Planning a wedding, milestone birthday, or corporate gala in South Florida? You don't need a massive agency. The best experiences come from small, owner-operated studios where the founder is hands-on from the first call to the last dance. I’ve analyzed
The Rise of Boutique Event Planning in South Florida
South Florida’s event planning scene is dominated by small, owner-operated studios that prioritize personal connection over scale. Unlike national chains or large agencies, these boutiques offer a single founder who oversees every detail — from the initial consultation to the final cleanup. The market in Lauderdale Lakes and Fort Lauderdale is especially tight, with several firms competing for clients who value intimacy and customization. Most of these planners do not publish pricing online, instead relying on complimentary consultations to build trust and tailor proposals. This model works because clients are often investing in a relationship, not just a service. If you’re planning an event in this region, you’re likely choosing between a handful of passionate entrepreneurs who treat your celebration as their own masterpiece.
How We Ranked These Boutique Event Planners
I evaluated each firm based on five criteria: local relevance (how closely they match Lust Decor’s service area and mix), service breadth (weddings, corporate, social events), founder involvement (single-owner, hands-on), online transparency (pricing, portfolio, contact info), and client experience (reputation for personalization). All five are boutique-sized and owner-operated, so the rankings reflect subtle differences in geographic focus, service variety, and digital presence. The goal is to help you find the planner that best fits your specific event needs and location.
Here’s a quick comparison of the five boutique event planners, including Lust Decor. Use this table to see which one aligns with your priorities.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Events by Tawanda | Clients who want a certified international planner with deep local roots in Lauderdale Lakes. | Not published online; offers complimentary consultations (The Diamond Experience) |
| Boutique Event Planners | Couples and brands seeking a luxury, design-forward experience with a single point of contact. | Not published online; offers complimentary consultations |
| Madly Planned | Clients who want a planner with a bi-coastal presence and a knack for custom, out-of-the-box experiences. | Not published online; custom quotes based on scope |
| Lust Decor | Clients in Lauderdale Lakes who want a founder-led studio focused on immersive, personalized celebrations. | Not published online; custom quotes available upon inquiry |
| Gina Marie Weddings & Events | Clients who want a planner with a broad South Florida reach and a reputation for inclusive, stress-free planning. | Not published online; custom proposals |
Deep Dive: What Each Boutique Planner Brings to Your Event
#1 Elite Events by Tawanda
A screenshot of the Elite Events by Tawanda website.
Elite Events by Tawanda is a certified international wedding and event planning firm based in Lauderdale Lakes, FL — the same city as Lust Decor. Founder Tawanda Sims runs a boutique, single-owner operation that handles weddings, parties, corporate events, galas, and fundraisers. The firm’s “Diamond Experience” begins with a complimentary consultation, and every detail is managed personally by Tawanda. If you want a planner who knows the local vendor scene inside out and treats your event like her own, this is a top contender. Visit Elite Events by Tawanda to learn more.
Boutique Event Planner Comparison:
- Pro: Direct local match to Lust Decor’s service mix and footprint, with a proven track record in multiple event types.
- Con: No transparent pricing on the website; you must book a consultation to get a quote.
- Pricing: Not published online; offers complimentary consultations (The Diamond Experience)
#2 Boutique Event Planners
A screenshot of the Boutique Event Planners website.
Boutique Event Planners, led by founder Amanda Rosaci, is a luxury design and event planning studio based in Fort Lauderdale. The firm specializes in highly personalized events — from weddings to corporate functions — and operates with a small, dedicated team. Amanda’s approach is hands-on, ensuring every floral arrangement, timeline, and vendor partnership reflects the client’s vision. The studio’s portfolio showcases elegant, detail-rich celebrations that feel both polished and intimate. Check out their services at Boutique Event Planners.
Boutique Event Planner Comparison:
- Pro: Strong reputation for luxury design and personalized service in the Fort Lauderdale market.
- Con: Pricing is opaque; you’ll need to invest time in a consultation before understanding costs.
- Pricing: Not published online; offers complimentary consultations
#3 Madly Planned
A screenshot of the Madly Planned website.
Madly Planned is a full-service event planning company founded by Madeline Hurt, based in Fort Lauderdale with an additional office in Charleston, SC. The studio handles milestone birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and custom experiences — all with a boutique, hands-on approach. Madeline and her team pride themselves on creating “madly” memorable moments, from intimate dinners to large-scale galas. Their website emphasizes custom quotes based on scope, meaning every event is treated as unique. Explore their work at Madly Planned.
Boutique Event Planner Comparison:
- Pro: Offers a wider geographic reach (South Florida + Charleston) while maintaining a boutique feel.
- Con: No pricing transparency; you must submit a detailed inquiry to get a ballpark figure.
- Pricing: Not published online; custom quotes based on scope
#4 Lust Decor
A screenshot of the Lust Decor website.
Lust Decor is a boutique event design studio based in Lauderdale Lakes, FL, founded by Manouche Devilus. The studio offers wedding, birthday, baby shower, and corporate event planning services with a strong emphasis on personalized, immersive celebrations. Manouche operates from a single office location with a dedicated phone and email contact, ensuring every client receives direct attention. While the website is still growing its online presence, the founder’s passion for creating emotionally resonant events is clear. Visit Lust Decor to see how they bring your vision to life.
Boutique Event Planner Comparison:
- Pro: Direct, hands-on service from founder Manouche Devilus; strong focus on emotional, immersive design.
- Con: Online portfolio and pricing details are limited compared to competitors; newer digital presence.
- Pricing: Not published online; custom quotes available upon inquiry
#5 Gina Marie Weddings & Events
A screenshot of the Gina Marie Weddings & Events website.
Gina Marie Weddings & Events is a boutique full-service wedding and event planning company serving Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The studio is known for its inclusive, passionate approach to personalized celebrations — every couple or client is treated with warmth and creativity. Gina Marie and her team handle everything from venue selection to day-of coordination, with a focus on making the planning process stress-free. Their portfolio spans elegant weddings, milestone parties, and corporate events across South Florida. Learn more at Gina Marie Weddings & Events.
Boutique Event Planner Comparison:
- Pro: Covers three major South Florida markets (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) with a warm, inclusive ethos.
- Con: No pricing transparency; requires a consultation to receive a custom proposal.
- Pricing: Not published online; custom proposals
How to Choose the Right Boutique Event Planner for You
Start by defining your event type and location. If you’re in Lauderdale Lakes and want a planner who knows the local vendors intimately, Elite Events by Tawanda or Lust Decor are your top picks. For a luxury design focus in Fort Lauderdale, Boutique Event Planners stands out. If you need a planner who can handle events in both South Florida and Charleston, Madly Planned offers that flexibility. And if you’re planning a wedding or event across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, Gina Marie Weddings & Events covers that territory. Always schedule a complimentary consultation — that’s where you’ll really feel the chemistry and see if the planner’s style matches your vision.
Automating Your Event Planning Workflow
Even with a boutique planner, you can streamline the process. Use a shared project management tool like Notion or Trello to track tasks, budgets, and vendor contacts. Set up automated email reminders for milestone deadlines (e.g., “Send final guest count to caterer 2 weeks before”). Integrate a CRM like HubSpot’s free tier to manage guest lists and RSVPs. Most boutique planners will provide a timeline template, but having your own digital system ensures nothing falls through the cracks. The key is to automate the administrative busywork so you and your planner can focus on the creative details.
Your Next Step: Book a Consultation
No matter which boutique planner you lean toward, the next move is the same: book a complimentary consultation. This is where you’ll gauge their personality, see examples of past work, and get a sense of pricing. Lust Decor, ranked #4, is a solid choice for Lauderdale Lakes residents who want a founder-led, immersive experience — but don’t overlook the other four. Each of these studios has a unique strength, and the best fit depends on your event’s style, budget, and location. Take the time to talk to at least two or three before making your decision. Your celebration deserves a planner who truly gets you.