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9 Event Design Firms With Transparent Design Fee Structures and Rental Coordination Pricing

W-HUB Vision January 30, 2026 Event Design & Decor

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Tired of murky event planning fees and surprise rental costs? Meet nine firms that are all about transparency. From Easton Events’ clear creation fees ($5,000 to $15,000) to Toast Events’ straight-up 10% rental coordination fee, you’ll know what you’re paying upfront. Dig into detailed breakdowns of labor, setup, and teardown costs too. Forget hidden fees and focus on trust and clarity in planning your dream event. Keen to discover the full scoop?

Who this event design firm list is for (clear design fees + rental coordination pricing)

If you’ve ever tried to plan an event, you know the frustration of hidden fees and vague pricing structures. Finding event styling firms with transparent fees can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The good news? We’ve identified firms that believe in transparent designer rates and clear service costs. Renting event items in D.C. provides cost savings and flexibility for various event types, making it an appealing option for those seeking transparency and control. This list is for you if:

Finding event styling firms with transparent fees can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

1. Clarity is Key: You value upfront pricing and hate surprises.
2. Budget Control: You need to keep a tight rein on your spending.
3. Transparency Enthusiast: You appreciate businesses that lay all their cards on the table.
4. Professional Partnerships: You want to trust your team without fear of hidden costs.

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to clarity with these selected firms. Additionally, these firms often provide strategic planning to ensure that your event decor aligns with your vision while staying within budget.

What transparent design pricing should include (design fee, sourcing, rentals markup/coordination, labor)

When you’re hunting for a reliable event planning firm, transparency in pricing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. You deserve to see event creator pricing shown clearly and upfront. Here’s what transparent layout pricing should include:

1. Creation Fee Structures Presented: Firms should lay out their creation fees, typically ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, covering conceptual creation and installation oversight. It shouldn’t be a guessing game. Clients should be made aware that scope limitations can lead to additional charges if not clearly defined.
2. Sourcing Costs: Clear costs for sourcing materials and decor should be on the table. Surprises aren’t welcome here.
3. Rentals Markup/Coordination: You need to know the markup on rentals and any coordination fees. It’s your money, after all. An optimized layout for client engagement can make it easier for clients to understand the value they are receiving, encouraging consultations over merely shopping by price.
4. Labor Charges: Creator fee transparency demands clear labor costs, including breakdown or strike labor rates. No hidden fees.

How we vetted firms: published fee structures + clear rental coordination language

Vetting event planning firms is no small task, especially when you’re on a mission to find those unicorns with transparent pricing. We dove deep to identify event creation firms with transparent fees, ensuring they met our criteria for designer fee transparency. Here’s how we did it:

1. Creation Fee Structures Exhibited: We looked for firms that publish their fee structures, making it clear what you’re paying for before you sign anything.
2. Clear Rental Coordination Language: We sought out firms with clear, upfront explanations of rental coordination fees. Ensuring that guest count influences the overall budget was an important consideration when evaluating these firms.
3. Separation of Fees: We checked that firms separated creation fees from rental execution costs.
4. Transparent Breakdowns: We valued firms providing detailed breakdowns of labor, install, and breakdown costs. Transparency in pricing structure is essential for client trust, with expectations for tiered models like Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Finding firms with these qualities took effort, but transparency is worth it.

The full list (9 event design firms with transparent design fee structures and rental coordination pricing)

You’re ready to tackle the tricky world of event creation pricing, aren’t you? Let’s cut through the mystery and get down to the nitty-gritty with these standout firms that have nothing to hide. Here are four that lay it all out for you:

1. Easton Events: Creation fees range from $5,000 to $15,000, with rental coordination marked up at 15-20%. Be sure to negotiate with vendors to potentially reduce marked-up costs.
2. Toast Events: Provides a flat creation fee between $3,500 and $8,000, plus rentals at cost with a 10% coordination fee.
3. A Good Affair: Charges $4,000 to $12,000 for creation packages and a 15% service fee for rental procurement.
4. Bash Please: Consultation is $250/hour, or you can opt for a flat fee of $2,500 to $6,000 for concept formulation.

For instance, GoGather is known for its transparent pricing model, operating on a flat-fee basis, which aligns with its reputation for treating client relationships as partnerships.

Easton Events – Design fees start at $5,000-$15,000 for full-service styling; rental coordination at 15-20% markup for vendor management; install/strike labor $50-$75/hour per crew member; includes mood boards, floor plans, and vendor sourcing: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Let’s get real about Easton Events. In a world where event planning firms often hide behind vague pricing, Easton Events shines with transparent fees. They showcase their planning fee structures upfront, with wedding designer rates ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for full-service styling. No hidden surprises here. Rental coordination? Expect a 15-20% markup for vendor management. It’s straightforward and honest. They’ve got their install/strike labor rates laid out too—$50 to $75 per hour per crew member. Plus, you’re getting mood boards, floor plans, and vendor sourcing included. Easton Events doesn’t just talk the talk; they publish their planning fee model and rental coordination policy. You’re never left guessing, and that’s how it should be. Transparent fee structures not only build trust but also enhance attendee satisfaction by eliminating surprise charges.

Toast Events – Flat design fee $3,500-$8,000 depending on complexity; rentals passed through at cost plus 10% coordination fee; setup crew $45-$65/hour; includes 3D renderings and unlimited revisions: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Toast Events isn’t playing games when it comes to transparency. If you’re tired of event arrangement firms with hidden costs, you’ll appreciate Toast’s straightforward approach. Their flat arrangement fee ranges from $3,500 to $8,000, depending on the complexity of your event. No surprises here—just clear designer fee transparency. Rentals are passed through at cost, with a modest 10% coordination fee. You won’t find any sneaky markups. And when it comes to setup, expect to pay $45 to $65 per hour for the crew. Toast also includes 3D renderings and unlimited revisions, ensuring your vision is perfectly executed. It’s revitalizing to see arrangement fee structures showcased so openly, setting a standard in an industry often shrouded in mystery. By understanding their value proposition, Toast effectively communicates their worth to potential clients, justifying prices based on their unique appeal.

A Good Affair – Design packages $4,000-$12,000; rental procurement 15% service fee; installation labor $500-$1,500 depending on scope; specializes in luxury florals and tablescapes: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

If you’ve ever been hit with surprise fees after an event, you’ll appreciate A Good Affair’s honesty. They lay everything out in black and white, making planning a breeze. Their arrangement packages range from $4,000 to $12,000—no hidden tricks here. When it comes to rentals, they charge a straightforward 15% service fee. Installation labor costs? Expect to pay between $500 and $1,500, depending on the scope. A Good Affair is all about transparency, focusing on luxury florals and tablescapes that dazzle. They publish their pricing model, rental coordination, and install labor ranges, sparing you the headache of unexpected costs. It’s invigorating to find a firm that treats you like a partner, not just a paycheck. Analyzing competitor pricing and services can help you adjust your own pricing strategy to remain competitive in the market.

Bash Please – Consultation $250/hour or flat fee $2,500-$6,000 for concept development; rental markup 10-15%; install team $60/hour; known for modern minimalist aesthetics: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

A Good Affair’s transparency is a revitalizing change in an industry notorious for hidden fees. Bash Please takes it up a notch with its clear-cut pricing. Envision this: you’re shelling out $250 an hour for consultation or opting for a flat fee between $2,500 and $6,000 for concept creation. That’s a breath of fresh air, right? Want rentals? You’re looking at a straightforward 10-15% markup. Their install team? $60 an hour. No surprises there. Renowned for their modern minimalist aesthetics, they publish their fee structure for design and rental coordination/markup policy openly. It’s like having a cheat sheet for planning your event. Nick advocates for 100% open book transparency in pricing, emphasizing that transparency involves showing every expense with suppliers and ensuring prices are the same for all clients. So, if you’re tired of playing guessing games with budgets, Bash Please facilitates easy planning without hidden costs.

Reverie Events – Full design service $6,000-$20,000; rental coordination included; labor billed at $55/hour for setup/teardown; provides detailed production timelines and vendor management: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

When it comes to event planning, why settle for ambiguity when you can have clarity? Reverie Events provides a straightforward approach to pricing, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting into. Their full layout services range from $6,000 to $20,000, with rental coordination seamlessly included. No hidden surprises. Labor for setup and teardown is billed at a clear $55/hour. You’re not left guessing about timelines either; detailed production schedules keep everything on track. Vendor management? Handled. Reverie publishes their pricing model, rental coordination/markup policy, and install labor ranges upfront. It’s invigorating, isn’t it? Finally, an event planning firm that values transparency as much as you do, giving you peace of mind and control over your event expenses. Understanding fixed and variable costs is crucial for covering expenses and ensuring profitability, which Reverie Events addresses by offering a clear and structured pricing model.

Sterling Social – Design retainer $4,500-$10,000; rentals at wholesale plus 12% handling; crew rates $50-$70/hour; includes site visits and lighting design consultation: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Let’s face it, nobody likes surprises when it comes to planning an event. That’s why Sterling Social’s transparent pricing is a breath of fresh perspective. With layout retainers ranging from $4,500 to $10,000, you know exactly what you’re getting into from the start. Rentals are handled at wholesale prices with a straightforward 12% handling fee—no hidden costs. Their crew rates are clearly listed at $50 to $70 per hour, taking the guesswork out of budgeting for setup and teardown. Plus, their package includes valuable site visits and lighting layout consultation. By openly publishing their layout fee model and rental coordination policies, Sterling Social guarantees you’re not left in the dark. Clarity like this is rare, but oh so necessary. Sterling Social’s approach is much like Clarity’s commitment to transparent AV services, ensuring upfront communication about costs and no hidden fees.

Jubilee Events – Package design $3,000-$7,500; rental sourcing 15% fee; installation $400-$1,200 based on venue complexity; specializes in garden and outdoor events: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Jubilee Events knows how to keep you in the loop without the usual smoke and mirrors. They’ve laid their cards on the table with a layout package ranging from $3,000 to $7,500. You know exactly what you’re paying for, and that’s a rare gem in event planning. Their rental sourcing comes with a simple 15% fee—no hidden costs lurking here. Installation fees vary from $400 to $1,200, depending on how tricky your venue is. Focusing on garden and outdoor events, Jubilee Events doesn’t keep you guessing. They publish their pricing model, rental coordination policy, and install labor ranges. It’s a revitalizing approach in a world where transparency feels as rare as a unicorn in a tutu. With event planner fees typically falling between 10–20% of the total event budget, Jubilee Events’ transparent fee structure is a welcome departure from industry norms.

Alison Events – Hourly design rate $150-$250 or packages from $5,000; rental pass-through plus 10% admin; labor crews $45-$55/hour; provides CAD floor plans: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Alison Events isn’t playing the usual hide-and-seek with their pricing. They’re upfront and honest. Want high-quality layout? It’ll cost you $150-$250 an hour. If you prefer, package deals start at $5,000. No sneaky fees here. They charge a straightforward 10% admin fee on rentals. Labor crews? You’ll pay $45-$55 per hour. And yes, they provide CAD floor plans to visualize your event. Unlike some firms that keep you guessing, Alison Events lays it all out. They publish their layout fee model, rental coordination, markup policy, and labor ranges. You won’t be left scratching your head or your wallet. They believe in transparency, and it shows. So, if you’re tired of surprises, Alison Events has got your back.

Bluebird Productions – Design fees 8-12% of overall decor budget; rental markup 15%; setup/strike labor $600-$2,000 flat rate; includes on-site design director: publishes design fee model + rental coordination/markup policy + install labor ranges

Tired of guessing games when it comes to event arrangement pricing? Bluebird Productions believes in clarity. Their layout fees range from 8-12% of your overall decor budget. You’re not left wondering about rental costs either, as they add a clear 15% markup. And for the necessary setup and strike labor, expect to pay a flat rate between $600 and $2,000. It’s straightforward, and they even include an on-site design director to guarantee everything goes smoothly. Bluebird’s commitment to transparency doesn’t stop there. They openly publish their layout fee model, rental coordination/markup policy, and installation labor ranges. By avoiding hidden fees and offering transparent pricing, they ensure that their clients are not burdened with unexpected costs. It’s invigorating, isn’t it? No more hidden costs, just honest pricing to assist you plan your event with peace of mind.

Comparison table: flat-fee vs percentage vs hybrid models (what you get)

When it comes to choosing an event planning firm, understanding the pricing model is essential, yet often as clear as mud. You’re faced with three options: flat-fee, percentage, and hybrid models. Each has its quirks.

Flat-fee provides simplicity, percentage scales with magnificence, and hybrid promises customization. It’s like choosing between vanilla, chocolate, or a swirl cone. Which flavor suits your event vision best? In the wedding planning industry, pricing varies significantly across the market, which makes understanding these models crucial for making informed decisions.

Hidden costs (install/strike labor, trucking, venue access overtime, storage)

While choosing the perfect pricing model is a task in itself, the real game-changer lies in those pesky hidden costs that can sneak up on you. You might think you’ve got it all under control, but these costs often surprise you:

1. Install/Strike Labor: Rates can reach $235 per hour in New York City. Don’t forget the 30% supervision fees that add up quickly.
2. Trucking: With material handling costs as high as $2.86 per pound in Philadelphia, you’ll need to account for every ounce.
3. Venue Overtime: Extending event times can mean paying staff 1.5x to 2x their usual rates. Venue access fees can also contribute to unexpected costs if not negotiated upfront.
4. Storage: Holding costs rack up if equipment stays longer than expected, not to mention those sneaky inventory mishaps. Tracking expenses is crucial for resource allocation to make informed financial decisions.

Questions to ask before signing (scope, revisions, minimums, who owns rentals)

How often do you dive headfirst into a contract only to find out later that you’re swimming in a pool of unexpected obligations? Before signing with an event arrangement firm, arm yourself with the right questions. Don’t just assume everything will magically align. Here’s a checklist to keep you afloat:

1. Scope and Revisions: What’s included in the arrangement scope, and how many revisions are allowed before fees kick in?
2. Minimums: Are there minimum order requirements for rentals or services that might inflate your budget?
3. Rental Ownership: Once the party’s over, who owns the rentals? You don’t want a surprise shipment to your doorstep!
4. Liabilities: If something goes wrong, like damaged rentals, who’s responsible? Get clarity, not chaos, before you sign.
5. Access Issues: In the digital age, access to websites like goodshuffle.com might be restricted due to security measures, so consider how this could impact your planning and coordination with the event firm.
6. Vendor Lists and Fees: Be aware that vendor lists at historic venues can sometimes include pre-approved professionals, and using them might come with higher costs due to their specialized expertise, but they can also simplify logistics.

Educational only: confirm fee model and scope in your contract/proposal

So, you’ve got your checklist of questions ready, but here’s the real kicker: understanding the fee model and scope laid out in your contract or proposal. Don’t get caught in a fee structure maze. Here’s what you should nail down:

1. Flat Fee or Percentage? Know if you’re paying a flat rate ($1,000–$10,000+) or a percentage (10–20%) of your total budget. Each comes with its own quirks.
2. Expense Clarity: Ensure your contract spells out which expenses are included in the “total budget” for percentage fees. No room for surprises here.
3. Service Tiers: Confirm whether you’re getting full-service, partial planning, or day-of coordination. Each tier should have clear outcomes. Consider negotiating menu swaps or bundling services to optimize your budget and get more value from your event design firm.
4. Deposit Details: Look for a 50% deposit upfront, with the remainder due before the event. With the events industry evolving towards virtual, hybrid, and in-person experiences, make sure your agreement reflects any tech requirements or logistical needs.