Planning a party is more than concocting little drinks with umbrellas or writing out name tags. From negotiating with vendors to organizing entertainment, determining room configurations, coordinating parking, budgeting, selecting a site, handling ­liquor liability, and more, there are dozens of details that go into organizing a successful event.

Lauren “Lo” McShay, owner of LoLo Event Design in Boston, has taken on such challenges as transforming a New England home into the setting for a Miami-style gala; throwing a blue jeans ball; and organizing numerous weddings.