the Better Business Bureau. We are very hands-on. We pay attention to every detail. We work within a network of vendors so we can pass the savings on to you, just ask! No request is too small or unusual. Since we come from a creative background, we can give you advice about colors, flowers, themes for your event. We understand family dynamics and are trained in all religions and traditions. And of course, we are the only planners/coordinators with Planning Genie® app that actually allows you to see your event BEFORE it happens, so there are no last-minute surprises! We actually help to design your space/what your event will look like and feel like. We will come for every fitting of your wedding gown to make sure you are pleased. We strive to make people happy. Our goal is to give you the event you've always dreamed of!

Overview

Hired 43 times

Serves Marina del Rey, CA

Background checked

8 employees

19 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2019

Featured Projects

92 photos

Spanish Country Club Wedding
Wedding Planning

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, professionalism, and work quality.

Great 4.7

27 reviews

5

78%

4

15%

3

4%

2

3%

1

0%

Read reviews that mention:

Philip R.

Jun 28, 2017

·

Hired on Thumbtack

We were concerned because we had to plan the wedding from out of state and were flying in just a few days before our wedding. That’s when Ricki came in and had everything all planned and ready to go, down to the last detail. There were quite a few last-minute changes and Ricki was totally capable of and willing to modify the time line and floor layout on the spot! She found us a florist at a very reasonable price that had exactly the type and color of flowers my wife wanted. We had an idea for the center pieces and her suggestions made them even better. On the day of she assisted with making sure everything was placed precisely as we envisioned in the venue. She made sure all our guests were comfortable and had everything they needed to enjoy the celebration. I would highly recommend Ricki for her most detailed, accurate and attentive service. We could not have done it without her!”

Special Event Genie's reply

Phillip, thank you for your great review. Making sure that your wedding day is perfect down to the smallest details is what we take pride in. We want you to be able to come in on your wedding day and be as relaxed as possible and let us handle everything else. So glad that your wedding day was everything you wanted. Best wishes always!

Wedding Coordination

Janelle D.

Jun 26, 2016

·

Hired on Thumbtack

Ricki negotiated her price once we discussed I was only doing a reception and not a wedding ceremony. I didn't give her much time to plan the event, but she showed us multiple venues and we were very happy with our selection. Ricki also did her best to help us stay on budget, she found flowers for an amazing deal, she brought decorations from her house, and she with the sudden weather change she got sun umbrellas in the nick-of-time. She really worked her tail off! It was a great reception, exactly what my husband and I wanted.

Special Event Genie's reply

Janelle, we strive to make sure our clients stay in their budget and get the most they can with that budget. Thank you for choosing us to plan your reception! Best wishes always!

Wedding Planning

D. H.

Dec 7, 2023

Our group was planning a get-together for extended family at an Orange County park, including several vendors for food, games, a DJ and magician, etc. Ricki coordinated all the necessary permits and talent, freeing up our time to focus on the plan for the day. Unfortunately the weather forecast forced us to change to a different date and location. Ricki was completely professional and helped adapt our plan to the new space. We really appreciated her professionalism, attention to details and great communication. We would recommend Special Event Genie for future event planning.

Special Event Genie's reply

Hi D.H., Thank you for this glowing review! We are so glad we were able to be flexible and change your date because of the weather. Thank goodness for that Plan B! We know the weather can be unpredictable, and we made sure you and your guests were well taken care of. We negotiated vendors' fees so you would not be charged additionally for changing your Big Day. We could tell your guests enjoyed the magician, carnival games, catering, and our DJ. Thanks again and we look forward to assisting you next year!

Emma S.

Aug 27, 2017

·

Hired on Thumbtack

The Special Event Genie (Ricki) is truly passionate about giving her clients a great wedding. She is very thorough in her planning of events and she provides custom planning tools for her clients. She put together a very thorough and organized time line for our event which helped insure that everything ran smoothly and on time. She has a lot of experience in coordinating weddings so she was very helpful in identifying potential pitfalls that we had not thought of. She attended multiple planning meetings, facilitated our rehearsal at the venue, coordinated all vendors and led the set-up of our wedding with assistance from family and friends. We had an amazing wedding and we couldn't be happier with the way things turned out. Thanks Ricki!

Special Event Genie's reply

Emma, thank you for this amazing review. We love that you recognized our passion to create great weddings. Having your wedding run smoothly is our top priority. We appreciate you choosing us to be a part of your special day. Best wishes to you and your family.

Wedding Coordination

Rich E.

Nov 6, 2020

We hired Special Event Genie only six months before our wedding because we needed to feel organized about how we were planning all the finishing touches and details. We were most impressed that she was so easy to work with, flexible with her time and came to our backyard three times before our wedding to give ideas. Ricki immediately understood our vision for the dance party we wanted to create! She also put into place al the COVID-19 protocols for social distancing and guest entry. She created full color, to scale site plans for all scenes of our wedding using her own app! And we felt very comfortable working with her because she totally understood our culture and traditions. Her team was totally hands on making sure the everything went smoothly. We were so glad to have Special Event Genie, we could not have done it without her! Thank you Ricki! - Richard E.

Special Event Genie's reply

Hi Richard! I'm so pleased we could share your vision for your wedding and make your wedding come to life considering the current climate we are living in these days. Thank you so much for recognizing the details we add to make your day an affair to remember! We wish you a lifetime of love & happiness!

Credentials

Background Check

Ricki Lewis

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our pricing structure is as follows however we do make exceptions so don't be afraid to ask! RUBY Wedding Day management 2800 to 3500 EMERALD Partial Planning 3600 to 4500 DIAMOND Full Planning 4600 to 6200 Special Event Genie has three event planning packages to suit your budget and individual needs. They range from the all-encompassing Diamond package to the essential, Management Day package. We also can give you the “Hybrid” custom option. Let’s chat about your unique needs and budget to determine which is best for you. We offer additional savings for essential workers, military, educators, and medical staff.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first thing we do is to get to know you as our client and the level of personal attention you require. Then we make suggestions and recommendations for the venue and vendors that fit your taste level and budget. We negotiate on your behalf to get you the best value possible. Next, we design with Planning Genie® all site plans for the ceremony, cocktail, and reception so you can actually see what your event will look like BEFORE it happens so there are no day-of surprises. Then we create the timeline of your event down to the last minute! And last but certainly not least, we are there with you the entire day, setting up before, making sure everything goes smoothly, and cleaning up afterward.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Yes, we are educated by the Association of Professional Bridal Consultants. Also we are members of the American Bridal Association, we attend conferences and classes ongoing.