For my 32nd birthday, I finally did something I’d never done as an adult: I threw myself a party. As a Leap Year baby, I branded it Sweet 16 × 2, a playful nod to finally getting the Sweet 16 I never had and celebrating my “real” birthday. But this wasn’t just a party. I set out to:
- Give myself the milestone celebration I’d never had,
- Showcase my work as an event planner alongside trusted vendors, and
- Quietly create a networking moment (which flew out the window once the fun started!).
The Vision: Bourbon Street Energy, Jersey Zip Code
The design plan was bold: transform the venue into a Mardi Gras-inspired scene, including rich purples, greens, and golds, layered beads, custom signage, and lush vignettes. My goal was to make guests feel like they’d stepped onto Bourbon Street without leaving town.
The Curveball: From “All Day Setup” to “You Have Two Hours”
The hotel had originally confirmed all-day access. On the day-of, they informed me I actually had two hours. Talk about a curveball. I had elaborate decor that required the all-day access.
Rapid Re-Plan (a.k.a. Being My Own Client)
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Cut the footprint: I prioritized high-impact zones (my table, dessert table, food line, and photo spot) and dropped the rest.
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Parallelize the build: I told my team to pre-assemble décor clusters in my hotel room upstairs, which were the centerpieces, signage, and balloons for the backdrop so we could place them quickly.
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Adjust show flow: At 6:30 p.m. (still in street clothes), the hotel manager reminded me we had to start on time. I re-sequenced the run-of-show:
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7:00 p.m. Band starts playing; my mom greets guests.
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7:30 p.m. Band calls tables for dinner in waves, keeping energy up and lines moving.
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8:00 p.m. Band lead texts me “All tables called.” I promised I’d be ready, and I was.
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The event started and ended on time, and guests experienced a seamless evening. Did I get the full Bourbon Street build? No. Did the party still feel intentional, joyful, and on-brand? Absolutely.
What Worked (and What I’ll Keep Doing for Clients)
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Prioritize impact areas—entry, entertainment, food flow, and one photo moment carry 80% of the guest experience.
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Pre-build everything possible off-site. Assembly beats creation under time pressure.
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Protect the schedule—a strong show flow buys you breathing room, even when you’re still zipping your dress at 7:05.
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Design for resilience—if your Plan A requires a long setup, have a B that still looks great in half the time.
The Team That Made It Happen
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Band: Rocky & Billy
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Cake: Cilly Cakes
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Custom Pound Cake: Glorious Southern Cuisine
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Décor: Vision by me (The K District); execution by Lynxx Entertainment
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Invitations: Also me, because being your own client means wearing all the hats
Final Thoughts
Throwing this party reminded me why I love this work. Even when plans change, there’s always a way to deliver a beautiful experience. As a planner, I preach flexibility; as my own client, I practiced it, in real time, with a band, a timeline, and a very hard out.
If you’re planning a milestone (or need a pro who can pivot with a smile), let’s talk. I’ll bring the beads and the backup plan.
