185 THE NEXT LEVEL: LYNN EASTON Discusses MARCY BLUM - A Pioneer of the Experiential Approach to Event Planning • The Wedding Biz

185 THE NEXT LEVEL: LYNN EASTON Discusses MARCY BLUM – A Pioneer of the Experiential Approach to Event Planning

Today on The Next Level, Andy Kushner is speaking with Lynn Easton, creator of Easton Destination Events, a worldwide luxury destination wedding design, and planning company. She is also the Co-Founder of Easton Porter Group, a luxury hospitality company with a portfolio of award-winning boutique hotels, vineyards, restaurants and event venues in North America and Europe.

The discussion this week is on Marcy Blum, an internationally sought-after event planner, and entertainment expert. She has been named one of the best in the world by Vogue, Martha Stuart Weddings, Harper’s Bazaar and the New York Times magazine.

Marcy has worked with celebrities including LeBron James, George and Tamika Soros, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, to name a few. She has also appeared on television shows including Oprah, Live with Regis and Kelly and the Rachel Ray Show.

Lynn speaks about how events need to evolve as they unfold. She also believes that every event should be customized for each client. Planners always need to up their game, plan more creative activities, and Marcy is the master at planning experiences. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Show Highlights:

[01:23] Welcome to the show Lynn, it’s great to have you back!
[03:30] Lynn chats about how she met Marcy on a panel at an Engage Summit.
[05:20] They both agree with Marcy that using a pre-determined template for an event is not appropriate.
[07:20] Every event should be customized for the client, and what the client wants. There should not be a set formula.
[08:50] They discuss how Marcy is a master at planning experiences at her events.
[09:55] Most weddings now are at least three or four days, and destination weddings can be five or more days.
[12:36] Lynn chats about planning an event in a country she’s never been to and how she finds the vendors she needs.
[14:28] Where have you never been that you would love to do an event?
[15:40] She agrees with Marcy that an event needs to unfold as it goes, there should be surprising moments.
[18:10] Andy and Lynn agree that having a comedy type of event in the days before a wedding can relieve stress so that everyone warms up and has a great time.
[19:22] Using place cards and seating guests around the tables, with intention, allows them to connect with other guests they may not know.