Jove Meyer, founder and principal of Jove Meyer Events, hails from a small beach town in southern California. He made his way to New York City to attend Columbia University, but rather than pursuing a law degree he instead followed his passions for design, details, and planning.
Jove and his team specialize in creating personalized weddings that are a reflection of each couple’s unique style, personality, and relationship. He believes in a relaxed approach when guiding the planning and design process, creating a fun and stress-free experience. Jove Meyer Events is known for collaborating with some of the best vendors around to create fresh, beautiful and one of a kind events. Jove Meyer Events focuses on working with small businesses run by women, people of color and queer people, to uplift those who have not always been uplifted!
Jove Meyer Events was born after Jove planned and designed his best friend’s wedding in the summer of 2008 and loved every minute of it. In the years since The Knot has called him a Wedding Wizard and listed him as one of the top 100 wedding pros! Us Weekly has named him a wedding guru and Brides has listed him as a top planner in America. He has also won the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire and BizBash has listed him as a top 500 event pros in the country. Jove’s work has been featured in magazines and blogs worldwide: Vogue, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Refinery29, Marie Claire, Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, Ruffled and many more.
Jove Meyer is the host of the popular podcast Weddings-ish with Jove! He is the creator of the “Totes Getting Married” tote bag and the founder of the NYC Planners Dining Club. In addition to planning and designing, Jove speaks around the world to fellow event professionals.
Jove is a passionate advocate for marriage equality and inclusivity. He co-taught the first LGBTQ+ wedding webinar in partnership with The Knot and speaks about attracting and working with queer couples worldwide on stages including The Knot Workshops, the Engage Summit, Destination Wedding Planners Congress, Hustle and Flow, and many others. Jove donates a portion of his profits to support LGBTQ+ organizations.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
I am excited to see more couples interested in using color at their wedding, expanding their design minds beyond white and neutrals to bold and bright colors!
I am also so happy to see more couples taking an interest in the environment, being mindful about how they can lessen their impact on the environment and still have a great party!
What are some tips for creating an elegant and memorable event on a tight budget?
The most important thing is to do you, put yourself into your big day! Your wedding should be a reflection of you and your fiance’s style, personality and love story! Regardless of your budget, make your wedding yours via personal details and by including your favorite songs, food, and decor!
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
My vendor relationships are an integral part of my company and success! A big part of weddings is collaborating and I am nothing without the vendors I partner with to bring the couple’s vision to life! Many of my vendor relationships go beyond professional and lean into personal friendships, which makes collaborating with them even better!
When vendors mutually respect and admire one another the work they create will be elevated and fabulous!
What advice would you give someone who needs to plan a fundraiser but isn’t sure where to start?
When planning a fundraiser it is crucial to align on the reason for the fundraiser and how the money will be spent! Then focus on building a board or committee that strongly supports the cause and or mission and work together to create a goal for the fundraiser.
Is it money, is it marketing, is it mission-focused? Once you have your goal make a list of people you think would attend. Once you have an estimated guest list reach out to venues that are the right size and go from there! Don’t be afraid to start small, and grow year after year!
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I am working on designing and opening a rental property in Phoenicia, NY. A colorful and thoughtful getaway for groups in Upstate New York, with plans to open in Summer 2020!
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
The first wedding I did was for my best friend in 2008! It was very DIY and low key, as we were both college students, and on a shoestring budget! The planning went well, we asked friends and family for favors and help, and worked hard to make it fun and personal! Of course, being my first wedding, it rained for hours, making the perfect beach ceremony impossible and leaving my friend and bride to be devastated!
At the end of the day the wedding did not go perfectly, but 12 years later and they are going strong with a beautiful daughter!
What are some things you wished you knew before starting your business?
I wish I knew that as the owner of the business I would not just be planning and designing, but I would also be managing people, places, payroll, taxes, etc. Running a small business is way more than just doing the job you love, it also means keeping all the wheels moving while giving your clients all that they need!
Anything else you’d like to comment on while we have you?
Don’t try to be anyone other than your best self! There is a market for you, and the more you put yourself into your work and promote it, the more you will attract the best clients for you!
