We’re looking forward to introducing you to Raina van Setter. Check out our conversation below.
Raina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The most misunderstood thing regarding my field of business is whether hiring a professional planning team is a yes or no question. The difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, the “planner” that comes with your venue, is quite vast. A wedding planner is your personal guide, helping you manage every detail of your big day, from budgeting and vendor selection to timelines and design. On the other hand, a venue coordinator works specifically for the venue, handling logistics like setup, scheduling, and ensuring the venue operations run smoothly. While both are valuable, their roles, focus and responsibilities are quite different!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Weddings & Events by Raina is a Nashville based boutique event and wedding planning firm that has prided itself for the past 30 years on creating bespoke stylish and memorable events in the greater Nashville area. Our team has planned and been a part of nearly 2,000 events, the quality of which, can be reflected in the countless reviews from happy clients and their families.
Our clients hire us for the concierge level of customer service we provide them, their loved ones and their event guests. We treat every client like they are family. Every event and client is unique and we believe in getting to know each person to more accurately design an event that reflects them and enlist a team of vendors that ideally match their style, budget and personality. We offer a range of planning packages to fit what you need and where you are in the planning process. Luxury planning, full event planning, month of planning and day of coordination. We are ready to help you plan your unforgettable Middle Tennessee celebration.
The owner, Raina, is a licensed Tennessee Wedding Officiant and has presided over more than 450 joyful couples weddings, elopements, and vow renewals. Weddings & Events by Raina welcomes all couples and supports equality. In addition to planning and officiating, we also provide business consulting specializing in helping local venue owners grow their wedding & event venues.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I learned the value of hard work from my parents. My mother owned an event décor company called Showstoppers!, while my father, also a small business owner, ran Form & Function, a company specializing in luxury custom cabinetry and kitchens for high-end clientele.
At just 14, I had my first taste of event planning. Frustrated by one of my mother’s design clients who lacked a planner, I volunteered to step in and take on the role. After successfully managing their wedding, two of the bridesmaids approached me—through my mother’s company—to coordinate their day-of events as well. And just like that, a new branch of Showstoppers! was born.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it be to always trust your instincts. Stop listening to what everyone else is saying about following a “traditional” path in life and go blaze your own! That’s exactly what I did when I started Weddings & Events by Raina.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Oscar Wilde once quipped, “Be yourself because if you’re not, you’re not yourself.” I believe in authenticity in all aspects. Being someone else is not only futile but it also prevents you from truly being who you are. I encourage my clients to embrace their individuality as well and to try not to feel pressured to conform to others’ expectations or societal norms. I don’t believe that anyone should feel that they have to put on a facade or pretend to be someone they are not because of feelings of insecurity over their vision of their perfect wedding day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I often tell my prospective clients that I was born to be a wedding and event planner. I discovered my passion at 14, and even when I ventured into other careers—like teaching or technical theater—I always found myself longing to return to the world of weddings and events. There’s something magical about bringing celebrations to life, and I’m at my happiest when surrounded by paperwork, contracts, color swatches, and floor plans. While others might shy away from the chaos, I thrive in it. Spreadsheets? They make my heart sing. The long hours and hard work are always worth it when I see everything come together to make someone’s dream day a reality—every single time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eventsbyraina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsandeventsbyraina/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbyraina
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@weddingseventsbyraina1548
