KEREN PRECEL, EVENT PLANNER, NYC



New York is a vast city with millions of inhabitants; however, it often feels as though everyone we cater to belongs to the same close-knit circle. That’s why it’s essential for us to remain creative and introduce fresh ideas – whether through unique decor or exceptional guest experiences…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

Keren Precel is a distinguished luxury event planner based in New York, renowned for her exceptional ability to curate bespoke experiences that reflect the unique vision of her clients. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she has successfully coordinated numerous high-profile events, ranging from lavish weddings to corporate galas. Keren’s innovative approach to event design, combined with her extensive network of industry contacts, enables her to deliver unparalleled service and create memorable moments that leave a lasting impression. Her passion for event planning and dedication to client satisfaction have solidified her reputation as a leader in the competitive New York event planning landscape:



C&B: “Keren, what initially motivated you to specialise in luxury event planning, and how did you begin your career in this field?” ”

KP: “As a young child and as a teenager, I was fortunate enough to travel to Europe often with my family and was exposed to high-end hotels, venues and restaurants and was drawn to the world of luxury hospitality. Design has been a central pillar of my life from a very young age. Growing up, I immersed myself in every facet of it I could – from fashion design and art history through to graphic and interior design. Each discipline shaped my aesthetic and broadened my understanding of what design can achieve. My career trajectory has always been rooted in the service industry. I began as a server in my favorite local bar, moving through various roles that included front-of-house in restaurants, a stint as a flight attendant, and later, roles that edged closer to my passion for design, such as an in-house creative for a large catering company and an account manager at various design and event agencies. This melding of worlds – both service and design – fuelled my desire to create something uniquely my own. Thus, I founded a design-driven event planning firm, where I could channel every ounce of my passion and expertise into crafting bespoke, unforgettable experiences. This firm is not just a business; it’s the culmination of a lifelong journey in art and service, each event a testament to a life’s work dedicated to the beauty of design and the art of hospitality…”



Being a successful planner means staying resourceful, thinking outside the box, and making quick decisions when required – sometimes tough ones – all while keeping cool and remaining composed. I think my background plays a big role in that, too. I’m originally from Israel, and Israelis are known for being great at tackling the unexpected and finding creative solutions on the spot!“

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “It sounds like you were born for event design! How do you approach the initial stages of planning a luxury event so as to capture your client’s vision and preferences?”

KP: “I prioritise being upfront and transparent in my approach. Ultimately, the focus is on the host behind the event and their aspirations for what they hope to create. Often, my role extends beyond that of a planner; I find myself acting as a psychologist, counselor, or simply a shoulder to lean on. Weddings, in particular, carry a great deal of emotion, which can weigh heavily on the client at times. This is where we step in to help alleviate some of that stress. By remaining highly organised and proactively managing the planning process, we ensure that events run smoothly, allowing our clients to truly enjoy the experience. Before we even start designing or planning, we always ask clients for inspiration photos and schedule a design call to understand their vision. We then present a preliminary design deck, complete with a mood board, to ensure we’re aligned on the look and feel they want for the event. It’s all about making sure their vision comes to life in a way that’s thoughtful, cohesive, and true to who they are…”



When it comes to planning and budgeting, our focus is always on what’s right for the event, not just the client’s available budget. We guide them to make thoughtful decisions that enhance the experience and create lasting memories, rather than just going over-the-top for the sake of it…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “Speaking of themes and inspiration, could you share some innovative ideas that you have implemented in recent events?”?”

KP: “One of the most fun and memorable themes we’ve worked on recently was inspired by Season 2 of ‘White Lotus’, set at the stunning Four Seasons in Sicily. We really leaned into the dramatic, luxurious vibe of the show while highlighting the rich culture and history of Sicily. For this event, we transformed the private residence into a lavish Sicilian resort, complete with a replica of the hotel entrance and a massive fountain to welcome guests. We imported authentic moor head sculptures from Sicily for the centerpieces and incorporated Italian decor, terracotta tones, Mediterranean tiles, lush greenery, and vibrant florals to capture the island’s beauty. We even created a concierge desk where guests picked up their ‘room keys’ to find their seats and a gift shop where they could grab farewell gifts. Entertainment included synchronised swimmers, and the menu was all about Sicilian favourites like arancini, caponata, seafood dishes, and local wines. The whole event was immersive, moody, and absolutely unforgettable…”



We prioritise exceptional service, so we prefer venues that aren’t just beautiful or easy to work with but also have top-notch staff, adaptability, and a shared commitment to hospitality. In NYC, one of our favourites is MFG’s The POOL and The GRILL – they’re iconic, quintessential NYC spots, and their service is absolutely unmatched…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “That sounds amazing! Back home in NYC, what do you consider to be the key challenges when planning high-end events in a such a high energy city, and how do you address them?”

KP: “New York is a huge city with millions of people, but honestly, it can feel like everyone we cater to is part of the same close-knit circle. That’s why it’s so important for us to stay creative and bring fresh ideas to the table – whether it’s unique decor or standout guest experiences. We want to set ourselves apart, but just as importantly, we want to make sure our clients and their guests feel like every event is a one-of-a-kind celebration, not just a repeat of something they’ve already seen…”

C&B: “We totally agree! Creating an event with a strong identity is important – I think we’ve all been to enough ‘all white parties’ to last a lifetime, for example. In your experience, are there any current trends in luxury event planning, and how do you incorporate them into your work – or avoid them?”

KP: “Like my approach to fashion, I prefer classic, timeless choices over trends that quickly fade. I think it’s important to design events that are chic, reflect the client’s aesthetics, and still feel relevant years later when they look back at the photos. A few years ago, boho weddings were everywhere, but many don’t feel as timeless now. With trends changing so quickly on Instagram and TikTok, we always guide our clients toward something that never goes out of style: authenticity. Creating an event that truly represents them will always stand the test of time. …”



I’m a firm believer in what’s called ‘unreasonable hospitality’, a term from Will Guidara’s classic book – it’s all about going above and beyond to make people feel truly honoured and celebrated. Maya Angelou said it best: ‘People will not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel. That’s exactly how I think about our events…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “Yes, this is back to personalisation – so crucial. And another important factor is the partners you choose! Could you discuss the importance of vendor relationships in the execution of a successful luxury event?”

KP: “The creative partners and vendors we bring onto a project are everything – they don’t just represent us to the client, they’re key to making the event a success. I can plan the most detailed, beautiful event, but if I pick the wrong vendors, it’ll just look good on paper. I’ve been fortunate to find some incredible partners for florals, music, production and everything in between, and I often stick with the same vendors because I know they’ll deliver every time. That said, I’ve definitely learned that all that glitters is not gold… I’ve had my share of letdowns with vendors whose work didn’t live up to their impressive social media presence or to our own high standards.”



The focal points, such as the centerpieces and the menu at one of our events, are important; however, what truly resonates with guests are the little personal touches. For instance, when a bartender remembers someone’s drink preference – even in a crowd of 200 – or when a planner greets a guest by name because they recognise them from another event, it’s those thoughtful details that elevate an event from ‘good’ to truly memorable…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “That’s something to be aware of, for sure! Regarding the importance of keeping abreast of developments in technology related to event and wedding planning, what role does this aspect play in enhancing the experience of your luxury events, both in the planning stages and during the event itself?”

KP: “We’re really proud that our peers often call us ‘the most organised and detailed planners’! We have so many online checklists that we implement for every event to ensure a seamless experience. We communicate with our clients through a dedicated online portal to ensure all the details are under one roof – no endless email chains. Since we work with clients from all over the world, tools like Zoom are a big part of how we stay connected. For the events themselves, we’re always looking to stay ahead of the curve with the latest gadgets and tech, but lately, we’ve noticed a shift. Clients are leaning towards more intimate, personal experiences, and that’s often best achieved by stepping away from tech-heavy solutions…”

C&B: “Yes, for example in some ways AI is helpful, while in other ways it creates a feeling of isolation – a barrier to the authentic human experience. Technology will never take the place of one-to-one interaction – for example in problem solving. Do you ever have last-minute changes or unexpected issues arise during an event?”

KP: “I can’t think of a single event we’ve done that didn’t have some last-minute changes – and honestly, we embrace them! Whether it’s a surprise rainstorm or guests showing up without RSVP-ing, we’re always prepared. It all comes down to meticulous planning and thinking through every possible scenario ahead of time. That’s what sets us apart!”



At the heart of every project, the client’s vision is paramount, and while we are here to bring that vision to life, we also infuse each event with our unique creative twist. This delicate balance of meeting client expectations while expressing our artistic flair is what makes our work both challenging and exceptionally rewarding…”

Keren Precel, Event Planner, NYC

C&B: “It must be incredibly rewarding when you’ve completed an event you’ve planned and everything has turned out even better than expected – can you mention any that have left a lasting impression on you?”

KP: “We recently planned an event in a charming – but very old – Manhattan venue that came with its fair share of challenges. A large part of the budget had to go toward masking the venue’s imperfections, and only a month before the event, we discovered the exterior of the building was now covered in scaffolding. So, we worked closely with the design team to creatively transform the entrance and managed to turn it into a feature rather than a flaw. The final transformation was so striking that no one could tell what the venue had originally looked like. In fact, the venue was so impressed they asked to keep some of the changes as permanent upgrades!”

C&B: “That’s an incredible accomplishment! Final question, Keren, what advice would you give to someone aspiring to enter the luxury event planning industry?”

KP: “For anyone aspiring to enter the event planning and design industry, my foremost advice is to embrace a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to your goals. Aim for the stars – set high aspirations and strive to achieve them – and stay grounded, understand that the path to success is paved with hard work and perseverance. Discipline is critical in this industry; you need to be prepared to work harder than anyone else, often behind the scenes where the glamour fades into long hours and meticulous planning. This discipline extends beyond physical labor; it encompasses a mental and emotional dedication to your craft. Stay curious, continually educate yourself, and always seek ways to innovate and improve. Remember, in design and events, your work directly contributes to some of the most significant moments in people’s lives. So, keep pushing, keep learning, and let your passion drive you forward. The rewards, while hard-earned, are incredibly fulfilling and worth every ounce of effort you put in.…”


CONTACT: http://www.kerenprecelevents.com



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