Meet Thao Tu | Wedding & Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thao Tu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thao, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved a really good party! I grew up in a family where entertaining was just a part of life. In 2010, I started working at an entertainment production company and discovered this was something I found so much passion in. I loved working together to create an awesome event and experience. Life happened aka three kids but while raising my kids, I would constantly find myself searching for side gigs at festivals, parades, doing setup at trade shows – literally anything I could do to be a part of any type of event. It wasn’t until I assisted at a wedding for a floral and decor company that I really saw myself jumping into the wedding and events industry on my own. It was during that wedding that several people came to me and assumed I was the wedding planner. Of course, I jumped into the role and the rest is history! I contracted events for several years before going “official” and creating Table For Tu Events.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Table For Tu Events is a wedding and event planning company. I love what I do and am honored to play a role in some of the most important moments in my clients’ lives!

Starting a business is so thrilling and rewarding but it doesn’t come easy. I laugh thinking about how I simply went into it with the mindset, “oh, I’m just going to plan weddings.” Nope, not the case. There is so much more than that! I am constantly researching, asking questions, and learning the ins and outs of how to run a business as well as continuing to educate myself in the industry. I am the planner, sales, marketing, accounting among so many other things. Funny, I am pretty sure I failed accounting the first time around but hey, look at me now! I’m kind of figuring it out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting, I’d take them to The Battery Atlanta. We could eat at Superica for some TexMex. Punchbowl Social is a fun spot to hang out, grab drinks and play games. Don’t forget dessert at Jeni’s Ice Cream! We would definitely catch the Braves playing at Truist Park if it’s baseball season!

Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market have always been popular choices for visitors! There are so many different options in the food halls. People love getting to try a variety of food from a variety of restaurants at one time. Food hopping at your convenience.

If you are willing to travel a little further outside the city, stop at Stillfire Brewing for an Orange Diva.

Kbq Factory and 678 are a couple of my favorite Korean bbq spots.

The Avalon is also another place full of food, shopping and entertainment.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh my family first of course! My husband, Frank, has always been incredibly supportive and has always encouraged me to pursue my goal. You can often find him helping out at events as well. My children are my biggest little cheerleaders! They give me so much love and encouragement with the sweetest “good job Mama!” My sister and cousin were some of my first team members who’ve helped me execute events. My brothers and sister in law, who are also in the industry, continue to refer me, and on occasion, we get to work along side each other at events which is an extra perk. I’ve created relationships with vendors and past clients who continue to show me support.

My friends are all rooting for me but a couple who deserve a little extra shoutout are Tiffiney Rogers and Rebekah Black. Tiffiney has been a huge support from the beginning of my event planning journey. She gives me sound advice and has helped me prioritize and create boundaries within my business. My friend Rebekah Black runs her own nonprofit organization, Jambos, and has always pushed and inspired me with her entrepreneurship.

I’m so grateful for everyone who has played a part in my journey and supported me along the way!

Website: www.tablefortuevents.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tablefortuevents

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tablefortuevents

Image Credits
Sylvia Lee Photography Yellow Bird Visuals Vici Photography Shauna Veasey Photography Maekoi Photography Johnny Cheng Ashley Sue