About Our Company
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, we have a flair for creating that, "One-of-a-Kind Event"
Anita, born in Monterey California at the corner of Clever and Creative, possesses the power of emotion to make your most important day less stressful and more beautiful.
She began her journey in 1986 by moving to Wies
With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, we have a flair for creating that, "One-of-a-Kind Event"
Anita, born in Monterey California at the corner of Clever and Creative, possesses the power of emotion to make your most important day less stressful and more beautiful.
She began her journey in 1986 by moving to Wiesbaden, Germany for three years and then to Seoul, South Korea. While overseas she soaked up whatever culture she could find.
“When you travel to foreign lands there is always a language barrier but I found a common language shared by every country I visited- the language of flowers.”
She realized that flowers have meaning! They tell a story by the type of flower you choose, can express meaning through color & extend emotional support without speaking a word.
After 34 years of “Playing with Flowers”, Anita took her experience a step further, in 1995 she created A STARR Events- A Full-Service Wedding Planning & Coordination Company.
"I understand that every couple is unique and we seek to reflect your personality, lifestyle, family traditions & spiritual beliefs into your special day."
Who We Are & What We Do
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
Photo Courtesy of Loose Tie Photography
A STARR Events is a boutique Event & Wedding Planning Company dedicated to creating Art & Organization for your Special Event.
Our Mission is to help You bring your ideas to life. It is our experience that Couples have a vision of how they want their wedding to be crafted but don't understand how to b
Photo Courtesy of Loose Tie Photography
A STARR Events is a boutique Event & Wedding Planning Company dedicated to creating Art & Organization for your Special Event.
Our Mission is to help You bring your ideas to life. It is our experience that Couples have a vision of how they want their wedding to be crafted but don't understand how to bring all of the elements together to plan & execute a successful event.
We work closely with our trusted and talented vendors (or yours) to orchestrate all design and logistical elements throughout the entire planning process.
Having a corporate event or a winery member gathering? Maybe you are just looking for someone to help you with a small Holiday or Birthday party.
We have experience in planning a Traditional Quinceanera Ball or Sweet 16, no event is too big or small for A STARR Events to manage.
Full-Service Planning & Coordination Packages Hourly Pre-Wedding Consultation & "Day Of" Coordination Assistance.
We are here to bring YOUR ideas to life, not to tell you how your wedding should be.
The bottom line is....We Create Beautiful & Affordable Memories!
Our Promise
Anita M Starr- Owner & Event Specialist
Our Promise
Photo Courtesy of Larry Nordwick Photography
We aren't your average Event Planners!
Couples hire us because we can provide the management, expertise and peace of mind necessary to ensure the planning and organization of your event is seamless, memorable and magical.
As your wedding day approaches we will take the burden off your shoulders o
Photo Courtesy of Larry Nordwick Photography
We aren't your average Event Planners!
Couples hire us because we can provide the management, expertise and peace of mind necessary to ensure the planning and organization of your event is seamless, memorable and magical.
As your wedding day approaches we will take the burden off your shoulders of contacting your vendors to confirm their arrival time so you can relax and actually enjoy your rehearsal dinner or a spa treatment & manicure.
The morning of your wedding you will not wake thinking about the ceremony or reception set-up. Instead, you will enjoy a cup of coffee and some breakfast because your make-up & hair stylist is arriving to help you look your best on your special day.
Remember, we promise to take care of those details just as we planned in the months prior to your wedding day.Your Wedding Day is about you- embrace the role of "Queen for a Day"
I give you my personal guarantee that you will not regret hiring A STARR Events. We will treat your wedding as if it were OUR own.
Getting Started
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
Photos Courtesy of Larry Nordwick
LarryNordwick.Com
Hire a professional to produce & direct your wedding, especially if you fit into one of these categories:
You have a demanding, professional career
You have high aspirations, many design elements & details to set up
You are planning a destination wedding
You want to enjoy every moment of your special day
You simply prefer to enlist the help of a professional consultant
You get to make all of the decisions, but they spend the time finding vendors, negotiating contracts and can save you money.
As a wedding planner, often times, I will work with a couple from the very beginning. Sometimes I am brought on a few months after the initial planning has begun when the bride realizes that this process is a bit overwhelming and she needs help.
I am the wedding planner capable of making your wedding day a reality. I know your vision and I am able to ensure that it is executed flawlessly.
Our belief is that everyone can afford to hire an event planner- the trick is finding the right one. With A STARR Events, you can plan the Ceremony & Reception of your dreams - we are here to help!
Inspiration
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
Seasons play a big role in creating the "theme" of your wedding. In your opinion, which season feels the most romantic? Once you choose a date consider how that month can help you choose the right colors, flowers, food, music, decor, favors, & even your wedding attire.
Who are you? Couples that have similar interests or obsessions can personalize their wedding by incorporating those details with color, favors or decorations. Whatever your passion is there's something about it you can use to ensure your guests are talking about it for years to come.
Traditions are important to most families so think about blending in rituals from both of your backgrounds. Remember, you are at the threshold of creating your life together so reflect your personality any way you desire. The only limitations are your imagination & of course, your budget!
The Wedding Budget
Planning Your Wedding with A STARR Events
The Wedding Budget
Most couples make the mistake of spending money before they take the time to create a budget. If your family is contributing find out how they want to help. Are they committing to a specific dollar amount or financing a particular part of the event?
Get organized by putting all of your wedding funds in a separate account so you can easily track additions and withdrawals without confusing them with your day-to-day funds.
Decide what few elements are most important to you and budget a little extra money for them. Be clear about your budget with all of your vendors so there won't be any surprises when it's time to sign the contract.
Budget in extras such as stamps, favors, delivery/set-up/breakdown costs, sales tax, service fees, standard tips & overtime fees. Small items add up and going over budget in one category limits the possibilities in another.
Need to cut costs?
Guests are your number one expense. When you reduce the guest list it cuts reception costs in many ways. Limit your bar options, besides the meal, your bar is going to be one of your biggest expenses. Offer beer, wine & one signature drink. Another way to save your budget is by having your wedding during an off-peak time frame. Opt for a less-popular month and believe it or not, venues are more willing to work with your budget.
Please inquire about other ways to save money while planning the wedding of your dreams. It's very possible to save hundreds- even thousands if you hire the right professional.
Florals & Decor
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wedding Budget
A STARR Events is a one stop & shop business! It's as simple as that!
We've had Brides frantically calling a week before their weddings because a DIY project didn't come together. Don't allow this to happen to you! Flowers require pre-planning and hours of labor to construct and care for your bouquets and centerpieces.
Provide your florist with a few inspirational photos, your color palette , and let them do the rest. A professional should choose flowers that are "in season" and locally grown.
We pride ourselves on the fact that we offer locally grown, California flowers. This method keeps your budget in tact and reduces the carbon footprint of shipping flowers in boxes & delivery trucks. Your California blossoms are hand selected by our team and arrive on your wedding day looking vibrant and fresh.
A STARR Events also offers the use of specialty props to save you money. We have various styles of Lanterns, Hurricane Centerpieces, Battery Pillar / Votive Candles, Tea Light/ Votive Glass cups, Easels (tall standing & table top), and much more.
Looking for Vintage or Modern decor accents? We have connections in the local community who can offer rental products to match the aesthetic you are after.
A STARR Events offers Custom Rental Linens at wholesale pricing. Our clients receive our discount which can save you hundreds of dollars. We guarantee you will find the perfect linen color and style. Please inquire about our linen pricing and catalog.
Need help with Calligraphy, Specialty Signs, or constructing Wedding Favors? A STARR Events is detail oriented and "crafty" company. We thrive on the smallest design detail and can assist you with every project you envision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I hire a Wedding Planner?
"If you have been married before you may know the answer to this question- for those of you getting married for the first time, you will not regret the decision to hire a professional. We guide you through the entire planning and day of process, acting as the mediator, director, secretary, personal assistant, and overall specialist ensuring every detail is perfect. We organize and structure the planning process so nothing falls through the cracks. We are able to save you time, money, and perhaps your sanity so you can enjoy your wedding day."
My venue has an onsite coordinator...Why do I need a wedding planner?
"A venue coordinator and a wedding planner are not the same thing. An onsite venue coordinators main objective is to ensure their property rules are followed. If they are providing the use of their tables & chairs, they direct venue staff when and where to set up those items. If you rent tables & chairs the venue will not set those items up for you. Venue coordinators want nothing to do with the set-up of your personal decor. They will not run your timeline nor do they have your personal needs in mind. They usually won't direct your vendors & guests, and they may not handle clean-up after the party is over. A venue coordinator works for the venue. When you hire A STARR Events, We work for you!"
Do you charge a flat rate or a percentage based on the budget?
" We charge a flat rate based on your needs. In order to give you an accurate quote, we need to gather information about your event such as location of the venue, guest count, and whether you are looking for a full-service package plan or a consultant to assist when needed. We offer a complete package plan for unlimited amount of guidance & coordination or hourly rates for our services."
Client Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Richard & Renee said... " If you have a pretty good idea of what you'd like your wedding to be and want a reliable, loyal partner to put things together for you, then Anita is your woman. If you realize (as you should) that no amount of planning will prevent those last minute problems and don’t know where to find help, call Anita. If you want someone with brilliant ideas that will just “Put the Cherry on Top”, call Anita. If you are looking for someone who is flexible – the “Make it Happen Gal”…Anita is your woman! We are lucky to have found her and so are you!"
Thomas & Jennifer said... "To say Anita Starr of A Starr Events is the best wedding coordinator in Northern California, is an understatement. I cannot express how much she helped during the entire wedding process. From the first phone call until the last moments of my wedding day, I was confident that Anita understood my vision and that everything would go smoothly. I had some unfortunate encounters with my wedding venue and Anita was there every step of the way to offer advice and also to ensure that the day of would go off without a hitch, despite any problems with the venue itself. Anita is incredibly organized and will prompt you throughout the year to begin thinking about certain aspects of your wedding -- she thinks of all the things that weren't even on your radar! In addition to a spectacular, issue-free wedding process and day, Anita was my florist for the entire ceremony and reception. Everything was above and beyond my expectations and vision. I wanted a romantic and effortless look and everything was so beautiful that all my guests were raving all night about how beautiful the arrangements and the small floral details looked. Anita will exceed your expectations for every aspect of your planning process, big or small. We had so many problems with our venue that my husband and I almost postponed our wedding. Anita Starr and her team at A Starr Events are the only reason we were confident enough to go through with the day and I'm glad we did. Anita will be your go-to person for the duration of your planning process, but I guarantee she will remain your friend long after. She is a wonderful coordinator and an even better human being. Thank you Anita for everything!"