A little clarity goes a long way.
We know choosing the right support for your celebration can come with plenty of questions. From understanding the difference between Planning, Coordination, and Design to knowing what to expect when working with us, we’ve gathered the answers to some of the things our clients ask most.
Take a look around—and if you don’t see your question, click the link below to reach us. We’re always happy to talk it through.
You don't need to know before contacting us. Tell us what you've already done, what still needs to happen, and where you'd like help. We'll recommend the service—or combination of services—that makes the most sense. Planning creates the plan. Design creates the experience. Coordination brings the plan to life.
Earlier generally gives us more options, especially for weddings and larger celebrations, but there's no universal deadline. If you've already started or your event is approaching, reach out and we'll determine what's possible.
Absolutely. We meet you where you are. Partial Planning is designed specifically for clients who have already started, and our Design and Coordination services can also join the process at different stages.
Yes. Our services are intentionally flexible. You can choose one service or combine Planning + Coordination, Design + Coordination, Planning + Design, or all three.
Additional services such as Setup & Takedown and Guest Services can also be added.
Planning happens while the plan is still being created—vendors, budgets, decisions, logistics, deadlines, and all the details that need to be figured out. Coordination takes a substantially completed plan and prepares to execute it.
Planning helps determine what needs to happen. Coordination makes sure it happens.
No. Successful Coordination begins before the event.
We need time to learn your plans, review logistics, communicate with vendors, develop or refine the timeline, and prepare to manage your celebration. We don't want to learn your event while your guests are arriving.
Do I need a coordinator if my venue already has one? Maybe. A venue coordinator generally represents the venue and its responsibilities, while an independent event coordinator represents you and your overall celebration.
Every venue is different, so we recommend finding out exactly what your venue coordinator does—and doesn't—handle.
Design creates the visual concept. We consider colors, textures, tablescapes, florals, rentals, signage, focal points, the venue, and how everything works together.
Decorating is part of physically bringing that design into the space.
Design creates the look. Decorating helps execute it.
Not at all. Bring us a complete vision, a Pinterest board full of ideas, three pictures you love, or absolutely no idea. You don't even need a “theme.”
Not unless specifically stated in your proposal. Your Design Fee pays for EsteMarie's professional creative services. Physical items such as florals, linens, rentals, furniture, signage, décor, lighting, printing, and specialty installations are generally part of your separate décor and production budget.
Not automatically - Coordination, Design, and Setup & Takedown are different services requiring different types of work and staffing. Depending on your package, some styling or setup may be included; otherwise, it can be added separately.
Your proposal will always clearly explain what's included.
No. We're happy to recommend professionals we believe may be a good fit, but you always have the final say. We're also happy to work with vendors you've already selected within the scope of your services.
We list starting investments on our service pages because we believe you should have an idea of the investment before you inquire. Don't let starting costs scare you away, with our a-la-carte options we are able to fit most budgets.
Your final EsteMarie fee is based on the actual work your celebration requires. Your event budget—venue, catering, florals, rentals, photography, entertainment, décor, and other third-party expenses—is separate from our professional service fee.
Absolutely! All are welcome at EsteMarie. We proudly celebrate every culture, every identity, every kind of love, and every family. We welcome LGBTQ+ couples and families, interracial and multicultural couples and families, and celebrations incorporating cultural, religious, and family traditions.
Ask us. Our services are intentionally flexible because celebrations and budgets don't always fit neatly into packages. If there's something you need, tell us what you're imagining and we'll determine how we can help. The likelihood is we will help.
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