Frequently Asked Questions

First and foremost, Sophie is a children's party planner. That is not to say that she does not, or can not, handle all of the elements of a large event like a bar/bat mitzvah. Rather, what this means is that Sophie approaches the event with the intention of having the party be done for and by the child. Meetings will be held with the child to assess the event they would like to have. Bar and Bat Mitzvah's planned by Sophie are highly creative, unique, themed events which end up being fun for both the children and adults.

As soon as you have secured the date with your Temple you should contact us. Although this may be over a year before the event this will help us to begin planning and to secure hotels, venues, bands and other things which generally require long lead time.

Sophie's Stress Free Soirees is a full service event planning company. We can handle all aspects of the event including transportation, hotels, dinners, brunches and a full weekend's worth of activities. Note that we are not caterers. We have worked with many of the best caterers in the Bay Area and can recommend one that is right for your event.

Sophie and/or her staff will meet with you to discuss your event. You are under no obligation to work with us at this point. The extent of the event, the theme, etc can all be discussed. After this meeting you are free to decide whether you would like to contract for Sophie's services or not. This initial meeting is free of charge.

Sophie's Stress Free Soirees works a little differently that many event planners. We do not mark up the services of our subcontractors. We will assist in securing the appropriate subcontractors and do all of the interfacing with them. The retainer you pay is a fee intended to compensate Sophie and her staff for the time spent planning your event.

We will get you anything you need to make the event as you prefer: band, dj, florist, lighting, photographer, videographer, transportation, etc. We have contacts with many vendors. We are certain to be able to find the correct one.

You have a caterer already - that is great. If not we can suggest one. We will make the initial contacts and arrange to get proposals from as many as you like. We will do all of the interfacing, including attending the tastings. The only thing we ask you to be responsible for is paying the caterer directly.

Once you have secured our services we immediately begin putting together a cost estimate and proposal for the event. These estimates are fluid - ideas change, bids are accepted, guest numbers rise or fall. We will initially begin with a rough estimate and continue to refine it as the date draws near. Our Terms and Conditions define our parameters as far as cost overruns.

Our goal is to have the event weekend be as stress-free as possible for you. We will have staff members available for all facets of the event.

This is all dependent on the size and scope of your event. Given that most events have approximately 125 to 150 guests and include a meal you should expect to spend a minimum of $10,000. The average sized event, held in a hotel or rental venue, catered and including flowers, lighting, photography, etc generally runs in the $35,000 range. Of course, these numbers are approximations only.

As outlined in our Terms and Conditions we expect to get a deposit in the amount of 50% of the cost estimate approximately 60 days before the event. This deposit is used to pay the deposits of the subcontractors and pay for any special orders we may have. Of course, the caterer will likely require a similar deposit.

The final balance will be calculated within 48 hours after the event. That balance is to be paid in full within 7 days of receipt of that invoice.

Yes, via PayPal. There is a 3% convenience charge assessed by PayPal for which you will be responsible.

Sophie's Stress Free Soirees does not perform or create parties using characters for which it does not have license from third party owners. We recognize that many children want parties based on their favorite characters. We can accomplish this by supplementing your event with purchased, licensed decorations and materials. However, we cannot, nor will not misappropriate or misuse any copywritten or licensed materials.

Of course. In an effort to protect the privacy of our clients we do not publish names. However, if you would like to speak with a past client please let us know.