This first-person essay draws from a candid conversation with Akeshi Akinseye, a renowned planner of sophisticated events and the esteemed author of “The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings.” The narrative has been carefully refined for both conciseness and coherence while retaining its authentic voice and insights.\n\nAkinseye’s enduring passion for orchestrating memorable occasions can be traced back to a deeply personal milestone: the planning of her own wedding in 2012. Although she did not receive formal academic training in event design, her intuitive sense of artistry and precision guided her every choice. She envisioned a celebration rich in sentiment—imbued with thoughtful touches, exceptional cuisine, and unexpected delights that would enchant her guests and linger in their memories. That initial experience revealed her natural aptitude for transforming emotion into atmosphere, an ability that would eventually evolve into a distinguished career.\n\nAs her journey progressed from personal to professional planning, Akinseye found herself consistently drawn to a particular aesthetic. Her work became defined by a fusion of sophistication and intentionality, anchored in a philosophy of service that prioritized the guest experience above all else. This discerning approach led her organically toward the world of luxury event design, where precision, imagination, and refinement coalesce. Today, she curates bespoke celebrations for an exclusive clientele that includes visionary CEOs, formidable attorneys, and celebrated athletes—all seeking not just events, but one-of-a-kind sensory journeys.\n\nWhen it comes to pricing, Akinseye explains, the determining factor is never the number of attendees but rather the complexity, intimacy, and creative scope of the experience itself. Each concept, from a private dinner to an elaborate destination weekend, is priced according to the craftsmanship and degree of personalization required. A single evening of dining might range from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the quality of the chef, the rarity of the wines, and the intricacy of the ambiance. For multi-day destination weekends—complete with distinctive entertainment and design—budgets can easily ascend into six figures or beyond.\n\nOver the years, Akinseye has observed a notable transformation in what her clients desire. Today’s luxury clientele craves immersive and emotionally resonant experiences that unfold over multiple days, mirroring the grandeur and attention to detail once reserved solely for weddings. The same creative energy once directed toward matrimonial celebrations now extends to milestone birthdays, intimate dinners, destination gatherings, and even corporate retreats that feel both indulgent and meaningful. \n\nThese events are intentionally layered, offering guests an all-encompassing rhythm from dawn to deep night. Mornings might begin with golf outings or sun-drenched pool parties, afternoons evolve into artful luncheons or cocktail tastings, and by evening, the atmosphere transforms into themed dinners featuring dynamic performances, interactive entertainment, and after-parties that continue well into the early hours. To balance such intensity, Akinseye often incorporates a rejuvenating third day—a “recovery experience”—where attendees are pampered with spa sessions, vitamin infusions, handcrafted juices, wholesome delicacies, and serene moments of relaxation.\n\nEqually vital to the success of these experiences is the setting itself. Location, Akinseye emphasizes, forms the emotional foundation of an event. Her celebrations might unfold in secluded private estates, members-only clubs, or breathtaking international locales—each selected not just for exclusivity, but for the mood and identity it evokes. Whether an intimate dinner perched atop a cliffside villa or a weekend retreat in a Mediterranean sanctuary, every movement of the guests is choreographed so that each transition feels deliberate and extraordinary.\n\nIn Akinseye’s world, every instant matters. The artistry lies in elevating the expected into the exceptional—surprising and delighting guests through meticulous design and sensory storytelling. Food, for instance, is no longer a static component but a participatory act. Interactive dining stations, tableside preparations, and immersive beverage experiences invite guests to become co-creators of their evening. Renowned chefs finish their culinary masterpieces before an audience, mixologists craft personalized cocktails inspired by the event’s theme, and delectable pairings such as caviar services or sushi artistry turn dining into theatre. The dining table becomes a stage of creativity, bridging the gap between pleasure and performance.\n\nTrends also reveal refinements in taste. Caviar, once a symbol of old-world indulgence, has undergone a modern revival—finding its place not only on the menu but even as an elegant garnish for cocktails like a sophisticated twist on a dirty martini. Similarly, espresso martini towers have emerged as interactive showpieces, where a bell summons a barista rather than a bottle of Champagne. Equally transformative is the rise of mocktail bars. Rather than offering token nonalcoholic alternatives, these setups present thoughtfully developed zero-proof cocktails adorned with intricate garnishes, high-quality ingredients, and pairings designed to complement each culinary course. The result is inclusivity without compromise—every guest feels seen, catered to, and inspired.\n\nDesserts, too, have evolved beyond the predictable. Instead of the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, elegant dessert carts now glide through the crowd, offering confections as individualized as the guests themselves. Some leave with artfully boxed miniature cakes—part keepsake, part indulgence—to enjoy later with a flute of Champagne, extending the sweetness of the moment into memory.\n\nWhile much of contemporary design has leaned into the notion of “quiet luxury,” Akinseye notes that her clientele has moved beyond understatement. Although confidentiality and privacy remain paramount—many of her events are secured by non-disclosure agreements—her guests seek vivacity rather than restraint. They want celebrations that feel exuberant, multilayered, and vibrant with emotion. Grandeur, in this context, is not about spectacle alone; it is about expressing personality, artistry, and joy without apology.\n\nIn place of minimalism, the new era of luxury embraces generosity of experience: elaborate gifting suites instead of standard welcome bags, where guests curate their own boxes of favored haute items—Champagne bottles, scented candles, silk scarves, or bespoke accessories representing the host’s tastes. Even entertainment has evolved; traditional fireworks now yield to awe-inspiring drone displays choreographed to music, sometimes forming images that narrate the hosts’ personal journey. Lighting and sound design are meticulously orchestrated to guide guests emotionally through the evening—from serenity to celebration, intimacy to spectacle—making technology itself a storytelling medium.\n\nFashion has likewise become an integral component of event architecture. For multi-day occasions, Akinseye’s team often produces comprehensive style guides complete with visual mood boards that set the sartorial tone for each event segment—be it an alfresco brunch, a sunset cocktail hour, or an opulent gala night. Guests relish the opportunity to engage in the aesthetic narrative, aligning their attire with the ambiance and reinforcing the cohesion of the entire experience.\n\nBehind every extraordinary celebration lies an equally extraordinary team. Akinseye credits a collective of artisans—from acclaimed chefs and photographers to designers and master mixologists—whose dedication and artistry translate vision into flawless execution. The success of each event depends upon curating not only the details of décor and dining but also the synergy of collaborators whose sensibilities align with those of the client. Every celebration demands a bespoke team capable of interpreting the emotional language of luxury and transforming it into tangible form.\n\nUltimately, Akinseye believes that true luxury transcends extravagance for its own sake. The essence of a magnificent event lies in its authenticity, its purpose, and its ability to elicit emotion. Modern clients seek not mere opulence, but meaning—an elevated experience that reflects their values and celebrates life’s milestones with intentional beauty. When executed with artistry and heart, every sensory element—light, fragrance, music, texture—converges to tell a cohesive and memorable story.\n\nAs she reflects, Akinseye summarizes her philosophy simply yet powerfully: a great party is essential, but so is purpose. Lavishness devoid of intention feels hollow, while thoughtful abundance becomes transformative. In her world, the intersection of joy, design, and devotion to detail defines what genuine luxury truly means.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-event-planner-clients-over-the-top-indulgent-events-2025-10
