PLANNING DESIGNING MANUFACTURING
“TOP 16 WEDDING PLANNERS IN CHICAGO FOR 2026” - PEERSPACE
Creating Unique Memories
PLANNING:
The backbone of what we do. We guide you through every detail of your wedding from conception to completion. From vendor management, individualized timeline creation, budgets, and day-of execution to seating charts, backup vendors, the guest experience, and even where photographers will stand, Kokate Events ensures you and your guests are relaxed. With us, you don’t just plan a wedding; you enjoy the moments while we orchestrate every polished moment behind the scenes.
DESIGN HOUSE:
Our Design House is one of only two true full design houses in Chicago. We don’t just design your wedding—we get to know you. We talk through your vision, your goals, how you want your guests to feel, and the deeper ideas and inspirations that make your story unique. From your invitations and florals to your décor and even your outfits, every element is created with intention and guided by these conversations. This thoughtful, theory-driven approach allows us to craft a wedding that doesn’t just look beautiful—it feels like you in every detail.
MANUFACTURING & ARTISAN COLLECTION:
What truly sets us apart is our in-house manufacturing and Artisan Collection, allowing us to curate details you simply can’t find elsewhere. Want a photo-booth wall made of hand-painted tiles from Mexico? Check. Want to gift your guests olive oil from a small village in Greece? Done. Dreaming of a custom glass stage? Been there, done that. We even offer our own bridal jewelry line in partnership with one of the largest jewelry companies in the world, along with custom soaps and candles crafted specifically for Kokate Events couples. If you can dream it, we can make it.
Based in Chicago, Specialize in Unique Weddings Everywhere
Our Philosophies
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Our “Planning & Design” services are offered at a fixed fee that encompasses service charges, gratuity, taxes, and any additional fees. In essence, the price you see is the total amount you will pay. Unlike others who may impose percentage-based fees or additional charges, we believe in transparency and simplicity, striving to assist our clients as effectively as possible. The only times our prices increase are for the actual manufacturing of a product or if you’d like us to plan/design an event outside of your wedding weekend.
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We keep backup photographers, DJ, officiants, and even caterers for your wedding day. This is a safety net we keep in place so if you are unhappy with their services or someone is sick, we can quickly deviate to ensure your day is exactly how you want it.
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You will know exactly who your planner is before working with us so there is no special sales associate you have to go through first. The planner is your main point of contact throughout our process and they will be attending your wedding the day of. We don’t even limit the number of hours the day of the wedding.
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You are welcome to meet with us virtually or in person as often as you wish. You will have access to our scheduling calendar, and we maintain group messaging with all of our couples. Whether you prefer to call, text, email, or meet in person, we strive to be accessible and typically respond within 24 hours.
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All of our couples get a dedicated client portal where you can view vendor contracts, see timelines, look at our wedding checklist, send emails, and upload files.
Meet AJ & Elizabeth
At Kokate Events, everything begins with intention, creativity, and a deeply personal approach to celebration.
Founded by husband-and-wife team AJ and Elizabeth Kokate, we blend expert planning with refined design to create events that feel both effortless and unforgettable. Together, we bring a balance of structure and artistry—ensuring every detail is not only beautifully executed, but thoughtfully considered.
AJ, our Head Planner, leads with a strategic mindset shaped by years of experience producing large-scale events, weddings, and complex productions. He is known for his calm, solutions-driven approach and his ability to transform ambitious ideas into seamless realities. From logistics to execution, AJ ensures that every event flows flawlessly from beginning to end.
Elizabeth, our Head Designer, brings each celebration to life through a distinct and elevated aesthetic. With a background in design and fashion, she curates every visual element with intention—layering textures, details, and custom elements to create an experience that is both timeless and uniquely yours.
What sets Kokate Events apart is our hands-on, boutique approach. We personally guide every client and are present at every event, allowing us to maintain a level of care, precision, and personalization that cannot be replicated.
At our core, we do more than plan events—we craft experiences that reflect your story, your style, and your vision, brought to life with intention and artistry.
Kind Words
“Kokate Events was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, their communication style was detailed, positive, and warm, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. The team's creativity, seamless execution, and effective coordination ensured our art deco wedding dreams came to life flawlessly. They followed our timeline precisely and anticipated our needs, allowing us to fully enjoy our special day without a single hitch. We are so grateful to Kokate Events for making our wedding day truly unforgettable.”
“AJ and Beth were absolute magic when it came to planning! They were super reliable and chill, and they totally transformed the venue into a breathtaking wonderland. They had an eye for detail and were incredibly creative. From the gorgeous floral arrangements to the awesome playlist, everything was exactly how we wanted it. They were also great at anticipating our needs and handling any last-minute changes, so the day went off without a hitch. Our guests were blown away. If you’re dreaming of having a perfect event that’s truly unforgettable, you have to hire AJ and Beth. They’re the best!”
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