NEW YORK’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER EVENT PLANNER

Introducing Andrea Adelstein. Founder and event-planning extraordinaire behind NY Lux Events, Andrea has become New York’s go-to for everything from weddings and birthday parties to mitzvahs and corporate events.

Walk us through the early days of NY Lux Events. Where did it all begin?

I grew up in a philanthropic family, so I was always listening and being brought to events. My mother also opened her own invitation business and I was able to learn a lot organically. Years later, my best friend became a planner and I used to love listening to stories about the fantastic parties he produced. I started working with him, and ultimately, created my own business 10 years ago.

We know how much behind-the-scenes work must go into creating a seamless event. What does a day in the life of Andrea look like?

Busy and hectic! Event planning is truly a 24/7 job. Most days start in the office, and I usually meet with clients for appointments during the day and into the evenings. (And somewhere in there I try and exercise!)

We love that you respect your clients as thought leaders. Is there a client who stands out in your mind or an experience that you have carried with you over the years?

I knew a wonderful older woman who was one of my long-time clients. One day when we were discussing tablecloths, she told me I could choose the color. When I tried to encourage her to choose, her answer to me was “It doesn’t matter what color I pick. If I seat my clients well, they will all have a wonderful time.” She reminded me that our priority was to be thoughtful when making decisions about who would sit together—not the color of the tablecloth. I still refer to that story with clients and remember her very fondly today.

Tell us about a favorite piece of your business. Which part of the process do you find most exciting?

I love every bit of event planning. I love meeting new people and learning about how they want to celebrate, or what they want to achieve with their events. While the final result will always feel special, some of my favorite moments happen early in the planning process when we are brainstorming ideas and coming up with creative new ways to do things. Right before the guests arrive, I can look around and appreciate how all of the individual pieces melted together. It’s very satisfying.

Andrea is wearing our Bria dress in Irish sea.

Event planning (especially in NYC!) must be anything but ordinary. When someone asks for your craziest story, what’s your favorite go-to?

We did an event with world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura. When people ask for my favorite experience in event planning, I think of the moment Chef Bottura asked me if I was hungry, plated me an entree, handed me the plate, and said, “Is it good?” I couldn’t believe the number-one chef in the world was asking if I liked his food! To me, chefs are incredible, special people. And for Massimo Bottura to ask if I liked his food? It was amazing!

You plan everything from weddings and birthday parties to mitzvahs and corporate events. Is there a certain celebration you have the most fun designing?

We do all types of events—weddings, mitzvahs, milestones, and corporate work—but my favorites are usually milestone celebrations. You can really delve in deep and find fun ways to represent the client. Plus, there are always less of the standard formalities that you have to follow. Creativity is the best part!

It seems like every entrepreneur has a set of unique tips and tricks that help them stay inspired, even when the going gets tough. What are a few of yours?

I love watching older generations enjoy an event. They are beaming, watching their grandchildren get married or mitzvah'd. Being a part of those celebrations is so wonderful. Other than that, having a strong sense of priority and understanding that things are not personal is the only way to manage the craziness!

As a seasoned event planner, you know what to do—and what not to do! What is one common faux pas that any at-home hostess can avoid in order to save some stress later?

I find that most at-home hostesses make their biggest faux pas in the menu planning. They either try to do so much that they become stressed or they plan a menu without realizing that everything needs to be in the oven at the same time or heated at the last minute. Then they’re left scrambling. The key to a seamless dinner party is to develop a menu that is easy to execute, from the prep to the final cooking stage.

Andrea is wearing our Bria dress in royal blue.

We love hearing about every woman’s personal Oprah Winfrey, Joan of Arc, or Wonder Woman. Tell us about a woman you admire.

Right now, I admire Nancy Pelosi. She is standing her ground and keeping her focus, and many times, she is the only woman in the room. She does it with grace and strength.

If you could create an event for anyone, who would it be? Which special touches would you include?

I would love to throw Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s next birthday party! She has led such an incredible life and accomplished so much for women and minorities. There are so many elements that could be touched on and brought to life. I would love for the guest list to be full of strong women!

Andrea's Favorites

ADRIENNE

BRIA

TESSA

BRIA

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