Meet Event and Wedding Planner/Coordinator Sandra Tutkute

July 18th, 2015 | hereschicago

Jim Grillo, CMP of HeresChicago.com interviews event planner Sandra Tutkute for this month’s Meet an Event Planner segment.

How did you get into event planning? Accidently – answered an ad in a paper (many years ago) to work as a receptionist at the catering company and felt in love with industry 🙂

Who has been the biggest influence in your life? My family; and people I work with…

What kinds of things really make you laugh? My son just started speaking so all the silly things he says make me laugh

What’s your favorite place in the entire world? My parents house in the countryside in Lithuania

Who is your best friend? What do you like about him/her? I do have many good people in my life on the both sides of the Atlantic ocean; my best friend listens to my joys and worries and does not judge me

What is your favorite movie of all time? Why so? I do not have one – love movies in general

What’s your biggest goal in life right now? I have 2 goals – Be a good Mom and successful as well as a respected Event Planner in Chicago

What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday? Depends on a time of the year – in a summer I love strolling around Lake Michigan with my family, getting some fresh produce at the local market, do yoga or run; meeting up with some friend to check out a new place in town; in the winter time – lazy morning in the bed with the cup of coffee and a magazine; cozy dinner and a good movie in the evening

Do you have any pet peeves? NO

What was your family like growing up?  Very close

What were you like as a kid? Very curious and active

What should I know about you that I’d never think to ask about? That I fluently speak 3 languages – English, Lithuanian and Russian and I also have some knowledge in French

Did you—or do you—have a nickname? What’s the story behind it? I did not have a nickname

What type of events you plan? Various – from simple B-day parties to elaborate Weddings

What type of music do you love?  I listen a variety of music – depends on my mood, surroundings or circumstances; it can range from classical to kids songs LOL

What don’t people know about you? That I used to sing since I was 6 years old; I am very easy to interact and work with; I’ve visited more than 35 states in US and love traveling the world! I also used to work as a sommelier in Europe so I have some knowledge in wines

What do you love about planning events in Chicago? What is there not to be like about Chicago City itself? It has everything an event planner needs and can dream about – various venues, nice people to work with, it is a popular and convenient tourist destination, it is a multicultural and cosmopolitan City. You can find tremendous information just by visiting the website hereschicago.com

What is your favorite restaurant or bar (Personally)? I do not have one – I love exploring and trying new places all the time – Chicago has so much to offer!

When not working, what do you love to do? I love running, practicing yoga, playing with my son, reading, traveling, and eating out

Besides your professional talent, do you have any personal talents? I play piano

Have you ever sung karaoke? If so, what song? Not really

Future trends in event planning? Technology is playing a big role (like having wi-fi, Instagram and being able to create an app at the reception of all your happenings earlier of the day), simplicity of events, lofty spaces or “canvas spaces” where you make your own “look and feel”), communal (long tables), less traditional things (like bouquet or garter toss), etc.

What does it take to be a successful event planner? Must be very organized, focused, responsible, people friendly, good listener, stay calm at all times; and be very creative to handle last minute things and various instances which can happen during the event;

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about event planning and wines

What do you recommend for others who want to get into the event planning profession? Are you ready to take all the stress and responsibilities???

Do you have any Association affiliations? NO

Are you a Cubs or Sox fan? Neither

What’s your go-to meal when you’re home alone? Cheerios with milk

What’s your favorite thing about your hometown? Tranquility

Which book(s) have you read multiple times? Little Prince

What’s on your bucket list? Do not really have one but if I had it would be to visit a new country or place every year

What was your First concert? Rolling Stones in Prague/Czech Republic – it was an awesome and unforgettable concert!!!

If you had to go back to school or learn a new skill, what would you want to learn? Not sure…I think everything comes with experience and time

What are your thoughts about Hereschicago.com? 

Awesome organization which connects everyone in hospitality business, has a great networking opportunities and is a wonderful source with all the tools for everything you need to plan a successful Event in Chicago

Sandra Tutkute is an event and wedding planner/coordinator and can be reached at: 

Sandra Tutkute
Cell 847-293-7844
Email: stutkute@gmail.com