Free guides from the studio.
The honest numbers and timelines we give clients, published. Use them even if you never hire us.
What an event really costs
For a 150-guest Denver wedding, all-in budgets typically land between $45k and $80k: venue and catering are half, then photography, florals, music, attire, and planning. A 100-guest milestone birthday: commonly $8k–$20k. A styled dinner party for 20: $3k–$8k. Guest count is the single biggest lever — every invited guest is a plate, a chair, a pour, and a slice.
The 12-month wedding timeline
12+ months: budget, guest list, venue, planner. 9–12: photographer, caterer, band or DJ — the vendors who book out first. 6–9: design concept, florals, attire, save-the-dates. 3–6: invitations, menu tasting, transportation. 6 weeks: final counts, seating, run-of-show locked. Week of: rehearse once, then hand us the keys.
Questions to ask any venue
What's the real capacity with a dance floor? Which vendors am I required to use? What time must music stop, and what does overtime cost? What's included — tables, chairs, linens, security? What happens if it rains? If a venue answers all five without flinching, it's a professional room.
When to hire a planner (honestly)
Hire full-service if you're busy, out-of-state, or building a design-heavy event. Hire month-of if you love planning but want the day itself off your shoulders. Skip a planner entirely for a 15-person dinner at a restaurant — and yes, we'll tell you that for free at a consult.