We’re seeing a really fun shift in people utilizing colors in a more modern way and playing with textures and elements that elevate the event to a new guest experience.

Renee Sabo

Founder and Lead Wedding Consultant

Location: Boston

With more than a decade of experience in the event industry, Renée Sabo knows exactly what it takes to design the wedding day her clients have always envisioned.

Her career within the Boston event industry includes working with two luxury wedding planning firms, in addition to event roles at the Hyatt Regency Boston and the New England Aquarium.

Today, Renée is the owner and lead wedding consultant of Urban Soirée, which provides full-service wedding planning to couples in the New England area and beyond. Her heart beats for intimate, ethereal, and timeless celebrations, and she’s been honored to receive numerous awards, including the NACE’s Best Wedding of the Year Award, Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Award, and was voted as a ‘Top Wedding Planner’ by Boston’s A-List and a ‘Best Planner’ by ILEA Boston.

In addition to Urban Soirée, Renée has a passion for educating aspiring wedding professionals and cultivating community within our industry. When she’s not working with brides and grooms-to-be, you can find Renée on her podcast The Confetti Hour hosting candid conversations with the most inspiring guests, or at Everyday Creative coaching fellow small business owners.

Renee resides in Greater Boston with her husband, Chris, and their sweet dachshund, Lincoln.

What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?

I am really excited to see color making a comeback. We’re seeing a really fun shift in people utilizing colors in a more modern way and playing with textures and elements that elevate the event to a new guest experience. Another trend I am excited to see is letting go of traditions when it comes to formalities and timelines and really collaborating as a vendor team to create a unique and memorable flow for our clients.

If you had unlimited resources, what would your dream client and event look like?

A stunning wedding at a chateau or mansion filled with installations of ethereal florals, elegant tablescapes and charming details that offer a personalized guest experience. I also envision gorgeous textured linen and lighting to transform the spaces and really bring people back to a different era.

How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?

Vendor relationships are one of our top priorities as an event planner. Being able to work with vendors who produce incredible work and are excited to show up for our clients and go above and beyond are the relationships I really focus on building. I have successfully cultivated strong relationships within the industry by being someone other vendors can trust, being a team player and taking care of my vendors who I have the pleasure of working with! We’re all in this together!

What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?

In addition to planning gorgeous celebrations, I am currently a year into producing my own podcast, The Confetti Hour. I have so many exciting media opportunities coming on the horizon to highlight new businesses and cultivate community throughout our industry.

What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?

Other than helping with my mom’s wedding in high school, I remember my first large event as part of a job was for a local Chamber of Commerce event in my town. It was an incredible experience that gave me insight into the world of hosting fundraisers and a plated seated meal. It was Olympic themed and so much fun to experience!

What are some things you wished you knew before starting your businesses?

I wish I had studied more about knowing my numbers and really pricing myself for my worth right out of the starting gate! It can be hard to navigate expenses as a small business and to determine what the right areas to be financially investing in. There were definitely some bumps along the way that I wish I had a better grip on when I started my business!

Renee Sabo
Author: Renee Sabo

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