THE DETAILS
Merry B Events
215-3035
merrybevents.com
By Carla Jean Whitley
Owner and Chief Executive Hostess: Dawn Ey, Merry B Events
What is it? Merry B Events is a party planning company that specializes in children’s birthdays. When MerryB plans your event, you’ll get a posh party with every detail handled, from a customized party theme to invitations and RSVP services.
History: Ey’s background in marketing and event planning offered opportunities to plan trade shows and events.
When her children began celebrating birthdays, Ey applied those skills to party planning. “I realized as I was doing it that I really enjoyed it and enjoyed making it beautiful,” she says. But by the time her daughter MerryBelle’s first birthday party arrived, she was so exhausted and busy that she didn’t get to enjoy the celebration. There’s value to having someone else do it for you, she began to realize. In October 2008, MerryB Events—named for MerryBelle and son Brooks—was launched so Ey could provide other parents the opportunity to relax and spend a special day with their child. “All the details are handled and it’s beautiful,” she says.
Popular themes: Among MerryB’s many themes are princess parties, pirate adventures, football-themed parties for Alabama and Auburn fans and more.
What makes it unique? “We offer really posh parties that aren’t off the shelf and we handle every detail so the parents are freed up to enjoy the party,” Ey says. An entire theme can be created to reflect a child’s personality. Even with her most popular themes, Ey adds something to each celebration so no party is like another.
A day in the life: “It’s challenging to juggle all the different details for the different events,” Ey says. Planning ebbs and flows depending on how many events are in the works and when they are scheduled. Ey prefers a six week lead time on events, though she has planned a party in as few as two. That allows her time to acquire the guest list as well as children’s ages so she can plan ageappropriate activities. Ey then handles the RSVPs. As the event draws closer she orders flowers and other party goods. Life becomes very hectic two days prior to an event. “That's why I’m here—so the parents can enjoy that special day with their kid,” Ey explains.
Staff size: Ey is the only full-time employee, but on party days she hires as many as three extra people who serve as additional party hostesses or dress as characters to suit the theme.
What’s ahead: Although MerryB plans and executes every detail of an event, Ey hopes to develop a party package for parents who would like to utilize the stylish MerryB themes but carry out the party themselves.
