We were lucky to catch up with Michalea & Chelsea Gale & Van Etten recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michalea & Chelsea, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
As a business owner of an event planning and party service specializing in girls’ trips, bachelorettes, and birthdays in Nashville, TN, I’ve witnessed a few key trends shaping our industry. Nashville has long been a popular destination for these types of celebrations, and recently, we’ve seen several new trends emerge.
1. Customized, Experience-Driven Events One of the most significant trends I’ve noticed is the shift from traditional parties to more immersive, customized experiences. Gone are the days of a simple dinner or bar-hopping night out. Today’s guests are looking for something unique and personal—activities that cater specifically to their group’s interests.
For example, we had a bachelorette party group that wanted to combine Nashville’s iconic music scene with a creative twist. Instead of just hitting the honky-tonks, we helped organize a private songwriting session where the bride and her friends got to write their own country song. This experience was not only fun but deeply personal, and it left them with memories they will never forget.
The opportunity here is clear: people want experiences that feel tailored just for them. They want to feel like they’re part of the city’s fabric, not just a tourist. On our end, it requires a higher level of coordination, working with other local businesses, but it’s an exciting chance to offer something fresh and memorable.
However, the concern with this trend is that it can be resource-intensive. Customizing these experiences means more logistics and vendor coordination, which requires time and effort. We also have to be mindful of balancing personalization with budget. Some clients may not realize how much these customized experiences can cost until after the planning begins, so clear communication is key.
2. Wellness and Self-Care Integration Another emerging trend is the integration of wellness into celebrations. After the last few years of uncertainty and stress, more groups are opting for events that include wellness activities. Things like private yoga classes, spa treatments, and even mindfulness workshops have become popular additions to a Nashville girls’ trip or bachelorette weekend.
One of my favorite experiences was working with a group that booked a weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday. They chose a “relax and recharge” theme, which included a morning yoga class, followed by a spa day with massages and facials. Afterward, they had a wine-tasting event at a local vineyard. The birthday girl loved it, but what really stood out to me was the sense of calm and happiness the group exuded. They were more focused on self-care and spending quality time together than going out partying.
This trend presents a great opportunity for us to partner with local wellness professionals and create packages that appeal to clients looking for a more balanced, restorative celebration. It’s a trend I fully support because it highlights a shift towards mental and physical well-being, and it’s something many of us could use more of.
However, there are challenges here as well. Wellness experiences require a different skill set and different partnerships than the typical bar and restaurant scene. We’ve had to forge new relationships with yoga instructors, massage therapists, and wellness centers, which takes time and effort to manage. And for many clients, wellness can be a secondary priority to the main event, which means they may not always see the value in adding these experiences unless they’re part of a more holistic, all-inclusive package.
3. Social Media Influenced Events Social media continues to be a major driver of event trends. People want to create “Instagrammable” moments that they can share with their followers, and that often influences the design of their events. We’ve seen more demand for photogenic setups—think neon signs, floral installations, and creative backdrops—that are perfect for social media photos.
This trend shows how powerful social media has become in shaping event expectations. For event planners like us, it creates an opportunity to get creative with visual elements and collaborate with local florists, photographers, and designers to produce those memorable, share-worthy moments.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. While Instagrammable moments are great, they shouldn’t overshadow the overall experience. We want clients to have a memorable celebration, not just a collection of photos. Social media can sometimes make people more focused on the image rather than the experience itself, which can detract from the real joy of the event.
The trends I’ve shared—customized experiences, wellness integration, and social media-inspired moments—are all exciting directions for the event planning industry, especially in a vibrant city like Nashville. They create opportunities for us to offer something more meaningful and tailored to each group’s needs. But they also come with challenges, such as managing expectations, logistics, and costs.
As a business owner, staying ahead of these trends means being adaptable and creative. It’s not just about throwing a party anymore; it’s about crafting a once-in-a-lifetime experience that people will remember for years to come.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We met three years ago while working at a Mental Health Treatment Center in Nashville. We quickly developed a friendship through our mutual interest of hosting parties, affection for aesthetics, and passion for cuisine. Over the years we loved celebrating social gatherings and holidays and always finding an excuse to throw a party. Throughout our work at the Treatment Center and other professions we found ourselves craving creative outlets to further our passion. With Michalea’s background in culinary arts and Chelsea’s knowledge and experience in event spaces the idea for Cowgirls and Confetti was born.
What We Do:
We specialize in bachelorettes, birthdays, and girls trips. We offer three decor packages which vary on party size and budget. Packages include balloon garlands, party decor, gift bags, custom apparel, and stock the fridge service. A la carte options are also offered including mimosa bars, charcuterie boards, and bridesmaid boxes. We offer food packages including brunch bars, catered dinners, and dessert boards. Our goal is to take away the stress and hassle of coordinating all the details of a party so our client can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy. We’re most proud of the extensive options we are able to offer while still paying attention to the small details.
Problems We Solve:
What really sets us apart is our ability to take the stress out of planning. Nashville can be a busy city, especially on weekends, and we know how overwhelming it can be to pull together the perfect celebration. That’s where we step in. We handle all the logistics, so our clients don’t have to worry about a thing. Whether they’re trying to navigate Nashville’s entertainment scene, finding the best places for group dinners, or booking a last-minute activity, we’re here to make sure everything runs smoothly.
What Sets Us Apart:
What really sets us apart from others in the event planning world is our deep local knowledge and connections here in Nashville. We know the hidden gems, the best places to celebrate, and the top vendors who can provide extraordinary services. Our personal touch is what we’re most proud of—we don’t believe in cookie-cutter experiences. Every event we plan is tailored specifically to our clients’ preferences, and that’s what makes them so memorable.
Also, our experience with a wide variety of clients—whether it’s a bride-to-be looking for a wild Nashville night or a birthday girl wanting something more relaxed—allows us to cater to a range of needs and personalities. We thrive on diversity and creativity, and we love putting our unique stamp on each event.
What We Want Clients to Know About Our Brand:
When people choose us, they’re not just hiring a vendor—they’re hiring a partner. Our mission is to make sure that every client has the best time possible while they’re in Nashville. We go the extra mile to make their celebration feel unique and effortless. We listen carefully to their needs, understand their vision, and bring it to life with our expertise and local knowledge.
What you can expect from us is personal service, attention to detail, and a commitment to making your event feel like a VIP experience. From the moment you book with us to the last toast of the night, we’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly and that your celebration is unforgettable.
In short, we’re here to turn your dreams into reality and ensure you leave Nashville with a heart full of memories and a camera roll full of amazing photos. So, whether you’re planning a bachelorette weekend, a birthday bash, or a girls’ getaway, we’re here to make it one for the books!
How did you build your audience on social media?
When we first started out, we didn’t have much in terms of followers or content. What we did have was a clear vision of the kind of brand we wanted to build—fun, creative, and deeply personal. We wanted our social media to reflect the joy and excitement of celebrating in Nashville and show potential clients how their experiences could be tailored to be truly unique.
We decided to start by focusing on Instagram, as it was the most visual platform and a great fit for showcasing the exciting events we were planning. I spent a lot of time curating the feed to look cohesive—using a bright, vibrant color palette that matched the energy of Nashville and the fun experiences we offer. I also made sure the content wasn’t just about promoting our services but rather sharing the story of the people behind the events, the locations we work with, and the personalized experiences we create.
Collaborating with local businesses also played a huge role. We reached out to popular Nashville venues, photographers, and other vendors to cross-promote and expand our reach. That cross-promotion helped us reach a broader audience and built credibility with both our followers and theirs.
Our number one advice would be to stay consistent and be patient. Building an audience takes time, so be consistent with your posting. Even if you only have a few followers, keep sharing valuable content that reflects who you are and what you do. It’s about building trust and familiarity over time. Also- engage, engage, engage! Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, like posts, and engage with other local businesses and influencers in your niche. The more you engage, the more you will be seen. We made it a point to respond to every comment and DM, which helped build relationships and trust with our community.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
What we ultimately had to unlearn was the belief that “if I want something done right, I have to do it myself.” Now, we’ve learned that a successful business is built on trust—trusting a team, trusting vendors, and trusting that by letting go of the little things, so we can focus on the bigger picture. The result is a more efficient and scalable business, happier clients, and a healthier work-life balance.
So, advice to other entrepreneurs, especially those in the event planning industry, is to trust in your team and delegate. Perfection doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. Sometimes, it means letting go and allowing others to bring their own expertise to the table. You can still maintain the integrity and quality of your work, but you can’t do it all alone!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cowgirlsandconfetti.com
- Instagram: cowgirlsandconfetti
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cowgirls-and-confetti-nashville
Image Credits
Vbg_photography (Vivian)