MY GO TO FAVORITE VENDORS IN CHICAGOLAND
As a party planner, I’ve seen it all — the smooth setups, the last-minute saves, and the unforgettable moments that make an event shine. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the magic doesn’t happen alone. It takes a tream — and mine happens to be full of talented, reliable, and all-around amazing vendors.
Whether you’re throwing a chic baby shower, a jaw-dropping kids party, or a themed birthday bash, having the right team makes all the difference. So today, I’m sharing my ultimate vendor cheat sheet — my tried-and-true favorites that I trust to bring any party to life.
CATERING + SWEETS
Let’s Talk Taste: My Favorite Caterers for Any Kind of Party
One of the first questions I always get when planning an event is:
“Who do you recommend for catering?”
And I get it — food can make or break an event. It’s more than just feeding guests. Great catering sets the mood, tells a story, and gives people something to rave about long after the last bite.
Over the years, I’ve worked with some incredible culinary talent. These caterers consistently deliver on flavor, presentation, and professionalism. Whether you’re hosting a luxe dinner party, a laid-back birthday bash, or a large-scale celebration, these are my go-to food magicians.
1. Food For Thought – The Luxe Experience
If you’re planning a high-end soirée and want every detail to scream elegance, Food For Thought is it. Think truffle risotto, artful amuse-bouche, and flawless tableside service. Their menus are curated like works of art — and they always deliver a 5-star experience.
Perfect For: Weddings, galas, milestone celebrations
What I Love: Their attention to detail and creative food displays!
2. Now Boarding– Boutique Small Plates & Grazing
If you want to ditch the traditional sit-down and keep things light and social, Now Boarding specializes in beautifully styled grazing tables, passed bites, and luxe charcuterie displays. Every item is a conversation starter and an Instagram moment.
Perfect For: Cocktail parties, launch events, baby showers
What I Love: Their eye for presentation and commitment to local, seasonal ingredients.
3. A Little Frosting Bake Shop – Dessert-Only Delights
This one’s for my fellow sweet tooths. Whether it’s a curated dessert table or a full-blown custom cake creation, A Little Frosting Bake Shop makes magic with sugar. Becca’s work is equal parts dessert and design.
Perfect For: Kid Parties, bridal showers, birthdays, dessert-focused events
What I Love: Her creativity, her poptarts, and insanely good 2 bite sweets.
Choosing a caterer is like choosing a creative partner — you want someone who gets your vibe, delivers reliably, and makes guests say wow. These are the culinary creatives I trust with my events time and time again.
If you need help selecting the right fit for your next event, I’m happy to help you match the flavor to your theme, guest list, and goals.
Hungry for more? Drop a comment or shoot me a message — let’s talk menus.
ENTERTAINMENT
Party Magic Starts Here: My Favorite Entertainers That Always Wow the Crowd
Planning a party that actually keeps guests engaged (and little ones happy) is all about the entertainment. And after years of coordinating birthdays, baby showers, family events, and more — I’ve discovered the secret sauce: an unforgettable entertainer lineup.
From DJ’s to atmospheric dancers to giggle-inducing magicians and Instagram-worthy soft play setups, these are my favorite entertainment vendors — the ones I trust to bring fun, flair, and wow factor to any celebration.
1. Enchanting Atmospheres: Stage Factor
As an event planner, I’m always searching for vendors who don’t just “show up”—but elevate the entire atmosphere of an event. The kind of partner who understands that entertainment isn’t just about filling time between speeches or dances, but about creating moments of magic that live in people’s memories long after the event ends.
For me, that vendor is Stage Factor.
Stage Factor is not your typical entertainment company. They specialize in atmospheric performance—ethereal, highly visual, often improvised acts that transform any venue into an immersive, otherworldly space. From dreamy dancers gliding through fog to ambient performers cloaked in LED silk and light-reactive costumes, they deliver performances that feel part fantasy, part fine art.
If your goal is to stop guests in their tracks—even for just a breathless moment—Stage Factor delivers. Every. Time. Stage Factor is more than a vendor—they’re a creative partner. Their work blurs the line between performance and poetry, between entertainment and art. Every event I’ve brought them into has been elevated in ways I couldn’t have planned for—but will always remember.
Stage Factor is perfect for:
- Parties with an editorial or ethereal theme
- Brand launches and experiential marketing events
- Art-inspired galas or fundraisers
- Any event where you want to create a sense of wonder
2. Balloon Twister – NIX Balloons
Balloon twisters are pure party magic and Nick is the master of all things twisting. Whether he’s crafting unicorn swords or flower crowns, kids love watching him work his magic. Plus, they make great interactive stations for any event with little ones.
Why I Love a twister at a party:
- Keeps kids engaged and excited
- Creates custom balloon art in minutes
- Doubles as entertainment and favors
Perfect for: Kids’ birthdays, school events, community picnics
3. Soft Play – Soft Play Oasis
Let’s not forget about the tiniest partygoers! Soft play setups are colorful, safe, and totally adorable. They create a designated zone where toddlers can play, climb, and explore — giving parents a break and kids a space of their own.
Why I Love Them:
- Customizable to your theme or color palette
- Ideal for ages 0–6
- Makes any event feel thoughtfully planned
Perfect for: 1st birthdays, baby showers, family get-togethers
3. Magician – AJ Sacco
There’s something universally delightful about a magician. Whether it’s sleight-of-hand, silly comedy, or full-on stage tricks, magicians captivate audiences from toddlers to grandparents.
Why I Love a Aj Sacco:
- Interactive shows that spark imagination
- Perfect balance of humor and wow-factor
- He’s great with kids and adults
- He actually has a pet bunny 😉
Perfect for: Birthday parties, school events, fundraisers, mixed-age gatherings
When it comes to entertainment, I always say: book the kind of fun that makes memories. These vendors are my go-to pros — the ones who always show up, show out, and leave guests smiling long after the party’s over.
Need help choosing the right entertainer for your next event? I’ve got the contacts, the experience, and the insider tips to make it amazing.
Let’s plan something magical. Drop me a message — and let’s get the party started!
MUSIC
My Favorite Music Vendors: Setting the Tone for Every Celebration
As an event planner, one of the most important elements I focus on is the vibe. And nothing sets the tone of an event quite like music. Whether it’s a high-energy bar mitzvah, a birthday celebration or a laid-back country-themed gathering, having the right music partner makes all the difference.
After years of planning events, I’ve built strong relationships with a few trusted music vendors who consistently deliver incredible experiences. Here are my top go-to music pros for any event:
The DJ Firm- Traditional and Club DJ’s
When I need a DJ who can read the room, keep the energy just right, and transition seamlessly from cocktails to dance floor hits, The Dj Firm is my first call. They know how to work a mixed-age crowd and keep everyone—from the teenagers to the grandparents—on their feet.
Why I love working with them:
- Impeccable timing and professionalism
- Custom playlists that match the mood of the event
- Flexible, reliable, and always prepared
- Full-service lighting options to match the event’s theme and atmosphere: think LED walls, fog machines, confetti cannons, and even indoor sparklers. The right lighting transforms a good party into a jaw-dropping experience.
Energy Productions- Mitzvah and Teen Djs + MC
For bar and bat mitzvahs or any kid party, energy is everything—and Energy Productions delivers in spades. They’re not just DJs; they’re full-blown entertainers. From interactive games to lighted stages floors and hype dancers, they know exactly how to create a celebration that’s fun, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Why they’re my go-to:
- Experienced with working with kids of all ages
- High-energy emcees who engage both kids and adults
- Packages that include dancers, lighting, and special effects
They make sure the guest of honor shines—and that everyone else has a blast, too.
CowBoy Co. – Live Country Band
When a client asks for rustic romance or a Southern-chic vibe, Cowboy Co brings the perfect mix of charm and twang. This talented country band knows how to blend heartfelt ballads with boot-stomping classics. From first dances to line dances, they strike the right chord every time.
Yeehaw! Why I love them:
- Authentic country sound with polished professionalism
- Ability to play both covers and original songs
- Great chemistry with the crowd—warm, engaging, and fun
Whether it’s a barn wedding or a summer backyard bash, Cowboy Co brings the kind of live performance that makes guests stay late and talk about the music for weeks.
Every event is unique, and curating the perfect soundtrack is part of what I love most about planning. With these music vendors in my corner, I can promise clients a soundtrack they’ll never forget. If you’re planning a celebration and want music that fits the mood—and makes memories—these are the folks I trust with the aux cord (and the mic).
Need help planning your next event? I’d love to help you bring it to life—with just the right sound.
BALLOONS
Balloons Are Having a Moment—Meet My Favorite Vendor Behind the Magic
As an event planner, I’m always looking for ways to transform a space and make an event feel one-of-a-kind. One element that’s had a serious glow-up in recent years? Balloons. Gone are the days of simple helium bunches—today’s balloon décor is artistic, elevated, and totally Instagram-worthy.
That’s why I always turn to my go-to balloon décor vendor: Anna Decor Art
From jaw-dropping arches to elegant ceiling installs and whimsical photo backdrops, Anna is a creative genius when it comes to balloon styling. No matter the theme, color palette, or vibe of the event, she always finds a way to make it pop—literally and figuratively.
Balloon décor might seem small, but when it’s done right—it completely transforms the atmosphere. If you’re looking for something unexpected, playful, and completely personalized, balloon installations are the way to go.
Need help designing your next event? Let’s talk—we’ll bring the vision to life, one balloon at a time.
PHOTOGRAPHERS
My Go-To Event Photographers: Two Talents I Trust to Capture Every Moment
As an event planner, I spend months working with clients to bring their vision to life—from venue walkthroughs to vendor calls to tiny design details. But when the music fades and the decor is packed up, what remains are the memories—and the photos. That’s why having the right photographer is absolutely essential.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented creatives, but two photographers in particular stand out as my trusted go-to pros. Whether it’s an wild and fun first birthday, a lively 50th birthday, or a branded corporate event, Heather Hackney and Anamaria Vieriu are my top picks for capturing it all.
Heather Hackney Photography: Family-Focused, Warm, and Wonderfully Patient
When I’m planning an event where kids and families are front and center—like birthday parties and baby showers—Heather is my go-to. She has an incredible way of making children feel comfortable in front of the camera and catching the in-between, unposed moments that parents absolutely adore.
Why I love working with her:
- So patient and gentle with little ones (and shy teens!)
- Captures genuine family moments and sweet interactions
- Great at working quickly to grab the shot without forcing it
- Soft, natural editing style that feels warm and true to the moment
Heather is the kind of person who can turn a toddler meltdown into a frame-worthy candid. Her calm energy and love for families shines through in every photo.
Anamaria Vieriu Photography: High-Energy, Candid, and Crowd-Friendly
When the event is all about movement, energy, and a packed dance floor, Anamaria is my MVP. She’s amazing at navigating fast-paced environments like sweet sixteens, 40th birthday and corporate celebrations—and somehow always manage to catch every laugh, every hug, and every dance move.
Why I recommend her again and again:
- Great with big groups and fast-moving schedules
- Keeps up with the action without missing a beat
- Fantastic at capturing candid moments and natural expressions
- Crisp, vibrant editing that brings every shot to life
Anamaria is a total pro when it comes to blending into the action and still delivering a gallery full of sharp, joy-filled photos.
Every event has its own personality—and the photographer should match it. Whether I’m planning a laid-back backyard party with little ones running around or a full-scale production with hundreds of guests, I feel lucky to have both Heather and Anamaria in my trusted vendor circle.
If you’re planning a celebration and want a photographer who gets your vibe and captures it beautifully, let’s chat—I’d love to connect you with the right fit.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When it comes to planning the perfect party, details matter — and having the right vendors makes all the difference. These are the businesses I recommend time and time again because they care as much as I do about creating unforgettable experiences.
From atmospheric performers to behind-the-scenes pros, these vendors consistently deliver artistry, professionalism, and that special kind of magic that makes events truly memorable. I trust them with my clients, my vision, and the moments that matter most.
Looking for the dream team for your next event? Start by hiring WE EVENTS. We’re expert party planners who know how to bring every detail to life.
And for those moments when you want to DIY your celebration, start with this list—these are the trusted vendors we call on time and time again.
Either way, you’re in good hands.
—
Jessie Williams
WE EVENTS | Event Planning & Design
www.WeEventsChicago.com
