Frequently Asked Questions

An event designer is responsible for developing and executing the visual experience of an event. That goes beyond choosing colors and selecting decorations. It involves considering how all the individual elements work together to create an intentional, cohesive environment.

From developing the creative direction to sourcing materials, selecting décor, designing installations, styling tablescapes, creating custom pieces and overseeing setup, an event designer considers both the individual details and the overall atmosphere of the space.

At DreamOn, we approach every event as its own creative project. We're not interested in repeating the same design with a different color palette. We want to understand what makes your celebration unique and create something that feels like it belongs to you.

An event planner manages the logistics of your event, including timelines, vendor coordination, scheduling, and overall event management. An event designer focuses on the visual experience, developing the aesthetic and determining how the space will look and feel.

The two services complement each other, but they aren't interchangeable.

You can absolutely have a wedding planner handling the logistics while an event designer focuses on the décor and overall design, in fact we prefer it! We regularly work alongside planners, venues, florists, and other vendors to make sure all the visual elements come together as intended.

Full-service event design involves much more than selecting decorations. It's a comprehensive approach to developing and executing the visual elements of your event.

Depending on the project, services may include creative direction, design development, specialty rentals, faux florals, balloon installations, custom signage, backdrops, props, centerpieces, tablescapes, sourcing, delivery, installation, styling, and breakdown.

Every project is customized based on the event, venue, design goals, and scope of work. We don't believe in handing everyone the same package and simply changing the colors. The details should reflect the people and celebration behind them.

Not necessarily, but having a planner doesn't mean you don't need a designer.

Your planner may be handling all the logistics, timelines, and vendor communication, but that doesn't automatically include developing your visual design, sourcing specialty décor, or executing installations. Often planners are not available to handle full decor set up and breakdown while managing these logistics, that's where we come in.

If you have the planning side covered but need someone to pull together the aesthetic, we would love to work alongside your existing planning team to create a cohesive design while allowing everyone to focus on their area of expertise.

Absolutely! You don't have to decorate every inch of a venue to make an impact.

Sometimes one thoughtfully designed focal point is all a space needs. Whether it's a statement backdrop, an elaborate head table, a custom entrance installation, or a collection of centerpieces, we can explore options based on your priorities and project scope.

Our goal isn't to convince you to decorate more. It's to determine where to focus your investment so that your chosen design elements will make the biggest difference.

That depends on what you're looking for, but professional event design offers more than just pretty decorations.

You're investing in creative direction, thoughtful sourcing, professional installation, cohesive styling, and the experience required to execute a design successfully. Our clients would rather enjoy their event than spend their time managing set up and breakdown.

It's also about having someone who understands how to bring individual elements together, anticipate potential challenges, and manage the details that might otherwise fall on you.

If having a space that feels intentional, personalized, and thoughtfully executed is important to you, professional design can make a significant difference.

We work on a variety of celebrations and events, including:

• Weddings and receptions
• Bridal and baby showers
• Milestone birthdays and private celebrations
• Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens
• Graduations, school & sporting events
• Corporate events and brand activations
• Fundraisers and community events
• Welcome parties and other wedding-related celebrations

Our approach and pricing don't change based on the type of event. We believe the design should reflect the people, purpose, and personality behind it.

Yes! Full-service event design is one of our primary offerings.

Depending on the project, services can include creative direction, custom design development, specialty rentals, faux florals, balloon installations, custom signage, backdrops, props, tablescapes, sourcing, delivery, installation, styling, and breakdown.

Rather than offering a predetermined package that looks the same for everyone, we build our proposals around your event, priorities, and design goals.

We do offer customizable rental options for clients who need specific pieces to complete their event.

However, we're not a traditional pick-up-and-go rental warehouse. Our inventory is curated to support customized designs, and rental availability and service options depend on the items requested and the scope of the project.

If you're looking for a few specific pieces, reach out and let us know what you have in mind. We'll help determine whether we can accommodate your request.

Yes! If you have sentimental pieces, existing décor, or items you've already purchased, we can discuss incorporating them into the overall design.

The important thing is making sure everything works together. We'll consider the style, scale, colors, and condition of the pieces to determine how they can best complement the finished look.

Not every item needs to make the final cut, though. Sometimes editing is just as important as adding.

Yes! Custom installations are a big part of what we do.

We offer customized backdrops, signage, props, statement installations, and luxe balloon designs. Each project is developed around the event's theme, aesthetic, and space rather than relying on a standard rental package.

Whether you're looking for something understated or a major focal point that commands attention, we can explore the possibilities.

Yes! We offer curated faux floral designs and rentals as part of our event design services.

High-quality faux florals allow us to explore unique textures, varieties, colors, and arrangements that may not always be available seasonally. They're also a great option for certain installations and designs where flexibility is important.

We approach faux florals just as thoughtfully as any other design element. The goal is always a finished look that feels intentional, dimensional, and elevated.

Absolutely! Collaboration is an important part of a successful event.

We regularly work alongside wedding planners, venues, florists, photographers, caterers, rental companies, other decorators and other event professionals. Our focus is on the design and décor, but that doesn't mean we operate in a bubble.

We'll communicate with the appropriate vendors to coordinate design-related details, installation logistics, and any requirements that affect the finished look.

Having an established vendor team is no reason to compromise on your design.

There isn't one price that applies to every event, because the scope of design can vary significantly.

A single statement installation is going to require a very different investment than a complete venue transformation involving multiple tablescapes, custom installations, specialty rentals, florals, and ceiling décor.

Factors that influence pricing include:

• Number of areas being designed
• Quantity and type of décor required
• Custom fabrication and specialty materials
• Size and complexity of installations
• Delivery, setup, and breakdown requirements
• Event location and logistics

We believe in helping clients understand the investment before committing to a design. That's why we created our online Design Investment Calculator, which provides estimated investment ranges for different design elements and helps you explore what your event might cost.

Every proposal is built around the specific requirements of the event.

The biggest factors are the amount of décor needed, the complexity of the design, the materials and specialty items involved, and the labor required to prepare, transport, install, and remove everything.

For example, a large ceiling installation may require additional equipment, installation time, and a larger team than a collection of tabletop centerpieces.

We also consider how the different design elements work together. Sometimes a few carefully selected statement pieces create more impact than a much larger quantity of décor.

Our goal is to build a proposal that makes sense for both your vision and your investment.

Our recommended investment depends on the type and scope of the project.

A full-service event design involving multiple areas and installations requires a different level of resources than a smaller, individual décor request.

Rather than giving you an arbitrary number without understanding your event, we encourage you to start with our Design Investment Calculator or submit an inquiry with your event details.

We'll help determine whether your expectations and budget align with the services you're looking for.

Your proposal is customized to your event and outlines the design elements and services being provided.

Depending on the scope, it may include specialty rentals, custom décor, installations, florals, centerpieces, signage, delivery, setup, styling, and breakdown.

We aim to make the investment as clear as possible, with the associated costs and services outlined so you know what you're booking.

If something isn't clear, ask! We'd much rather answer questions before booking than leave you guessing about what's included.

Our proposals account for the installation and breakdown services required for your particular project.

These requirements vary depending on the size of the installation, the number of design elements, venue access, and the logistics involved.

Any applicable setup, breakdown, delivery, and travel costs will be outlined in your proposal so you can understand the full investment before booking.

Travel fees may apply depending on your event location and the logistics involved.

Other project-specific costs may include tax, specialty materials, custom fabrication, additional labor, or other services required to execute your approved design.

We believe in transparency when it comes to pricing. Applicable fees and associated costs will be outlined in your proposal rather than appearing as unexpected additions after booking.

Our Design Investment Calculator is a great place to start!

We've created it to help prospective clients explore estimated investment ranges for different décor elements and see how individual selections can influence the overall design budget.

You can explore options, adjust the scope, and get a better understanding of what your event might require before submitting an inquiry.

Keep in mind that the calculator provides estimates, not a finalized proposal. Every event has its own design requirements, logistics, and details that can affect the final investment.

The easiest place to start is by submitting an inquiry through our website.

We'll ask for a few details about your event, including the date, location, type of celebration, and what you're envisioning. The more information you can share, the better!

From there, we'll review your inquiry, confirm availability, and arrange a consultation to discuss your event in more detail.

You don't need to have every detail figured out before reaching out. That's what the design process is for.

Our initial consultation is an opportunity to get to know you, understand your event, and discuss what you're hoping to accomplish.

We'll talk about your overall vision, inspiration, venue, priorities, budget, and any specific design elements you're interested in.

We'll also discuss the scope of services that makes the most sense for your event.

This is a collaborative conversation, not a sales pitch. We want to make sure we're the right fit for what you need before moving forward.

Yes! Digital mockups are an important part of our design process.

Depending on the design service selected, mockup options range from a complimentary visual concept of one design area to more comprehensive design development.

Our full-event design process allows us to explore how the different elements work together before event day, with revisions based on the applicable design agreement.

We want you to have a clear understanding of the direction we're taking before we begin bringing all the pieces together.

Revision allowances depend on the design option selected and will be outlined before work begins.

Our design process is collaborative, and we want to make sure we're moving in the right direction together. We encourage clients to share their feedback and preferences early so we can develop a design that aligns with their expectations.

For more comprehensive design development, the applicable proposal or agreement will specify the included revision rounds and any additional design work.

The earlier, the better, especially for weddings and larger-scale events.

Our availability for full-service event design is limited because we intentionally take on a limited number of large-scale installations each month.

We recommend reaching out as soon as you have your event date and venue secured. Popular dates can book a few years in advance, and waiting may limit the design options or availability we can offer.

That said, it's always worth asking! If your event is approaching, contact us and we'll let you know whether we can accommodate the project.

Your event date is officially reserved once the required agreement has been signed and the applicable nonrefundable retainer has been received.

Submitting an inquiry, attending a consultation, or receiving a proposal does not guarantee availability or reserve your date.

Because we limit the number of events we accept, we recommend completing the booking process as soon as you're ready to move forward.

Your payment schedule and due dates will be outlined in your customized agreement.

Our standard payment structure includes an initial payment at booking, a subsequent installment approximately two months before the event, and the remaining balance due one month before the event. We also are happy to offer payment plans if arranged in advance.

Any project-specific payment arrangements will be clearly outlined in your agreement before booking.

Yes! DreamOn Event Designs primarily serves clients throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, with travel available throughout New England.

We consider projects in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and surrounding areas depending on the event location, scope, and logistics.

If your event is outside our primary service area, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd love to hear what you're planning and see if we can make it work!

We're based in Massachusetts and primarily serve Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and surrounding communities. We also travel throughout other New England states.

Some of the areas we service include:

• Western and Central Massachusetts
• Greater Boston and surrounding Massachusetts communities
• Hartford County and surrounding Connecticut communities
• The Berkshires
• Rhode Island
• New Hampshire
• Vermont

Travel availability depends on the project and event logistics. If you're unsure whether your venue falls within our service area, just ask!

Yes! We communicate with venues as needed to coordinate setup logistics, installation requirements, access times, and other details that affect the design.

Some installations require prior site visits, advance approval, additional setup time, or specific equipment. Addressing those details ahead of time helps avoid unnecessary surprises on event day.

We want to make sure the design works not only visually but also within the practical requirements of your venue.

That depends entirely on the design.

A smaller installation may require only a few hours, while a full venue transformation involving multiple installations, ceiling décor, tablescapes, and extensive styling may require significantly more time.

We'll determine the necessary setup schedule based on your approved design and coordinate access requirements with the venue.

Outdoor events require additional planning, particularly when it comes to weather, wind, temperature, and installation safety.

We'll consider the location, surface conditions, exposure to the elements, and the materials being used when developing the design.

Some installations and materials may need to be adjusted based on the conditions or venue restrictions. Our priority is creating a beautiful design while making sure the installation is appropriate for the environment.

Yes! Every venue has its own rules, limitations, and installation requirements.

Some restrict ceiling installations, hanging décor, open flames, adhesives, or certain types of equipment. Others have specific setup and breakdown windows.

We'll work with the venue to understand those requirements and develop a design plan that works within the space.

It's always helpful to share venue information early in the process, especially if you're considering larger installations or ceiling décor.

Yes, breakdown services are included as part of your event design proposal.

Our team returns at the agreed-upon time to dismantle the applicable installations and remove our décor and rental inventory. It is important to note that breakdown services do not apply to general event clean up or breaking down of displays that do not belong to us.

Breakdown requirements and timing are determined in advance and outlined in your proposal so you know exactly what to expect.

That's completely okay. You don't need to arrive with a fully developed design concept or a Pinterest board full of answers.

Some clients come to us with a very specific vision. Others know how they want their event to feel but aren't quite sure how to translate that into an actual design.

Our job is to help connect the dots, ask the right questions, and develop a creative direction that feels right for you.

We'll guide you through the process, offer suggestions, and help you make decisions along the way.

Absolutely. Understanding your budget is an important part of the design process.

We'd rather know your investment range from the beginning so we can make thoughtful recommendations about where to prioritize the design.

Not every element needs to be elaborate, and more décor doesn't automatically create a better result. Sometimes concentrating your investment on one or two impactful areas creates a much stronger overall experience than spreading it across every corner of the room.

We're happy to explore different approaches, simplify elements, or adjust the scope to make the most of your budget.

We can absolutely use inspiration photos as a starting point, but our goal isn't to produce an exact copy of someone else's event.

We'll look at what you love about the inspiration, whether that's the color palette, textures, scale, florals, overall atmosphere, or a particular design element.

From there, we'll develop a concept that captures those elements while considering your venue, budget, and event details.

The best designs aren't necessarily the ones that look exactly like the inspiration. They're the ones that feel like they were created specifically for you.

Hopefully, you'll recognize our attention to detail and overall design approach, but the finished result should feel like yours.

We don't believe in taking the same design and simply changing the colors or theme. Every project starts with its own creative direction and is developed around the client, the space, and the overall vision.

Our inventory and experience are resources we use to create something new, not a reason to repeat ourselves.

Both can be beautiful options, and the right choice depends on the look you're going for, your budget, the season, and how the flowers will be used.

Fresh florals offer natural variation, fragrance, and the organic qualities of living blooms. Professionally selected faux florals offer flexibility in sourcing, color consistency, and opportunities for reuse and larger installations.

Neither is automatically better or less expensive. We consider the overall design and recommend the option that makes the most sense for the project.

This is one of our favorite design conversations because more décor doesn't automatically mean a better design.

A well-designed space doesn't need something in every corner. It needs the right elements in the right places.

Strategic focal points, thoughtful tablescapes, layered textures, and intentional lighting can completely change how a space feels without requiring décor everywhere.

We'll look at the space as a whole, identify the areas that matter most, and determine where your investment will create the greatest impact.

Sometimes knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to include.