How investment is structured

The principle

Design fees, stated separately from the celebration itself

The studio's fee for design, planning and stewardship is always stated separately from the celebration's own costs — venue, catering, florals, rentals, gifts and production. You see what the studio's work costs and what the celebration costs, and you approve both.

This matters for more than clarity. In Virginia, and in North Carolina, the tax treatment of planning services differs from the tax treatment of tangible goods and installation. Separating them on every proposal and invoice keeps your celebration correct as well as beautiful.

What determines scope

• The pathway — The Commission engages all six phases of the method; The Stewardship, chiefly two.
• Guest count and setting — a 40-guest private dinner and a 250-guest fellowship hall ask different things of the room.
• Production intensity — a transformed multi-purpose hall requires more design and installation than a venue that arrives finished.
• Timeline — shorter windows are possible but concentrate the work.
• Keepsake collections — priced per collection; licensed and personalized products carry their own lead times and costs.

How it unfolds

1. Complimentary consultation. Honor and Define, in conversation.
2. Written proposal. A defined scope, the studio fee and an estimated celebration budget, itemized.
3. Agreement and retainer. A signed services agreement and a non-refundable retainer reserve your date and begin the work; the balance follows an agreed schedule.
4. Stewardship. The studio manages the celebration budget with your approval at every material decision.