A Journey of Creativity and Attention to Detail
Celebrity party planner Tara Guérard has built a remarkable career in the world of event planning. As the founder of Soirée, she has orchestrated some of the most memorable events in the entertainment industry. One of her most notable achievements was organizing the Southern nuptials of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in 2012. More recently, she made headlines by setting the record straight about the long-rumored engagement between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
In a recent social media post, Guérard addressed the speculation that the couple would be getting married in Rhode Island. “I am the wedding planner for June 13th at the ocean house in Rhode Island! Sorry to let you all know, Taylor is not my bride this weekend!” she wrote, putting an end to the rumors.
During an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail at a pre-Kentucky Derby event sponsored by Woodford Reserve in Charleston, South Carolina, Guérard shared insights into her journey in the event planning industry. She revealed that her inspiration came from the legendary Martha Stewart.
“I started Soirée 30 years ago,” she said from the luxurious Dewberry hotel, dressed in a forest-green floral dress and salmon-colored hat that matched the Derby’s festive spirit. “At that time in my life, I thought I was Martha Stewart anyway… but I loved her and what she did for the world of entertaining.”
Over the years, Guérard had the opportunity to meet Martha Stewart on multiple occasions, including during the wedding of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. At the time, Stewart’s magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, covered the details of the couple’s big day. Stewart also happened to be a neighbor of the couple in Bedford, New York.
Guérard spoke highly of Stewart, describing her as “so kind and wonderful.” She added, “She’s always been nothing but kind and gracious and really a joy to work with. She’s pretty cool, but what’s so interesting about her is that you can tell—even chatting with her—that her mind is constantly racing with ideas. She is like the ultimate woman, creative, entrepreneur for us in our world.”
From Stewart, Guérard learned a valuable lesson that became a cornerstone of her business: attention to detail. “What I learned the most from her over the years and what has been a signature for my business is her attention to detail—no doubt,” she said. “There’s no singular person with attention to detail like that woman.”
As the 152nd Kentucky Derby approaches, Guérard shared her top tips for hosting unforgettable parties. Her first piece of advice is to ensure there is a great bar with everything available for all guests. This includes not just the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve, but also other spirits like tequila or champagne.
“No one’s having fun unless they’re drinking their favorite drink, and that’s very important,” she joked.
Next, she emphasized the importance of creating a great atmosphere with music. “Even a specially-curated playlist would do,” she said. Food is also essential, and she recommended bite-sized options that everyone can easily pick up, making cleanup easier for the host.
Guérard also highlighted the importance of providing a comfortable space for guests who might need to sit down due to tired feet or uncomfortable shoes. “That is always really important,” she noted.
One of her key mottos is to be prepared and always have a rain plan. “Then when it does rain, it’s not a horrible thing,” she said.
