Memorable Events by Carolyn

The difference is in the details. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in party and event planning. Yet it’s also the details that often have people running in so many directions they’re unable to actually enjoy the event they worked so hard to create.

That’s where Carolyn Szymanski comes in. Founder of Memorable Events by Carolyn, she specializes in planning and execution of events of every size. “I can do private parties such as reunions, birthday or anniversary parties. I also have extensive experience in corporate events like holiday parties, staff picnics or special thank-you events for customers.” She is also well known for organizing charitable benefits and large community events such as the Concerts in the Square in Lake Forest from mid June to mid August and the Harvest Festival sponsored by the Highwood Chamber of Commerce at the end of September.

After 14 years as a corporate event planner and decades of experience planning business, personal and family events, Ms. Szymanski founded Memorable Events in late 2006. “My job was terrific,” she explains, “but working for myself means I can take the jobs that interest me and really use the full extent of my creativity.”

The Work Is Its Own Reward
Those years in corporate America, however, certainly helped Ms. Szymanski lay the foundation for her new venture. For example, she has developed an enormous set of resources to draw from to meet her clients’ every whim. “I’ve got great caterers and I also have everything from clowns to pony rides,” she says. “If someone wants music at their event, I can get a DJ or a band. I can even get an entire small orchestra if that’s what they want. Virtually anything a client could ask for, I’ve got the contacts to get it.”

Not surprisingly, flexibility is a very important quality in an event planner and it’s one Ms. Szymanski developed in spades over the years. When last-minute changes or problems arise, instead of panicking, she is able to quickly and efficiently make whatever adjustments need to be made. Ms. Szymanski confesses to being very passionate about creating the perfect event for her clients. “I really love the challenge of creating an event and carrying out the details. It makes me happy to see that others are happy and enjoying the event,” she says. “That’s really why I do this.”

Custom Gift Baskets
In addition to event and party planning, Ms. Szymanski also creates custom gift baskets. “I’ve literally done hundreds and hundreds,” she says. Her creations have included Pamper Yourself baskets for women, Arts & Crafts and Fun & Games baskets for children and gardening baskets for some of the local women’s gardening clubs. She has even created baskets with unusual and unique contents such as organic snack foods and patio items. “Just give me some idea of what you want, and I can create the perfect basket.”