Designing Dream Weddings: Insights from Luxury Event Planner Haley Kelly
How Haley Kelly Built a Bold Brand in the World of Event Planning
Hi Founders,
This week on The Founders Society Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Haley Kelly, a luxury event planner based in the Southeast. Haley shared her inspiring journey into the world of event planning, her strategies for building a bold brand, and her insights into navigating the ever-evolving wedding industry.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a creative passion into a thriving business, this episode is full of tips, stories, and takeaways you won’t want to miss.
A Journey to Luxury Event Planning
It all began during Haley’s college years, when an internship in San Francisco first sparked her love for the world of event planning. Drawn to the vibrancy and charm of Charleston, she made the bold decision to relocate after graduation, eager to immerse herself in the city's rich hospitality scene.
With a keen desire to understand every facet of the event world, Haley enrolled in culinary school, where she deepened her knowledge of back-of-house operations and refined her understanding of event etiquette.
Her hands-on approach continued when she took a job as a banquet server, where, within just six months, her dedication and organizational skills earned her a promotion to event manager. In this new role, she would go on to oversee more than 100 events annually, gaining invaluable experience at a prominent venue and collaborating with seasoned wedding planners.
Building a Bold Brand
When Hayley set out to launch her own brand in 2018, she transitioned from managing an Instagram account with thousands of followers to starting her own from scratch. Her secret to gaining over 10k followers on her own? Investing in branded photoshoots. This curated content showcased her unique out-of-the-box style—like her now iconic upside-down Christmas tree—attracting her ideal, open minded clients.
From her signature red branding to her selective approach to client intake, Haley’s brand reflects her confidence and creativity. Her key advice? Don’t be afraid to say "no" to clients who aren’t the right creative fit. Protecting your brand’s identity and ensuring positive, aligned collaborations is essential for long-term success.
Navigating Challenges with Grace
In the world of event planning, challenges are inevitable, and one recent viral TikTok highlights just that. The video shows a bride removing her professionally done makeup moments before her first look, sparking a flood of opinions online. We asked Haley for her take on the situation, and she emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism, especially when navigating client concerns or vendor issues.
Haley stressed that vendors should lean on wedding planners in moments like these, as planners have the trust and rapport with the bride. Wedding planners are the central point of contact, and their role is to ensure smooth communication and resolve any hiccups before they escalate. Her expertise in managing these delicate situations helps keep things calm, ensuring the couple’s day remains focused on the celebration, no matter what surprises arise.
Wedding Trends to Watch
Haley shared some exciting trends making a comeback in the wedding industry, including:
Ice Sculptures: A classic element reimagined for modern events.
Dance Floor Wraps: Adding a personalized touch to the heart of the party.
Monochromatic Schemes: Elevating elegance with streamlined color palettes.
She also highlighted the growing importance of creating memorable guest experiences, from unique decor to interactive elements that leave a lasting impression.
The ladies wrapped up the episode with their tips for kicking off the new year with a little more zest and intention.
First up: Extracurriculars. Remember the days in high school when we somehow juggled a packed schedule without feeling drained? Meg is channeling that energy by filling her calendar with fun, creative pursuits like line dancing and sewing classes. Plus, per Hayley and Haley’s suggestion, she’s hoping to add Mahjong to the mix soon!
Earrings are making waves in Hayley’s life, with clip-ons making a stylish comeback. Comfortable, chic, and easy on the lobes, they’re the perfect accessory. For those feeling a bit bolder, chunky ear cuffs are the way to go, adding an edgy twist to any look.
On the scanning front, Haley’s all about making healthier choices with the Yuka app. Whether it’s food from Trader Joe’s or makeup from Sephora, Yuka helps her decode the quality of ingredients—recent favorites include Paula’s Choice toner, Westman Atelier drops, and The Ordinary lip balm.
Finally, reading: the Libby app is a game-changer. Connect it to your local library card and seamlessly borrow e-books and audiobooks, making it easier than ever to dive into your next literary adventure.
From hobbies to health to reading, these tidbits are all about living with intention and staying in tune with what feels good.
What’s Next for Haley Kelly
Haley continues to grow her business by staying attuned to industry trends, maintaining strong relationships with her clients and vendors, and focusing on creating unforgettable experiences! Interested in working with Haley? Explore her site below!
Follow along on socials
The Founders Society on Instagram: @founderssociety
Haley Kelly on Instagram: @haleykellyevents
See you next week on the pod!
xoxo,
Hayley & Meg