Luxury Event Planning

With Amy Burleigh, Rasberry Rhubarb

We recently sat down with luxury event planner Amy Burleigh of Raspberry Rhubarb to get some top tips on how to plan a super luxe event. Here’s what we found out…

What events are you currently working on?

A corporate residential conference in the UK, a large international sales incentive, a seamless event technology solution for a luxury automotive client, a very high end private party and a beautifully elegant wedding.

It sounds like you're juggling a lot! What are the most important characteristics of an Event Planner?

It's crucial to be super organised and able to plan ahead. Being able to walk through an event in your head from the point of view of your clients and guests, clear communication and remaining calm at all times are key. Most of all, it's about working with trusted suppliers that you know will help you to not only get the job done but over deliver every step of the way. Our favourite quote by Hubert de Givenchy is our moto; "Luxury is in each detail" - this is so true in events, every single detail, no matter how tiny, when it comes together, is what creates a perfect, luxury event.

What’s been the best event you’ve worked on?

Ah, this is so hard to answer! I’ve worked on so many lovely, amazing events all around the world, from luxury incentive trips to Zambia and Botswana, chartering private planes and taking over exclusive safari lodges to running a global meeting at the UN Building in New York. I think for me it’s all about opening guests eyes to a whole new experience, whether it’s the best dinner they’ve ever had, driving a luxury car, or experiencing a destination as a whole. That’s the buzz for me.

You must have visited some amazing places in your time, what’s the most luxurious?

Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda, Italy stands out. Not only was the hotel stunning in interiors and location, but the attention to detail and service levels absolutely blew me away. It was probably the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed at and it was a privilege to work with them. They made my life as an Event Manager very easy!

What do you look for in a supplier, particularly with your luxury clients in mind?

Service, service, service. This is the easiest thing for a supplier to get right (and it’s free!) but so many get it wrong. I will only ever recommend a supplier that I know will 100% deliver. That’s also why I rate Gilded Bee, they are so creative, flexible and detail conscious. A bespoke gift is the perfect memento of an exquisite event.

Thanks! What's the best thing about being an Event Planner?

This is a tough one! We love our job and truly can't imagine doing anything else. We get to travel the world - in the last few months alone we've been in India, Dubai and Italy. The relationships you build along the way are wonderful, both with clients and suppliers. They always become my friends and I'm truly proud of that. No two days are ever the same. One day you can be on a site visit in a helicopter in Monaco, the next day you can be meeting a Duke in their private apartment to plan a VIP lunch!

If you could plan an event anywhere, where would it be?

I love Scotland, it’s just beautiful all year round and there are some absolutely top class properties there. I recently ran a VIP driving tour for a group of high net worth individuals driving Aston Martins through Scotland. The venues we used and the driving routes we planned along with the wonderful guests we hosted and of course the beautiful cars made the whole trip completely unforgettable. Oh and I got to drive a new Aston Martin model that hadn't been released yet!

Raspberry Rhubarb is a luxury event management company. Their passion lies in creating exquisite, bespoke corporate and private events. They have the expertise and vision to deliver truly remarkable luxury events, that will create lasting memories. Their purpose is simple: to deliver exceptional luxury events, across the UK, and worldwide.

To find out more about why top luxury planners use Gilded Bee read more about our bespoke service here