occasions by claire

your events, elevated.

Limited bookings available for 2025!

about claire

For the inventive host who knows exactly what they want but wishes there were 25 hours in a day and a way to clone themselves, Occasions by Claire is an elite end-to-end event planning and execution service delivering unforgettable experiences for you and your guests.

Unlike typical event planners, Occasions by Claire was born and bred in New York City, and brings decades of deep connections to your special occasion. From the Hudson Valley to Harlem, Newark to Nassau, and everything in between, Claire owns the success of your event alongside you, taking one client at a time to ensure full dedication to flawless execution.

Claire Raphaelson hails from Brooklyn, NY and has been producing celebrations and live performances all over the East Coast and virtually since she was too young to cheers with champagne! Her versatile background in both executive administration and live classical performance has kept her on her toes like no other; she always has plans B, C, and D up her sleeve and ready to implement before you can blink. 

  • Peggy S, Research Professor

    “My 100-person retirement party was an amazing and memorable experience thanks to Claire. Not only did she think of everything – down to the smallest detail – but she was fun to work with. She managed the invitation list and sent out COVID-conscious invitations from the “save the date” to the final reminder. She ensured that the venue was beautiful with pretty centerpieces, decorations, and flowers. She was budget conscious and selected and coordinated contractors so that I didn’t have to worry about anything. During the party, Claire was gracious to the guests and the staff; and during the speeches, she was quick to turn down the music. Several guests told me how impressed they were with this event. One friend later wrote “Everything was elegant and happy – you, your guests, the water outside and the flowers indoors.”

  • Lisa K

    “Claire did a wonderful job on our daughter's Bat Mitzvah in September 2023. Claire is organized and very professional. She was so incredibly helpful in managing the vendors, helping with floor plan, decor, the run of show and the day of coordination. She is thoughtful and a complete pleasure to work with. It was a spectacular event and we could not have done it without Claire. We particularly appreciate Claire's calm demeanor throughout.”

    [📸 photo credit: Prisca Edwards]

  • Vanessa L, boutique cybersecurity firm:

    "Claire has been my go-to planner for our corporate events for years. She always has a pulse on the latest trends and the most-watched openings. She consistently has the coolest and most unique ideas that my clients have never seen before, which helps keep us ahead of competitors. She is always the first to arrive and last to leave, making sure every detail is perfect for our guests. I can't recommend Claire highly enough - she has played an integral role in our growth and on top of that simply is an absolute pleasure to work with!”

    [📸 photo credit: Prisca Edwards]

  • photo credit: Victoria Jempty

    Laura J, professor/musician:

    "I wanted my wedding to be something a little untraditional and little rustic, just like me. Before I knew it, I was doing a walkthrough of the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill, MA! It was perfect, and so were the pies we got instead of cakes, the centerpieces based on vintage cameras, and the live bluegrass band."

    [📸 photo credit: Victoria Jempty]

  • Photo credit: Prisca Edwards

    Avi G, bar owner:

    "I first met Claire when she walked into one of my bars, smiled at me, and put her own branded coaster down under her drink.

    Since then, she's worked wonders with some of my regulars for birthdays, baby showers, even some informal memorial services, and has brought new customers to the bar along the way. If only it were this easy and pleasant to do business with everyone!"

    [📸 photo credit: Prisca Edwards]

  • Victoria J, food photographer:

    “I spend a lot of time around food, so it's the first thing I notice at any party, wedding, conference, etc. I have had the privilege of both attending and working some of Claire's events, and the food never fails to impress. It is always artfully arranged, clearly labeled to accommodate various dietary needs, and DELICIOUS.”

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