
Planning an event should be fun and stress free
Everyone loves a good party. And even more, everyone loves a good party planner! If you’ve ever hosted (or been volunteered to host) an event of any size, you know that your chosen event planner can be your best friend. If you’re looking for an event designer in Northern New Jersey, into New York (and beyond!), Tara Kazdan’s Francis Grace Events, LLC has you covered.
I am an event planner, and I offer design packages, as well as several packages for the day of your event. Maybe you need someone to set everything up on the day, because you need to be somewhere else. And maybe you don’t have time to run around and pick up the cake, balloons, or decorations. Or maybe you have to plan a party, but have no idea where to begin. I plan everything from weddings, to 1st birthdays, to intimate dinner gatherings, and everything in-between.
I’m located in Northern New Jersey, but can travel throughout the state and NY. With technology today, I am available to plan events anywhere in the world. Also, I’m available to travel elsewhere. Once I planned a wedding with a couple who was getting married on an island. Everything was set, but they decided they wanted us at the wedding as well. So, we hopped on a plane and made sure everything went exactly how the couple dreamed it would.
Surrounded by happiness
Tara started out as a wedding planner in 2005 for another company. During that time, she planned everything from huge extravagant weddings to intimate destination weddings. Being featured in magazines and appearing on television was great exposure. It was so much fun, and Tara loved it, but felt the pull to step back to start a family.
As a stay at home mom for the last few years, she continued to plan events on a smaller scale. Staying active in the industry while enjoying her family has given Tara insight on how to balance both worlds.
I missed planning weddings and events on a larger scale, so decided to start my own company. I didn’t want to go back to work for someone else. And I wanted to make sure I give each and every one of my clients all that I can. Planning an event should be fun and stress free. My goal is to help my clients enjoy their event. Weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, whatever it is – they are all celebrations. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by happiness?


Begin with a theme
I am so grateful to work with the incredible team at ALP. There are so many different companies that offer to brand your business, but I took my time to find the right company. I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am with my decision! They made my dreams a reality. I sent them some colors, logos, and fonts of what I kind of liked and they ran with it above and beyond what I imagined. It’s like they got into my head and created these incredible concepts for me to pick from. When I was unsure about something, they made changes until it felt right.
My branding completely encompasses what my company is. As an event planner, the presentation of my company is super important. You only get one chance to make a first impression. The feedback has already been amazingly positive. The name of my company, Francis Grace Events, has very special meaning to me and my branding perfectly reflects that meaning.
Add the details
Originally, I had planned for this to take a lot of time. But I was pleasantly shocked with how fast the ALP team was able to zone in on exactly what I wanted and create all the pieces that came together to complete my brand . I filled out the questionnaire (which was wonderfully targeted at finding out the identity of your business) and held my breath.

The branding plan unfolds
Almost immediately, I had a response, and a phone call was set up to go over everything. I had a proposal of ideas, and within two days I had several logos to choose from. The collaboration continued in such a beautiful way. It felt like I was working with a partner who was looking out for my success. Lily and the team at ALP took the time to listen to my needs and made tweaks along the way.
Within a short period of time, I had a logo, two sub logos, my color scheme, patterns, fonts, and 5 other collateral items that brought everything together. They are passionate about what they do, and it shows. The ALP Team takes great pride in their work and want their clients to be happy. They gave my business a voice.
Always deliver more and include your own special touches
Francis Grace Events, LLC provides planning and designing for weddings, as well as social events. Tara offers personalized service geared to your preferences, specializing in ‘day of’ packages. Looking for a 1st birthday cake smash, a mitzvah, a surprise party for 150, or even a grand wedding with 10 bridesmaids? Tara’s incredible customer pleasing ability and range of packages are what makes her company so special.
Weddings:
“Day of” Package: For the couple that has planned or intends to plan all of the details of their wedding, but needs someone to oversee the big day from beginning to end.
Partial Planning Packages: For the couple that needs some extra help with bringing their ideas to life. This package has two levels: The “Strictly Design” Package and the “Design and Core Vendor” Package
“Full Planning” Package: For the couple that wants it all.
Destination Coordination: We will fly to your wedding the day before, set up all the details that have been planned, and make sure your day goes exactly as planned.
Hourly Consultation: Need help coming up with a theme or just bounce ideas off someone who isn’t a friend or family member? Then this package is for you.

Social Events:
Day of “Helping Hands” Package: Do you have all the details planned out, but are looking for help during the party? We will arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time and stay 30 minutes after your end time.
Day of “Party Setup” Package: Let us take care of setting up decorations, beverages, food, favors, and all the other details that go into getting a party ready.
Day of “Party Breakdown” Package: Let us breakdown the party, while you put your feet up and rest. You deserve it.
“The Runaround” Package: Think of this package as us being your personal shopper. If you are out of state, we can prepare a “party box” to be delivered in time for your party.
“Some Time To Plan” Partial Design Package: This package is strictly for help with the design elements for your party.
“No Time To Plan” Full Design Package: We will customize a complete event design – including a theme, invitations, décor, favors, menus, linens, and any other elements needed to personalize your event.
Hourly Consultation: Need help coming up with a theme or just bounce ideas off of someone who isn’t a friend or family member? Then this package is for you. Ask us any questions and we can help guide you.
The finishing touches
My best advice would be to do your research and make sure you have a great collection of vendors. They will be essential in designing a flawless event (or be there to help, if something unexpected happens). One bad vendor can bring the whole ship down. And you must love what you do. It isn’t just weekends, it is texting a bride back and forth all night sometimes. It is wonderful, but you are working all the time.
Many entrepreneurs admit that their biggest obstacle was getting outside their comfort zone. Tara Kazdan is no different. She loves being with her kids, but she knew it was time to do something for herself again on a bigger scale. Tara never stopped planning events, but needed to take the leap on her own.
Her greatest success has to be her children. They motivate Tara every day to be the best version of herself and she wants to show them that they can do anything they want to do. And that is the best reason for celebration.
Follow Francis Grace Events on Instagram! Website coming soon!

Need help planning your own brand? Or you might have all the details worked out, but need the perfect finish. Wherever you are in the process, our professional design team is ready to make it happen for you!
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