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Outdoor Wedding Table

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the difference between planning, coordination, and event design?

 

Planning brings your event from an initial idea to a complete experience. It may include venue selection, vendor sourcing, budget guidance, logistics, and event execution, depending on your package.

Coordination focuses on bringing your confirmed plans together. We communicate with vendors, manage the timeline, and oversee event-day logistics so everything follows the agreed plan.

Event design focuses on the look, feel, and atmosphere of your celebration—from tablescapes and backdrops to lighting, furniture, and custom decorative elements.

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2. Can I book décor or rentals without planning services?

 

Absolutely. Our décor and rental services can be booked independently of planning. Available options include tables, chairs, backdrops, lighting, floor wraps, and dance floors.

Décor projects include a design fee. Rental-only orders do not include a design fee; delivery, restocking, and damage-waiver fees are listed in your quote.

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3. Can you help if I have already started planning or booked vendors?

 

Yes. Our Bespoke Planning service is designed for clients who have already made progress and need support completing the process.

We begin with a discovery consultation to understand your event, review what you have arranged, and identify what remains. From there, we develop a strategy to complete vendor bookings, finalize the details, and manage event-day execution.


4. Do I need a venue before contacting you?

No. You are welcome to contact us before selecting a venue. You may book your venue independently, or we can discuss venue-selection support as part of your planning needs.

 

5. What are your starting prices or minimum investments?

 

Our Planning Concierge service starts at $300, with a four-hour minimum at $75 per hour. It provides focused guidance to help you get started or work through specific planning needs.

Our décor services begin at a $900 minimum investment. Your final quote will reflect your selected services, design, quantities, and logistics.

 

6. How far in advance should I book?

 

For planning and design services, we recommend booking at least three months in advance and aiming for no less than two months whenever possible. Earlier booking gives us more time to develop your event and secure availability. Last-minute requests may be accommodated as our schedule allows.

For rentals, we recommend booking at least one week before your event. Orders placed within three days of the event are subject to a rush fee and item availability.

 

7. How do I reserve my event date?

Start by completing our Tell Us About Your Event inquiry form. We will follow up with any additional questions and may arrange a discovery call to discuss your needs.

Once we have the necessary details, we will prepare your quote. After you approve it, we will provide your booking documents and invoice. A retainer of 30–50% of your total is generally required to reserve your date. Last-minute bookings may require 50–100% upfront.

Your proposal will specify your booking requirements.

 

8. Do you offer payment schedules, and when is the final balance due?

 

Yes. Depending on your booking timeline, we can arrange a payment schedule of three to five installments.

The final balance is generally due two weeks before your event. Some larger projects may require payment one month in advance, while an approved exception may allow payment one week before the event. Last-minute bookings may require payment in full at booking.

Your agreement will confirm your payment amounts and due dates.

 

9. Which areas do you serve, and are travel fees additional?

We are based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and primarily serve Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Events outside the DMV may be accommodated upon request, including locations as far north as New York and as far south as North Carolina. Additional travel fees apply and will be reflected in your quote.

 

10. When will I receive my mood board or custom event design?

 

Custom design work begins after your retainer has been paid. We arrange a site visit to understand the space, then use measurements, your vision, and our consultation notes to develop your personalized mood board. The delivery timeline will be discussed during this process.

Before booking, we may share examples of our past work or inspiration images to explore a general direction. Detailed mood boards and custom design concepts are developed exclusively for booked clients.

 

11. Are delivery, installation, and breakdown included?

 

Yes. Your quote includes delivery, installation, and breakdown for the services and items we are providing. These charges appear as separate line items, so you can clearly see what is included in your total.


12. How much venue access do you need for setup and breakdown?

 

Our preferred access window is four hours for setup and two hours for breakdown.

Smaller installations generally require at least two and a half hours for setup, while more extensive designs may require additional time or access the day before.

 

If your venue offers a shorter access window, we can discuss whether additional staff can accommodate the schedule. We will confirm the access requirements for your project in advance.

 

13. Can you incorporate décor or rentals I already have?

 

Yes, depending on the service you book.

For décor and design projects, we primarily use items we supply. We can incorporate small personal touches such as place cards, escort cards, favors, and a welcome sign that requires simple placement.

For planning or coordination services, we can assist with placing client-provided items that do not require specialist installation or technical skills. Extensive setup, heavy lifting, or moving large equipment may require additional staff. Please discuss these needs with us in advance so they can be included in your scope and quote.


14. Are you insured, and can you provide a certificate of insurance?

 

Yes. We carry $2 million in general liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance upon request.

 

Have additional questions? Complete our Tell Us About Your Event form to discuss your celebration with us.

© 2021 AFK Events & Designs

Event planner specializing in luxurious décor and event management services

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Phone: 301.818 .4583

Info@afkevents.com

8757 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland

Visits by appointments only

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