READING TIME: 4 min 34 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/03/2025
There’s something magnetic about legacy, especially when hospitality runs in your veins. For Michelle Durpetti, the seed of a wedding planner was planted long before she ever orchestrated her first “I do.”
“I grew up in a multi-generational restaurant business, with my mother and grandmother alongside my dad and grandfather as consummate hosts who love the world of hospitality and sharing the restaurant they built with their customers,” Michelle shares. “So celebrations and planning them was a really organic very natural extension of that for me.”
It was never a leap into the unknown — it was a continuation of a story she was already living.
After years in the field, the sparkle hasn’t faded. When asked what she loves most about her work, Michelle doesn’t hesitate:
“Connecting people and cultural experiences within celebrations to create unforgettable memories in gorgeous settings!”
Her joy comes from more than décor or logistics — it’s in seeing traditions merge, emotions stir, and relationships deepen.
With 18 years under her belt at her company (and a lifetime of producing events), she’s cultivated an intuition few planners can match.
Michelle doesn’t box the word “wedding” into a narrow corner. Her firm is a full-service production + planning company, and she clarifies that they “plan celebrations of all kinds.” Birthdays, anniversaries, milestone events — they embrace them all.
Geographically, they are equally expansive. “We work all over the world for our clients — we are based in Chicago & Palm Beach, and we also specialize in Italy,” she explains. And because her team “speak multiple languages and love planning everywhere,” there is no destination off-limits, no cultural nuance too small.
There’s no cookie-cutter approach here.
“It is very personal and high touch, we are very passionate about what we do — and educating our clients and giving them all that they need to make informed decisions is a top priority alongside all of the fun stuff too!”
From Day One, clients feel supported, involved, and respected — never overwhelmed.
Weddings seldom go exactly as planned. The true test is in how you respond.
“The biggest challenge is always the unexpected — weather shifts, vendor hiccups, or last-minute guest changes. Experience has taught me that adaptability and calm are what make the difference in those moments. My role is to pivot quickly, adjust plans seamlessly, and make sure my couples never feel that stress on their shoulders.”
She also remarks on a deeper challenge within the industry:
“One of the biggest challenges that we face … is how little our clients know coming in about weddings and the costs versus their expectations, and I would really like to see this industry do more and do better about providing that knowledge to couples so they are better prepared when planning.”
Michelle’s response? Teach as she plans.
No one wants surprise fees, hidden clauses, or regrets — and Michelle counsels couples to guard themselves well:
“Read every line of your contracts carefully — the fine print on cancellation policies, overtime charges, and inclusions versus add-ons can make a huge difference. I’ve reviewed hundreds of contracts, and I know those hidden line items are often what impact budgets most. My advice is always to have a planner or trusted professional review before signing, so there are no surprises and you’re fully protected.”
On the budgeting front, Michelle offers a clear principle:
“Get crystal clear on your priorities as a couple and build your budget around those. I’ve worked with countless clients to align their spending with what truly matters to them … By investing where your values are and being mindful elsewhere, you can create a meaningful wedding without losing control of the numbers.”
She also emphasizes realism and flexibility:
“Couples need to be realistic … when the planner tells them that the budget they have allocated and the guest count they would like does not align … Flexibility is key — perhaps you are cutting the guest list or you are taking longer to plan to diffuse some of the investment.”
Rain, shine, or surprise gusts — Michelle treats every scenario as integral to the vision.
“Treat your back-up plan with the same care as your first choice. If the weather forces you to use it, you’ll still feel excited and cared for instead of disappointed. I’ve seen beautiful tented alternatives and seamless indoor transformations that saved the day — so I always tell couples: plan as though you’ll need it, and if you don’t, that’s just the bonus.”
And as for the flow of the day:
“Always build in buffer time. The best timelines are realistic and leave room for natural flow, not just logistics. I’ve learned that when couples have breathing space to pause, soak in the day, and enjoy, the wedding feels smooth and stress-free — and that’s exactly what thoughtful planning delivers.”
Michelle’s advice is both heartfelt and grounded:
“My advice is to remember that this process should be as joyful as the day itself. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by opinions, trends, and endless details, but stay anchored in what truly reflects you as a couple. Trust your team, lean into the expertise of your vendors, and give yourselves permission to enjoy the journey — not just the destination. In this world of weddings you really do get what you pay for, so my advice is always always always to connect with quality vendors and creatives who are passionate and who will build a team of excellence and creativity around you and your wedding.”
What elevates Michelle’s work is her belief that weddings are living legacies.
“I believe weddings are about more than one day — they’re about creating memories that live with you and your loved ones forever. At Michelle Durpetti Events, we view each celebration as an opportunity to weave together legacy, detail, and beauty in a way that feels completely unique to every couple. We’ve had the privilege of producing weddings around the world, and what we’ve learned is that the magic comes from intention: the way a detail honors your story, the way a timeline allows you to actually pause and take it all in, the way the right team brings energy and heart to the day. That is what elevates a wedding into something unforgettable.”
For Michelle Durpetti, planning isn’t about orchestrating logistics — it’s about crafting living narratives. Whether you say “I do” on the cobbled streets of Italy, under the wide skies of Palm Beach, or in a grand ballroom in Chicago, her team ensures every moment feels intentional, joyous, and deeply personal.
