Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of events do you plan?
At Chastain Charm, we focus primarily on weddings, however we service clients planning special events and corporate functions as well. Intimate celebrations, surprise proposals, engagement parties, birthday celebrations, celebration of life, corporate functions, small to large scale weddings and more! With our unparalleled expertise and impeccable attention to detail, we are the ideal partner for all your event planning needs. Our range of comprehensive planning services ensures that no aspect of your special event is overlooked. We take care of everything, from the initial conception to the final execution, leaving you free to enjoy your event stress-free.
What areas do you service?
We service all of Michigan and some destination spots, like Nashville (my home town!). Just inquire with us! We’re always up for exploring new areas! Travel fees apply to locations that are outside of a 60 mile radius. Lodging fees may also apply.
How long have you been in business?
Chastain Charm was founded in 2019. We’ve been in business for 5 years with over 10 years of experience under our belt. Our love for this industry began in 2010 planning some of the most popular beer and wine festival in Nashville, TN which later progressed into planning special events and weddings for some of the most lovely clients. We’ve participated in planning large scale events with 2000+ attendees to intimate affairs as small as 10 guests. Needless to say details is kind of our thing!
What’s your average price point?
We charge by the hour for our special and corporate events as each client's needs and budget vary. You can expect special and corporate event services to start at $600. We have standard packages for weddings and offer some additional services like invitation management that can be added on to any wedding package. Wedding Packages & Rates. Check out our a la carte menu for those add on services!
How are payments processed?
All payments are processed through Zelle or Venmo to avoid any additional processing fees.
What does your booking process look like?
After receiving your event inquiry, we reach out to setup an initial consultation to ensure we have all the necessary event details to provide you with the most accurate quote. Upon receiving our quote, you can approve with an e-signature to generate an automatic invoice. Once approved, we require a 20% non-refundable retainer and a signed contract to confirm your date. The remaining balance is split into two payments. 50% will be due 60 days from your wedding date and the final 50% will be due 30 days prior to your wedding date.
If you have booked a corporate or private event with us we require a $350 non-refundable retainer and a signed contract to confirm your date. The final balance is due 30 days prior to your event date.
Should I hire a wedding planner?
I think all wedding planners are a little biased on this question, but there are many benefits of hiring a wedding planner that help relieve stress and worry. It’s sometimes a misconception that a wedding planner is just there to assist with a wedding timeline and handle your decor setup and breakdown, however there is much more to what we do and offer. Hiring a wedding planner, provides you with an industry expert giving you advice and guidance throughout your planning process. We are well connected within the community providing you with trusted and professional vendors that can only enhance your wedding experience. Not only are we there on your wedding day to ensure the day flows smoothly and everything is executed flawlessly, we assist in contract management, budget control, design schemes, vendor communication and more. At Chastain Charm, we thrive on the details. We understand that it's the small touches that make an event memorable. From personalized place cards to custom-designed menus, we ensure that no detail is overlooked. Take comfort in knowing that our team of experts will work tirelessly to make your vision a reality. Let us bring our unique touch of charm and elegance to your special occasion, creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
How early should I send my invitations?
Save the dates should go out 4-6 months before the wedding. 6 months is recommended for those having a destination wedding. Formal invitations should go out 2-4 months before the wedding. 4 months is recommended for those having a destination wedding. You’ll want to consider the weight of the invitation, postage and delivery times when mailing out your save the dates and formal invitations. Be sure to include postage on your rsvp envelopes! This sometimes gets missed.
How to decide which guests get a plus one?
Putting together your guest list can become a daunting task… deciding on distant relatives you never see, to who gets a plus one. Adding a few extra people to your guest list can significantly alter your overall budget, from catering to your event rentals each guest is counted to ensure there is enough food, beverage and seating, not to mention you need just the right amount of decor on each reception table to complete your wedding aesthetics. More guests, more tables! Begin mapping out your seating chart to visualize where each guest will sit and who they will sit with. Think about dear friends and family you have with significant others, and consider if any guests you are inviting know any other guests. This will help determine who should get a plus one.
What vendors should I book first?
Since you can’t plan much without a location or date, we recommend booking your venue first. Once you’ve booked your venue, we recommend focusing on booking your photographer, caterer, DJ/Band, and the florist. Ideally, you want to have all of your vendors booked at least 5-6 months in advance. Booking early gives you the opportunity to secure the best of the best!
Should I do a first look?
This option is purely up to you and your partner. Having a first look allows the photographer to capture the bulk of your photos prior to the ceremony, leaving you with more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and visit with your guests prior to the reception. It also provides you with an intimate moment to read your vows privately and take in the awe of each other before saying I do at the altar. There’s also something magical about waiting to see your partner until you walk down the aisle. Lots of emotions will be flowing either way, so we recommend discussion with your partner on what makes the most sense for the both of you. There isn’t a wrong or right way here!
How long should I book my photographer?
We recommend booking your photographer for a minimum of 8 hours. If everything is running on time, your photographer can capture your wedding images in a timely manner without rushing around. If you’ve hired a wedding planner (which we highly recommend) they will ensure your staying on track with your wedding timeline and connecting with your vendors throughout the day with any timeline changes. We recommend coming up with a shot list for photos you’d like captured and a rough wedding timeline to determine how many hours you may need your photographer. We also suggest designating a close friend or family member to help list off who’s next in line for photos, this helps your photographer out tremendously and keeps photos moving along, so you can go and enjoy your cocktail hour!
Do I need to tip my wedding vendors?
Tipping your vendors is never a requirement or expected. It’s your decision to decide whether or not to tip a vendor. Question is, who do you tip and how much? We recommend checking if gratuity is included in any of your invoices first. You’ll typically see this on the caterer's invoice and sometimes hair and makeup. General rule of thumb is to tip those who are working all day with you on your wedding day, while other vendors are optional. In the grand scheme of things, do what you feel is right and works within your budget.
