Michelle Cousins

Wedding and Event Planner

Michelle Cousins is a Wedding and Event Planner based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the Founder of Michelle Leo Events, an award-winning event design and planning firm specializing in local and destination events. Founded in 2010, Michelle Leo Events has planned over 2,000+ weddings and events across four states and multiple five-star resorts and luxury venues. With locations in Utah and a satellite branch in Dallas, Texas, Michelle Leo Events continues to serve clients around the globe with unparalleled dedication and creativity. Michelle tailors each event to reflect her clients’ unique tastes, styles, and personalities. She collaborates closely with clients, ensuring that every celebration is a true expression of their vision. Michelle and her team have earned widespread recognition, being named one of the Top Wedding Planning Firms in the U.S. by VOGUE, BRIDES, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

Education

Master's Degree, Professional Communication

Professional Achievements

In addition to her eponymous event business, Michelle founded Duet Weddings & Events, found at www.duetweddingsandevents.com/ and on Instagram @duet.weddings.events
Featured in prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, Vogue, Grace Ormonde, Martha Stewart, Over the Moon, and Style Me Pretty
Earned 18 Best of State awards as Utah’s Best Event Planner and Best Bridal Services Provider

Certifications & Organizations

Advisory Board Member, Hospitality and Event Management Program, Utah Valley University.
"Best Planners in the US", BRIDES Magazine
"Best Wedding Planners in the Country", Vogue Magazine
“Best Wedding Planners in the US", Martha Stewart Weddings
Recipient, BOSS Statue Award for Hospitality Travel & Tourism in Utah
18x Best of State Winner: Event Planner and Wedding & Bridal Services
“2022 Most Trusted Event Design & Planning Firm”, Global Wedding Awards
“2021 Best Event & Wedding Planner in the Mountain West”, Luxury Life Magazine
"2018 Wedding Company of the Year", Luxury Travel Guide Magazine
"Most Outstanding Event Design & Planning Firm", Luxury Life Magazine
"40 Under 40: Michelle Cousins, 2018", Utah Business Magazine
"30 Women to Watch", Utah Business Magazine, 2015
"Designer of the Year", Z Gallerie, 2013

Favorite Piece of Advice

One of my favorite pieces of advice for clients is to trust the planning process and embrace the journey while remembering that attitude is everything. Events are live, and unexpected things can happen that nobody controls, but if you stay focused on the big picture and decide to enjoy the day no matter what, your guests will follow suit. Trusting your planner and maintaining a positive outlook ensures a stress-free, joyful, and memorable celebration.

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Forum Comments (2)

What are some good summer birthday party ideas?

For kids, I recommend interactive ideas like a backyard carnival with simple games, a water-themed party with sprinklers and slip-n-slides, or a DIY craft station so guests can take home what they make.

For adults, think along the lines of outdoor movie nights, a picnic-style dinner party, or a tropical luau complete with signature cocktails and lawn games.

Planning Sleepover

You're already off to a great start! To make it more fun, I’d suggest adding a few activities with variety—like a movie marathon with themed snacks, video games, or a sports challenge, and maybe a late-night DIY sundae or pizza bar. Keeping the schedule relaxed but offering a few structured activities helps ensure everyone stays entertained.

Q&A Comments (1)

I dislike big parties, what should I do?

Let your parents and teachers know how you feel. You can suggest alternatives that focus on making the day enjoyable without putting you in the spotlight. For example, you could bring a small treat or lunch to share with your classmates or choose a quiet activity that you enjoy, like reading or making crafts with your friends.

Co-authored Articles (13)

The Ultimate List of Companies & Celebrities to Send Wedding Invites To

Plus, the addresses & P.O. boxes of your favorite shops and storesYou’ve set a date, designed the invites, and addressed and stamped each and every invitation to your beloved guests…but you have a few left over. If y...

How to Hand Out Halloween Candy to Trick-or-Treaters

Help kids have a sugary (and spooky) Halloween night with these tipsEven if you’re getting too old to trick-or-treat, handing out candy to kids is still a really fun way to celebrate the Halloween season. With the righ...

The Ultimate List of Companies to Send Baby Shower Invites to for Free Stuff

Join the viral TikTok trend to get free goodies from your fav brandsIf you’re planning a baby shower and have been on TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen the viral videos of people sending extra invitations to comp...

How to

Decorate for Trunk or Treat

Trunk-or-treating is similar to regular trick-or-treating, except instead of having children go around gathering candy from people's houses, cars are parked close together so kids can walk between their trunks instead. W...

How to

Decorate Your Home for Diwali

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere and every spring in the southern hemisphere. It usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrations may involve fam...

Easy Ways to Make Invitations on Microsoft Word

Create homemade party invites using simple Microsoft Word templatesIf you're hosting a get-together, a small celebration at home, or a birthday party, you might want to send informal invitations to your friends and fami...

How to

Get Trick or Treaters to Come to Your House

Giving out candy is one of the best parts of Halloween, but when you live on a quiet or secluded street, it can be tough to get trick or treaters to stop by your door. If you don’t want to be left with full bags of can...

72 Best Baby Shower Games & Activities for All Ages

Plus, prize ideas for the winnersBaby showers are a great opportunity to celebrate the parents-to-be and give them gifts that will help them on their parenting journey. But watching people open gifts isn’t exactly fun ...

How to

Decide Who to Invite to a Party

While you’re planning a party, one of the most important aspects is the guest list. No matter how great the food is or how beautiful the venue is, a party won’t be successful unless you’ve filled it with the best p...

How to

Make Name Tags

Want to craft fun and functional name tags that are a little more memorable than those “Hello, my name is…” stickers? Whether you want to design something professional in Microsoft Word, or craft a unique handmade ...

How to

Play the Rice Game for Baby Showers

The rice game is a fun baby shower game that is sure to get all of your guests laughing. The object of the game is to find as many safety pins in a bowl of rice as possible, while blindfolded. This may sound easy, but it...

How to

Organize a White Elephant Gift Exchange

A white elephant gift exchange is a lighthearted way to have fun with your work colleagues, or at family gatherings. "White elephants" are traditionally presents that are undesirable but one cannot turn down: extremely...

How to Decorate an Elegant Christmas Tree (with Pictures)

Easily add style and elegance to your holiday tree with these tipsAnyone can throw some lights on a tree, but a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can light up the holiday spirit of everyone who sees it. Make sure your...