There aren’t too many traditional paths to becoming an event planner, and nothing can be more untraditional than the way Darlene Denise Buckner who was born and raised in Ferriday, Louisiana got started. She graduated Ferriday High School and holds a BA in Fashion Merchandising from Southern University. Today we would like to introduce you to Darlene Buckner of Luxe Events.
L&S: Darlene, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
LE: It all started six years ago with my cousin’s wedding. Being the creative person that I am, she came to me for some ideas. At the same time, I was looking for a new business venture after doing income tax accounting all of my adult life.
My cousin was on a tight budget, and I told her to let me take creative control of her wedding, and I will buy whatever is needed to make this event spectacular. I didn’t mind doing this because for me it was an investment in a new career path, and it was worth it. My cousin along with everyone that attended her wedding was so pleased with what I had created, and that was the start of Darlene Buckner Luxe Events.
The requests for event planning and designs began to pour in and since that time I have amassed a large inventory of event supplies to make any event whether it be an anniversary/milestone event, a birthday party for whatever age, weddings large or small, corporate events, baby showers, etc. breath taking.
L&S: Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Darlene Buckner Lux Events – what should we know?
LE: Darlene Buckner Luxe Events is a coordinating company that was established in 2017. Over the past 6 years, we have developed relationships with highly qualified professionals who inspire confidence and make planning events an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
From my first event, I did not look back. With the experience that the company has gained over the years, I am thankful for the talent that God has blessed me with to make every event seem one-of-kind and special to all my clients.
What sets Luxe Events apart from other companies is that everyone on the team is extremely experienced in not only venue decorating and venue management, but also food, beverage, and coordinating.
We look to provide our customers with high-end services that are affordable for everyone. From fairy tale weddings to intimate birthday celebrations, we customize our packages to fit the vision of every client we serve.
L&S: What would be your most memorable event?
LE: It’s hard to say because they are all memorable in their own way. Each one is like a vision from God, and I can’t explain it. Each time I do an event I step back, and I am overwhelmed. I ask myself; did I really do this. I know it is God working with me, through me, and giving me the inspirations. I will go to the venue with a vision to one thing and then I will start free styling and when I get to the end I just have to step back and say thank you God. No event is more memorable than the other because I remember them all.
L&S: So, you start free styling as you said. How does this at the spur-of-the-moment change match up with what your client requires?
LE: This is exactly why I require interpersonal consultation with my clients. Seeing them, listening to them, and advising them, gives me great insight into each one. And even though I sit up late at night and sketch out the designs, and while at the venue I get an entirely new inspiration, and this is because of the face-to-face interaction the event embodies.
L&S: What is the largest event you designed so far?
LE: My fifth event is still the largest event I have ever designed. It was a wedding at the Ferriday Hall for 300 guests, the immediate family was another 30 in seating, and the bridal party was another 30 in seating, plus the bride and groom, totaling 362 guests.
L&S: Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
LE: The only challenge that I faced was how to price an event. The huge wedding – my fifth event which I mentioned earlier, I suffered a huge loss on it, but I have learned from that.
So far so good. We have found that birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, proms, and other school functions all come with its own set of challenges, but my attitude is if you can dream it, you can conceive it. This includes everything from the big to the low budget events. We rise to all challenges and wow our clients.
L&S: Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
LE: Happiness and loving what you do is what I consider success. Helping our clients every step of the way so they are stress-free is our number one priority.
Facebook: Darlene Bucker Luxe Events
Business mobile: 225 333 6750
