Suzanne Reinhard of Suzanne Reinhard Events is an award-winning wedding planner in Atlanta and beyond. With recognition from the top wedding publications in the nation, including Vogue, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Modern Luxury Weddings, she continues to deliver events for Atlanta’s most beloved and influential families. Suzanne’s planning philosophy is simple… be hospitable and serve others with a gracious spirit and a full heart. She and her husband Kris Reinhard are deeply rooted in the Atlanta restaurant scene (partners in Fifth Group Restaurants) and have a storied culinary background that bolsters Suzanne’s level of luxury service. With that in mind, Suzanne Reinhard Events brings every client’s dream to life — building beautiful memories along the way.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
Naturally, planning a wedding is an emotional experience. I am blessed to work with the loveliest families. Because there is a high expectation for the wedding day, there can be many opinions, dollar amounts and feelings in the room during pre-planning. My job is to not only manage logistics and details but sometimes also manage emotion and sensitivity. Compassion and calmness are the best wedding gifts you can grant a couple. Don’t rush the process. Sometimes you’re the planner, therapist, and officiant for the day.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
#1 The Welcome Party
#2 The Farewell Brunch (and every event in-between)
Today, the wedding is much more than a ceremony and reception. Families extend the special occasion into a weekend-long celebration with events Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. What was the old rehearsal dinner is now a full-fledged welcome party with entertainment, floral and design, top-end food and beverage and ultimate customization. Bookending the wedding day with a welcome event and farewell brunch is not uncommon, and I enjoy extending the life of the celebration to tell a couple’s complete story. It’s wonderful to see families and friends actually have quality time together with more opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
Wedding planning is a work of heart, and it is simply impossible without the cooperation and level of service vendors provide. Vendors become an extension of the Suzanne Reinhard Events team and are treated as such. I want everyone to feel appreciated and supported throughout the event day and especially during the planning process. Timeliness, communication, and transparency are first and foremost.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
Suzanne Reinhard Events expanding more internationally. In 2019, SRE coordinated a wedding at the stunning Rosewood de Allende in San Miguel. I expect to see some European destinations on the calendar soon. With strong global, industry relationships, we’re ready to pack our bags.
What inspired you to launch your own company in the event industry? How long did it take from initially having the idea of setting up and starting to attract a client base?
I became immersed in the culinary scene in Charleston at the onset of my career. I was on the opening teams for Magnolia’s (Charleston) and Atlanta’s Canoe, South City Kitchen and Food Studio. I acknowledged my true passion for service to others and knew how to create an experience that extended beyond the dining table. As all business owners say, one day I took the leap and the rest is history.
