Chicago South Asian & Indian Wedding Planner
Illinois
Travel area: No travel restrictions See details
Sonam Khatau
PRINCIPAL
Typically responds within 24h
Emerald Events by Sonam is a Chicago-based wedding planning company specializing in South Asian and Indian weddings.
We understand the beauty and complexity of multi-day celebrations—from vibrant haldi ceremonies and energetic baraats to elegant sangeets and grand receptions. Our team provides expert guidance and thoughtful planning so every tradition, detail, and guest experience comes together seamlessly.
With extensive experience planning luxury weddings across Chicago’s most iconic venues, we work closely with couples and their families to design celebrations that honor culture while reflecting each couple’s personal style.
Whether you need full-service planning or support in the final months, Emerald Events by Sonam brings calm leadership, cultural understanding, and meticulous organization to ensure your wedding weekend unfolds flawlessly.
We proudly serve couples planning Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian weddings throughout Chicago and beyond.
Asian-owned and Woman-owned Business
Speaks English, Gujarati, Hindi, Sindhi
Details
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Destination Wedding Planning
Planning
A la Carte Wedding Planning
Day-Of Coordination
Destination Wedding Planning
Full Service Wedding Planning
Wedding Activities
Getting Engaged
Engagement Party
Rehearsals & Parties
Bridal Luncheon
Bridal Shower
Couples Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner
Welcome Party
Wedding
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Day After Brunch
Reception
Rehearsal
Rehearsal Dinner
Any questions?
Meet the team
Sonam Khatau
Principal
Wedding Professional
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.011 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Emerald Events (Sonam) is highly praised for professional, organized, and attentive wedding planning, excelling with multi-day and South Asian celebrations. Reviewers note her strong vendor connections, meticulous timelines, calm problem-solving, and hands-on day-of support. She made events stress-free, adaptable to changes, and is strongly recommended.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 5
Parth P
5.0
3/31/2026
This review is by far too late as my wife and I were married back in July of 2025. With that being said, I can't recommend Sonam enough! She really helped Nicole and I plan the wed...
ding of our dreams! Sonam did more than I could ever explain and our appreciation can't be overstated!
We were planning our wedding in a very tight span of time and despite that, Soman pulled strings, used her connections and directed us exactly where we needed to go to make sure everything that we needed was done. Not only that, but she pointed out all the little extras that we never thought about that really helped bring the wedding to life! Her negotiating was relentless to get us the best deal possible and her organization and control of the events was amazing. Nicole and I were never aware of any problems during the 3 days until after the fact. This allowed us to really enjoy our wedding and not worry about the small details. Sonam made sure that one of her staff was there for each of our families as well if they needed anything. It made us so happy to hear that they were all looked after so well and that they too could really enjoy everything without having to run around or worry. There is so much Sonam did for us that I'd never really be able to list it all out.
To say that we are happy that we went with Sonam is an understatement. She made the wedding of our dreams possible!
Sanna K
5.0
12/12/2025
Sonam served as the Wedding Event Manager for our daughter's special day, and her expertise was truly exceptional. Her meticulous attention to detail in planning, coupled with her ...
proactive approach to execution, was remarkable. She possesses an invaluable talent for anticipating and resolving potential challenges before they turn into concerns.
Her extensive network of distinguished vendors and trusted partners, spanning catering, décor, and various other essential services, proved instrumental to the event's success. What sets Sonam and her team apart is their unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations, going well beyond their contractual obligations to ensure an impeccable celebration.
Her gracious demeanor, coupled with remarkable patience and adaptability, makes her an absolute pleasure to work with. She demonstrates exceptional skill in coordinating with multiple stakeholders while maintaining her composed and gentle disposition throughout. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone seeking a professional for their special occasions."
Any questions?
Nalini R
5.0
11/28/2025
From the very first meeting, Sonam brought an incredible mix of professionalism, creativity, and genuine care. She listened closely to our vision, added thoughtful suggestions, and...
turned every idea into something even more beautiful than we imagined.
Her communication was flawless—quick responses, clear timelines, and an exceptional calming presence throughout the entire process. She kept everything on track, thanks for the meticulous coordination and seamless efforts in the background! All of this helped create an elegant and memorable wedding for us and our guests! If you want someone who is organized, creative, reliable, and truly invested in making your day magical, look no further. We recommend Emerald Events/Sonam Khatau highly!!
Ashvin L
5.0
10/29/2025
I have been in Chicago for over 23 years and as a matter of routine, work with restaurants, wedding venues and a host of Wedding planners and Event management folks every weekend. ...
When my daughter decided on getting married, it was a personal decision and I didn’t have to think very long to choose Emerald events and Sonam and her team. For over very simple reason - I wanted the most meticulous, drama-free, conscientious and efficient planner in the region. Sonam and her team are just that. Sonam made my daughter’s wedding event something that our family could truly enjoy. We didn’t need to follow-up, stress, make lists or even think! Sonam is VERY good at what she does. From contract reviews and negotiations, food tastings, appropriate suggestions and her immense experience, you literally have some one that is reasonably priced and efficiently organized to make your event utterly pain-free. Kudos, Sonam and team! You rock!
Jalpa P
5.0
9/30/2025
Working with Emerald Events by Sonam was one of the very best decisions we made for our wedding. From the very beginning, she made us feel comfortable, supported, and prioritized. ...
She always had time for us, responded quickly to every question (big or small), and made us feel like we were her only clients. She really took the time to understand what we each individually and as a couple wanted (and did not want) out of our wedding.
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but she made it approachable. She respected our budget while creating something beautiful and realistic, never overpromising or underdelivering. She is deeply connected in the Chicago wedding world, with trusted vendors at every price point, and she used her strong relationships to get us the best deals, contract terms, and flexibility. She carefully reviewed every detail and guided us through the entire process with ease.
We had some unexpected changes during planning that forced us to pivot on major aspects of the wedding — budget, guest count, even the number of events — and through it all, she remained flexible, optimistic, and reassuring. Even in moments when we doubted if the wedding could still happen, she gave us the strength and positivity to keep going. Every time we spoke with her, we felt lighter and more confident.
She is also incredibly organized and dependable. She created detailed timelines, managed vendor meetings around our schedules, and sent us gentle reminders to keep everything on track. On the day itself, her team worked seamlessly behind the scenes to ensure everything went smoothly. We heard from so many guests how effortless and stress-free the day felt, which we know is a true testament to her hard work.
Most importantly, she genuinely cares. You can tell she puts her whole heart into every couple she works with, and it shows in the results. We are endlessly grateful for her and recommend her wholeheartedly to any couple looking for a wedding planner — she is simply the best.
Alina P
5.0
2/05/2025
When we think back to our wedding in the fall of 2024, one name stands out as the reason everything felt seamless and stress-free—Sonam. From the moment we hired her to coordinate ...
our multi-day celebration, we knew we were in the best possible hands.
Indian weddings are intricate, vibrant affairs—with numerous ceremonies, specialized vendors, and countless moving parts. Sonam’s expertise in South Asian weddings made all the difference. She effortlessly handled our haldi functions, garba night, wedding ceremony, and reception with precision, warmth, and creativity. Every detail, from the smallest décor element to the grandest logistical challenges, was managed with the grace of someone who truly understands how monumental these events are.
Sonam's connections within the South Asian wedding industry were invaluable. She helped us secure the right vendors who not only understood our vision but also elevated it. Whether it was the perfect floral arrangements, timely baraat setup, or beautifully coordinated entrances, she ensured everything went off without a hitch. Her ability to juggle multiple events while keeping us calm and present in the moment was nothing short of extraordinary.
But what really sets Sonam apart is her dedication to the couple’s experience. She wasn’t just a coordinator; she was our partner in the entire process. When things got hectic, she was our rock. When decisions had to be made, she guided us with wisdom and grace. Her attention to detail, flexibility, and creative problem-solving ensured that we could enjoy every moment of our wedding—without worrying about what was happening behind the scenes.
If you’re planning an Indian wedding, or any wedding or event, and want someone who not only knows the industry inside and out but also brings a personal touch, Sonam is the professional you need. We’ll forever be grateful for how she made our wedding an unforgettable experience.
Thank you, Sonam, for turning our vision into reality! We couldn’t have asked for a better planner.
- Alina & Jay
Mayuri C
5.0
11/11/2024
We had a wonderful experience working with Sonam for our 2022 wedding at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. Sonam was extremely communicative during the planning process and expertly faci...
litated communication with the team at the Drake. She understood the nuances of planning a bicultural wedding and thoughtfully coordinated meaningful Indian and Western events. On the weekend of the wedding, Sonam was fully present and available for any need. She and her team navigated unexpected issues with confidence, and allowed us, family, and friends to focus on spending time together– rather than on any logistics. I would strongly recommend Sonam to future clients!
Glynis V
5.0
11/11/2024
Sonam was very efficient and very confident in her ability to get things done. She displayed great professionalism in dealing with the vendors and was able to allay any concerns we...
can had about the actual wedding day
Akshita A
5.0
11/05/2024
I cannot thank Sonam and the team at Emerald Events by Sonam enough for their incredible support and attention to detail during our wedding! From start to finish, Sonam went above ...
and beyond to ensure that everything ran smoothly.
As any bride knows, a wedding day can be a whirlwind, and the pressure can be overwhelming. But Sonam was there every step of the way to take care of me, keeping me hydrated with water, making sure I had food, and—most importantly—ensuring I stayed on schedule. Her presence was an absolute lifesaver. She took care of all the behind-the-scenes logistics, so I could focus on enjoying my special day without worrying about the details.
Sonam’s professionalism and calm demeanor made such a difference. She kept everything running on time and made sure all the little things were in place. It was clear that she genuinely cares about her clients, and her attention to detail was unmatched. Thanks to her, our wedding day went off without a hitch, and I was able to be fully present and stress-free.
If you’re looking for an events coordinator who is not only professional but also kind, organized, and truly dedicated to making your wedding day perfect, I HIGHLY recommend Emerald Events by Sonam. You won’t regret it!
Lina A
5.0
11/01/2024
Sonam did a great job on planning my wedding! She absolutely nailed it with her planning and informed me every details.
Great job sonam
John G
5.0
11/01/2024
I cannot say enough about the amazing experience my wife, Kelsey and I had working with Sonam for our wedding. If you are reading this review, you are probably in the process of p...
reparing for your special day and are overwhelmed with small detail you never thought about.
Over the 9 months we worked with Sonam she gave us some great ideas that helped us stay within budget, but made a big impact on the overall feeling at the event.
Sonam had multiple contacts with different vendors to take our ideas and get the most bang for the buck understanding our vision.
Although she was working on several events at one time, she always gave us the time and attention to make us feel like we were the most important clients.
In the days prior to the event Sonam made sure all vendors were on target and there was no question on their responsibilities and timing.
On the day of the wedding Sonam made sure that my wife and I were able to enjoy the day and watch our vision come true!
We would highly recommend Sonam to coordinate any event…big or small!
Service area & Contact info
Travel area: No travel restrictions
Additional charges may apply
Curious to learn more?
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Emerald Events By Sonam
Sonam Khatau
|
Principal
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in Chicago
Emerald Events By Sonam
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.