Frequently Asked Questions | Private Events by Violette

Question 1

How do I book Violette for my event?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a simple inquiry. Tell Violette what you're celebrating, your date, and your vision, and she'll follow up within 1–2 business days to talk through the details. From there she'll prepare a custom proposal tailored to your event — no generic packages, no guesswork.

Question 2

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

The earlier the better, especially for spring and summer dates, which fill quickly. Violette recommends reaching out at least 6–8 weeks before your event. Planning something sooner? Reach out anyway — she'll always do her best to accommodate last-minute celebrations when her calendar allows.

Question 3

Do you have a minimum event size or budget?

Accepted Answer

Violette designs celebrations of all sizes, from intimate gatherings of ten to larger parties of a hundred or more. Every event is custom-quoted based on your vision, guest count, and the services you choose. Most private-home celebrations begin around the $1,500 range for lighter styling and scale from there.

Question 4

How much does an event cost?

Accepted Answer

Because every celebration is designed from scratch around your home, your occasion, and your guests, there's no flat price list. After your inquiry and consultation, you'll receive a fully customized proposal with transparent pricing — so you know exactly what's included before you commit.

Question 5

What's the best way to give you a budget?

Accepted Answer

The inquiry form includes budget ranges to choose from. Sharing your range up front helps Violette design something beautiful and realistic for you — it's never about spending more, it's about spending wisely on the details that matter most to you.

Question 6

Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A signed agreement and a non-refundable retainer reserve your date on Violette's calendar, with the balance due before your event. Your date isn't held until the retainer is received. Full details are outlined in your custom event agreement.

Question 7

What's your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Accepted Answer

Life happens, and Violette will always work with you when she can. Retainers are non-refundable, but in most cases they can be applied to a rescheduled date within a set window, subject to availability. Full details are spelled out in your event agreement.

Question 8

What exactly do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Violette offers full event styling — design concept, florals, balloon installations, styled dessert and grazing displays, table settings, lighting and ambiance, signage, and day-of setup and breakdown. You can book a single service or full event styling that brings several together. See the Services page for what's included with each.

Question 9

Do you provide the food and desserts, or just style them?

Accepted Answer

Violette specializes in the styling and presentation — the displays, risers, linens, florals, and finishing touches that make a table unforgettable. She can coordinate with trusted bakers and caterers, or you provide the food and Violette makes it beautiful. Just let her know what you need and she'll guide you.

Question 10

Can you work with a theme or color palette I already have in mind?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — that's the fun part. Whether you arrive with a full Pinterest board or just a feeling you want to create, Violette listens closely and designs something that feels entirely yours, never cookie-cutter.

Question 11

Can you also help me find a photographer, musician, or other vendors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Over the years Violette has built relationships with wonderful local vendors and is happy to make introductions to help your celebration come together seamlessly.

Question 12

Do you handle setup and cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Yes — completely. Violette arrives ahead of your event to style everything down to the last detail, and returns afterward to handle breakdown and removal. The whole point is that you get to be a guest at your own party.

Question 13

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the scope, but Violette plans her timeline so everything is finished and photo-ready well before your first guest arrives. She'll confirm all timing with you in advance.

Question 14

Will Violette be there during the event?

Accepted Answer

For many celebrations, Violette styles and steps away once everything is perfect. For larger or more involved events, on-site hosting and coordination is available as part of full event styling. She'll recommend what's right for your event during your consultation.

Question 15

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Violette is based in Palatine, IL and serves private homes throughout the Chicago suburbs, Northwest suburbs, North Shore, and surrounding communities — including Barrington, Inverness, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Winnetka, Lake Forest, Glenview, and Wilmette.

Question 16

Do you travel outside that area? Is there a travel fee?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Events beyond the core service area may include a travel fee depending on distance. Not sure if you're covered? Just ask — Violette would love to hear about your event.

Question 17

Can you style events at venues, not just private homes?

Accepted Answer

While private homes and gardens are Violette's specialty, she's happy to bring her styling to rented venues and outdoor spaces as well. Mention your location in your inquiry and she'll let you know.

Question 18

What happens if it rains for an outdoor event?

Accepted Answer

Weather is always part of planning an outdoor celebration. Violette will talk through a backup plan with you ahead of time — whether that's a tent, a covered area, or moving the celebration indoors — so you're never caught off guard. Tent rental and weather contingencies can be built into your proposal.

Question 19

Do you provide tents, tables, and chairs?

Accepted Answer

Violette can coordinate rentals — tents, tables, linens, china, and more — as part of your event design, so everything arrives styled and cohesive. These rental items are quoted within your custom proposal.

Questions & Answers

Getting Started

Pricing & Proposals

Services & Customization

The Day Of

Location & Logistics

Outdoor Events

Violette would love to hear from you.