Event Planning Priced by What You Actually Need — Nothing More

We don't sell packages. We build your event cost from the ground up, factor by factor, so every euro goes toward outcomes you care about. Scroll to see exactly how our pricing works.

See the Cost Breakdown →

What Shapes Your Price

Guest Count & DurationThe single biggest cost driver — venue, catering, staffing all scale here.
Venue ComplexityIndoor ballroom vs. outdoor marquee vs. heritage site — each carries different logistics.
Creative DirectionMinimal elegance costs less than theatrical staging. You choose the depth.
Coordination IntensityDay-of management vs. 6-month full planning — your involvement level sets this.

Three Decisions That Define Your Budget

Before we quote a single number, we ask you to think through three choices. These aren't upsells — they're the structural decisions that determine where your money goes.

1. Experience Depth

Do guests need to be entertained, immersed, or simply hosted? A seated dinner with background music is fundamentally different from a multi-stage production with live performers. We price the experience layer separately so you can scale it up or strip it back without touching catering or logistics.

2. Vendor Sourcing

Our network includes 43 vetted vendors across Ireland. You can use your own suppliers, our preferred partners, or a mix. When we source, our coordination fee covers vendor management, contract review, and payment scheduling. When you bring your own, we reduce that line item accordingly.

3. Planning Horizon

Events planned 5+ months out benefit from early-bird venue rates and wider vendor availability. Rush timelines (under 8 weeks) carry a premium because we compress our process and absorb scheduling risk. We're transparent about exactly how timeline affects cost.

The Cost Matrix: What Each Component Actually Costs

This is not a menu — it's a transparency tool. Every event we plan is built from these components. Your quote will reference specific line items from this matrix.

Component What It Covers Typical Range Scales With
Planning & Coordination Timeline management, vendor liaison, logistics mapping, rehearsal coordination €1,200 – €4,800 Planning horizon + event complexity
Venue Procurement Site search, contract negotiation, site visits, accessibility assessment €400 – €1,600 Number of venues considered
Design & Styling Mood boards, floral concepts, table settings, lighting design, signage €800 – €5,500 Creative ambition + guest count
Catering Coordination Menu development, dietary management, tasting sessions, service staffing €600 – €2,400 Guest count + menu complexity
Entertainment & AV Sound, lighting rigs, performers, DJs, speakers, stage management €500 – €6,000 Experience depth decision
Day-of Management On-site lead coordinator, assistant, vendor check-in, timeline execution €700 – €2,200 Event duration + venue count
Guest Experience Welcome packs, transport logistics, accommodation blocks, RSVP management €300 – €3,000 Guest count + travel complexity

Ranges reflect 2024–2025 pricing across our Ireland operations. Actual quotes are itemised to the nearest €50.

Event planning workspace with design materials and timeline boards

How We Build Your Scope (and Why It Matters)

Most planners hand you a brochure with three tiers. We think that's backwards. A wedding for 60 in a country house has nothing in common with a corporate launch for 200 in a Dublin warehouse — so why would they share a price bracket?

Instead, we start with a 30-minute scoping call. We walk through the matrix above together, mark which components apply, discuss your vision for each, and draft a preliminary scope document within 48 hours. That document becomes your quote — line by line, no bundled surprises.

"We revised our scope three times before signing. Each revision was reflected in an updated quote within a day." — Fiona D., Waterford

Start Your Scoping Call →

Six Factors That Move the Needle on Price

Beyond the matrix, these situational factors can shift your total up or down. We flag every one during scoping so there are no late-stage surprises.

Seasonality

June–September commands premium vendor rates. November–February often unlocks 15–25% savings on venues and florals without sacrificing quality.

Impact: Moderate

Location Remoteness

Rural venues in Connemara or West Cork add transport surcharges for vendors. We map logistics costs before you commit to a site.

Impact: Variable

Multi-Day Events

Festivals, retreats, and destination weddings spanning 2–3 days multiply coordination but reduce per-day setup costs. Net effect depends on structure.

Impact: High

Regulatory Requirements

Public events, alcohol licensing, noise permits, insurance riders — we handle compliance, and the cost is transparent in your scope document.

Impact: Low–Moderate

Bespoke Fabrication

Custom arches, branded installations, or theatrical sets require fabrication lead time and specialist labour. We quote these as standalone line items.

Impact: High

Guest Accessibility

Wheelchair access, dietary complexity, translation services, childcare — inclusion costs are never hidden. We itemise them so you can prioritise.

Impact: Low

What Clients Say About Our Pricing Transparency

"For the first time, I understood where every cent of our wedding budget went. The itemised scope document was a revelation compared to the vague quotes we'd received elsewhere."
— Áine & Cormac, Cork · 2024 Wedding
"Our corporate gala came in €2,100 under the initial scope because they identified savings we hadn't considered. That kind of honesty is rare in this industry."
— Declan P., Head of Events, TechBridge Ltd
"We changed our mind about entertainment three weeks before the event. They re-quoted within hours and the adjustment was exactly what we expected — no penalties, no drama."
— Niamh K., Galway · Private Celebration

Common Questions About How We Price

Do you charge a flat fee or a percentage of total spend?

Neither exclusively. Our planning and coordination fee is a flat rate based on scope complexity. We never take a percentage of vendor spend — that creates a perverse incentive to inflate costs. Vendor payments go directly to vendors; we simply manage the process.

What if our budget is very limited?

We work with budgets starting from €3,500 for intimate events. During scoping, we'll be direct about what's achievable. If a component doesn't fit, we'll suggest alternatives or help you prioritise. We'd rather plan a brilliant small event than a stretched large one.

Can we remove components mid-planning?

Yes. Your scope document is a living contract. If you decide to handle catering yourself or drop the entertainment layer, we adjust the quote accordingly. The only non-refundable element is planning hours already invested, which we track transparently.

How do you handle cost overruns?

We build a 5–8% contingency into every scope. If we come in under, you keep the difference. If an unforeseen cost arises, we discuss it with you before committing any spend. No surprises, no retroactive charges.

Professional event coordinator reviewing detailed planning documents

Every event starts with a conversation — not a sales pitch. We listen first, scope second, and quote third.

Book Your Free Scoping Call

Request Your Personalised Scope & Quote

Tell us the essentials. We'll respond within one business day with a preliminary scope outline and a call invitation.

✓ Thank you! We'll be in touch within 24 hours with your preliminary scope outline.

Reach Us Directly

Phone: +353 22 50573

Email: [email protected]

Address: 36702 Hans Hollow, Shermanville, North Carolina, Y79 DSP4, Ireland

Working Hours

Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00 (by appointment)
Sunday: Closed

Scoping calls available evenings by arrangement.

Privacy Policy

Effective: 1 January 2026

Masterful Event Maker ("we," "us") collects personal data you voluntarily provide through our enquiry form, including your name, email address, phone number, and event details. This data is used exclusively to respond to your enquiry, prepare scope documents, and communicate about our services.

For questions about data handling, contact us at the address or email listed on this site.

Terms of Service

Effective: 1 January 2026

By using this website and submitting enquiries, you agree to the following terms:

These terms are governed by the laws of Ireland. Disputes shall be resolved through mediation before any legal proceedings.

Disclaimer

Effective: 1 January 2026

The cost ranges, timelines, and vendor references on this site are provided for informational purposes and reflect general market conditions as of our last review. They do not constitute a binding offer or guarantee of pricing.

Actual event costs depend on numerous variables including venue availability, vendor pricing at time of booking, seasonal demand, and your specific requirements. A formal quote is provided only after a completed scoping process.

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and are not guarantees of identical outcomes. Masterful Event Maker is not liable for third-party vendor performance, though we maintain rigorous vetting standards.

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