Planning a party or other special event like a wedding or bat mitzvah or company party can be a lot of fun but it can be rather stressful, too. There are many different factors to consider when putting together an event, like finding a venue, choosing a caterer, hiring entertainers, printing invitations, arranging floral displays…the list of things to do and decisions to be made can be quite long and simply figuring out how to get started on the research that goes into organizing your event can be overwhelming. Sure, you could hire a professional to plan your party for you, but as local businesswoman Jeanne Beauregard says, “Not everyone has the need or the budget to hire an event planner.” According to Beauregard, over 80 percent of events are planned independently, but there are few personalized resources available to meet the needs of people who want to plan their own events.

That’s where her new business comes in: Studio Boum, which opened last week in Fremont, bills itself as an “event research boutique”. Self-styled “event maven” Beauregard has created a unique business niche targeted at the do-it-yourself event planner that offers clients a centralized resource center to assist them in planning their special occasions. Unlike more traditional event planners, the staff at Studio Boum don’t make the decisions for the events being planned, but instead offer general assistance in formulating a plan and access to event planning ideas and tools as well as providing an introduction to partner vendors from whom the client will select.

When I first heard of the Studio Boum concept, I was frankly confused by it–why not use the power of the internet for research?–but after visiting the studio, I am completely convinced of its worth. Simply choosing food for your event can be a massive task when you consider that there are over a hundred caterers in the Seattle metro area and it can be tough to figure out where to start in finding the right one. Studio Boum gives event planners the chance to be a little more focused from the start. Studio Boum clients pay $95 for a six month membership which includes a one-hour initial consultation with Beauregard to discuss the type of event you’re planning, what sort of vendors you’re seeking, what your budget is, and what overall “feel” you want for your event. After your consultation, you get a personalized guide that includes a list of vendors that best match your needs. During your membership, you get unlimited access to the studio resources for planning purposes, which I think is the business’s true selling point. Studio Boum has a huge library of planning resources: event idea books, design and event magazines, vendor portfolios, and a media station to help select bands or DJs. Artfully arranged seating areas invite members to brainstorm together and members get invited to special events like cake tastings and fashion shows. As an added bonus, members are treated to complimentary champagne every time they visit.

If you’re in the process of planning an event, or thinking about planning an event in the future, Studio Boum is well worth checking out.