Special Event Genie

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Planning services needed

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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, work quality, and professionalism.

Great 4.7

27 reviews

78%

15%

Read reviews that mention:

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!

Patricia M.

Feb 12, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

I hired Ricki, my Special Event Genie, to work her magic (and dedicated hard work) on my 70th Birthday Party. Every detail was absolutely perfect. Ricki kept in touch with me by phone, text and in person meetings from the day I hired her, came to my event hours early and stayed late to manage clean up. She knew every aspect of party planning from table position and centerpieces that maintain a theme to creative displays to timelines — All of my guests enjoyed interacting with her and everyone had a good time.

Special Event Genie's reply

Patricia, we appreciate the great review! We strive for perfection and know how important even the smallest detail is. Thank you for choosing us to make your 70th birthday, a special event! And we appreciate your continued interest in our services. We are on board to plan your husband's birthday, hopefully soon!

Event Planning

Alona B.

Dec 13, 2016

Hired on Thumbtack

I have planned birthdays for many years, and this time, I needed someone to take over so I can finally enjoy my daughter's 7th birthday. For someone as meticulous as me, It's hard to find someone who I can fully trust. When I met Ricki, I knew she was the one. The love and passion she has catering service for Client is beyond. Ricki loves to ensure that clients are well taken care of as soon as she steps in. She is well organized, on track, and knows what follow through means. We are grateful for having you in our event, I was able to enjoy my time and savor every detail of the party because someone like you were there to take care of things. I am happy to gain a friend in you and much more, thank you for taking care of my daughter’s party. There is a saying that “the only way to do great work is to love what you do” – You are an epitome of that quote in all aspect. You are highly recommended and I will definitely use your service again and again and again. More blessings to come to you and your business.

Special Event Genie's reply

Alona, we are so glad you chose our company to plan your daughter’s birthday. We make sure our clients feel completely taken care of and secure in letting us take control of the event. Thank you so much for your lovely review.

Event Planning

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

Michele M.

Nov 22, 2021

Ricki and her staff did a spectacular job! She took us through the planning stages of choosing the vendors, negotiating with the venue about the catering choices and logistics, and laying out the floor plan and decor. Two days before the event, she came to our house and spent a considerable amount of time helping me organize all the decor items I had purchased, identifying where they belonged on her site plan, and loading them in her car. On the day of the event, all we had to do was show up and enjoy. She managed the event in a thoroughly professional manner, even handling an unruly guest with tact and patience. She is a highly competent event planner and I couldn't recommend her more highly.

Special Event Genie's reply

Michele, thank you so much for your lovely review. We always make sure that every detail of your special day is exactly the way you want it! So happy that you were stress-free and loved your day. Best wishes to you and your family.

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.