Frequently Asked Questions
 

Florist Weddings & Events Rentals Invitations Tuxedos Balloon Décor

Summer (April–September)

Winter (October–March):

Do you book any out of town weddings/events?
Yes. We have a saying, “Have Wedding, We'll Travel.” We will go wherever our services are needed. We have planned and decorated weddings/events up and down the east coast of North Carolina and parts of South Carolina.
Do you offer wedding/event packages?
No. We do not offer set packages or plans for the main reason that each wedding/event is different, each client is unique, your tastes are different, your styles are different. Why try to fit you into some pre-packaged plan? Your wedding/event should be as unique as you! We create a package just for you!
Do you do consultations and is there a charge?
Yes, we do. There is no charge for our initial consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss all of your needs and wants. We will offer suggestions and allow you to look at photos and samples. From there, we will put together an estimate for you. If you book with us at this point, there will be no consultation fees, unless we are planning and coordinating for you. After this stage, there will be a $50 minimum consultation fee for each session, until you book.How do we set up a consultation?
Consultations are by appointment only. You will need to contact us to schedule an appointment. Consultations are usually scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Normally, an initial consultation will take around 2 ½ to 3 hours. Please be sure to schedule accordingly. We encourage you to search the Internet and go through magazines to find photos of things that you like or that pique your interest and bring them along. After hours consultations can be arranged if there is no other alternative.

We rarely do consultations on Mondays, Fridays, or Saturdays. With most of our events falling on the weekend, we are usually busy off site setting up on Saturdays. Fridays are busy preparing for those events. Mondays are busy with the cleaning up and sorting of things from the prior weekend events. If we do not have an event scheduled for a particular weekend, a consultation can be scheduled. In the event that a last minute event comes up, the consultation will need to be rescheduled. Can you work within a budget that we set?
Of course. We can work within budgets big and small. We suggest prioritizing to ensure that your “must haves” are included, and then we work the rest from there.How much is the average cost of a wedding/event that you've planned?
This is a really tough question to answer. The fact that we offer so many services, and that you can pick and choose to what extent that you use us; there are a wide variety of prices ranges. Some clients just want us to provide their wedding flowers or décor. Some get their rental equipment or tuxedos from us. Some clients want us to take care of everything, from start to finish. With guest counts varying, and flower choices varying, it is really impossible to give an adequate answer to this question.How do we pay for our wedding/event?
Each event carries a $500 retainer deposit. This amount is to reserve our services for your special day. This amount is applied to your wedding/event's total balance once we decide what you will actually need and a proposal has been made. Once you have your estimate, a deposit of half will be required to reserve your rental equipment, and secure your pre-orders. The remaining balance can be made in payments at your convenience, with the final balance paid in full two weeks prior to your event.What happens if our wedding/event is canceled?
Event contracts may be cancelled up to 30 days prior to the event with a cancellation penalty fine of up to 50% of the estimated total. Should you cancel your event less than 30 days prior to the scheduled event date, all previous payments are subject to withholding. All event cancellations must be made in writing in order for refunds to be considered by management What if our guest count significantly drops or increases once our RSVP/Response counts come in?
This is no problem. As long as we have significant notice and depending on availability, we should be able to add on right up until the week of your wedding or event. Due to the fact that the items you have ordered have been reserved for you, and unable to be rented/sold to someone else, you cannot remove items after the two weeks prior to your event. You will be responsible for the full cost of these items.Are there flowers that are or aren't available during certain times of year?
We can usually get just about any flower, any time of year. Out of season flowers will be more expensive out of season due to availability. We have several resources for flowers and can usually find even the most unusual flowers.

Can you make suggestions for a place to have our event, or caterers, DJ's, photographers and other event professionals?
Certainly. Since being in operation for over 20 years, Occasions To Celebrate has coordinated many successful events and we are well connected with this areas facilities and professionals.


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Rentals

Do you have a price list of the rental equipment that you have available?
Yes. A rental brochure is available that can be picked up, mailed, or faxed. Because of the wide variety of equipment available, some Items are not included in our brochure and will need a special quote.How long is the rental period?
Since most of our events fall on the weekend, the rental period is Friday through Monday. If your rental falls during the week, the rental is for 24 hours. If additional time is required, this is usually not a problem, but will need to be scheduled in advance.Can we pick up our rentals or will they need to be delivered?
Yes, you may pick up a majority of our rental equipment. There are some items that will have to be delivered and set up by us. These items include, tents, dance floors, arbors, canopies, etc.Do you charge a delivery/pick up charge for weddings/events?
Yes, we do. This charge varies depending on the area in which we are delivering.What happens if something breaks or becomes damaged?
Clients with rental equipment are responsible for the care of that equipment. If there are lost, missing, or damaged items, the client is responsible for the replacement cost of these items.Do you have a rental policy?
Yes. Our rental policy is as follows:

Rental equipment will be dropped off and stacked for the clients use, unless the client picks the equipment up. Set-up charges are not included in the rental charges. If set up is required, it will be agreed upon prior to the event and included in the estimate. Any additional labor charges will be billed. China, glassware and flatware will need to be rinsed clear and re-racked after the event and prior to pick up. Extra charges will apply if this is left for otc to do. All equipment must be broken down and restacked neatly for pick up unless prior agreement has been made. Linens are to be shaken free of any food and allowed to dry before bagging. All linen hangers and loaner vases provided for bridal bouquets will need to be returned to avoid replacement charges. Rentals are for a 24-hour time period, unless your event falls on a weekend. Weekend rentals will need to be returned by close of business the following Monday to avoid additional rental charges. All framework for balloon décor will need to be returned and is the property of OTC. Balloon frames are to be considered rental equipment requiring a refundable deposit. Clients with rental equipment are responsible for the care of that equipment. If there are lost or damaged items, the client is responsible for the replacement cost of these items.Do you rent table linens and chair covers?
Yes. We have quite the extensive line of specialty table linen and chair covers. A fabric swatches are available for you to look at and feel the fabric. All linens are washed and pressed prior to your event. Most are sent out on hangers, bagged and tagged for your convenience.Will we be responsible for cleaning rental linens?
No. This cost is included in the rental cost of the linen. After your event, linens will need to be counted and gathered. They will need to be shaken free of food and trash beforehand. Please do not put wet linens in a plastic bag. This causes mold to form and can can damage fabric. Damaged linens will be charged a replacement cost. Also make sure that all candles used are enclosed in glass and no wax gets on your rented linens. Wax is very difficult to remove and colored wax is almost impossible. There will be an extra cleaning charge for removing wax from linen. If the wax cannot be removed, a replacement charge will be billed.What happens if some of our guests walk off with rented centerpiece glass?
This is actually a common problem. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have your dj or coordinator announce at the end of your event that the centerpieces are not to be taken. In the event that something is taken, you will be responsible for the replacement cost of this item.What happens if our facility requires that all equipment be removed right after our event is over?
We will need to know this ahead of time. We will make plans to return that evening at the time you specify. This usually results in an additional after hours tear down fee.  The cost for this will be included in your estimate.What happens if we have an outside event scheduled and there is inclimate weather?
Most of our equipment is made to sustain weather. If tents, tables, and chairs get wet, they will be fine. Linens will need to be left to dry before packing up. With the remaining equipment, we ask that
you use common sense. Secure anything breakable from windy conditions, and dry anything that can be damaged by water.

We strongly recommend having a “plan b” in case of bad weather situations. If you are expecting inclimate weather during your outdoor event and have not made a “plan b’ and need to cancel your rentals, just call us and let us know. You will still be responsible for the rental costs of these items. There may be some suggestions or substitutions we can make at that time.

It is at the discretion of the owner if any refunds will be made.Do we need to place rental orders in advance?
Everything is subject to availability, so it's always best to reserve items as soon as you know that you need them. This way you are guaranteed to have them for your special day.we also recommend reserving high and then taking away once you confirm your counts. You have until 2 weeks prior to your event to make final count changes. You can always add to your count later, but you run the chance that those items will not be available at a later date.


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Invitations

How long does it take to get items in once ordered?
For most of our stock, it takes up to a week to come up. Depending on the day of the week that the order is placed, it could take only a few days. Embossed items usually take a bit longer to come in. Do we have to pre-pay for our order?
Yes. All printed and personalized items have to be pre-paid prior to the order being placed.Is there a shipping charge applied to invitation orders?
Yes. There is a small shipping charged added to all invitation orders. This charge varies depending on the amount ordered.Can I see the actual invitation stock paper before I order?
We have several books with samples available in our store for you to browse. Our full line is not available for viewing at the store. There are more styles available through our online catalog. Samples can be ordered for a small charge.Do we have to use pre-set wording on invitations?
No. We do have some pre-set verses for you to choose from, but you are more than welcome to write your own.

Click here for more invitation FAQ's



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Tuxedos

What is the average cost of your tuxedos?
Tuxedos range in price depending on the style that you choose. Our budget section full ensemble tuxedos start at $140. Premium suits start at $200.00. We do offer price ranges in between. Budget tuxedos do not include designer vests and ties. All suits, with the exception of budget suits, include any designer vest and tie. Shoes are an additional charge with all suits.

How soon should I place my order?
Tuxedos are subject to availability. It's always best to reserve them as early as possible. During peak seasons, such as wedding and prom season, this is especially important.

How do I place an order?
First you would need to pick out a style. We have catalogs and swatches available for you to look at our showroom. You can also browse our online catalog.

Secondly, we will need your sizes. We can take your order and sizes here at the store. If you are out of town, you can go into any tuxedo vendor and ask for a courtesy sizing. They will take your sizes and you can call, email, or mail them in.

Lastly, a deposit is required before your order can be placed. The deposit is half of the rental cost of your order. The remaining balance is due when the tuxedo is picked up for your event.

Do I have to pay for the tuxedo in full at the time of order?
No. We require a deposit of half of the rental cost at the time you place your order. The remaining balance will be due at the time of pick up.

What happens if the suit gets damaged?
The renter is responsible to pay for any resulting damages or lost merchandise while in their possession. If you accept the accidental damage waiver at time of rental, you are relieved of
any damage charges resulting from accidental damage

The accidental damage waiver relieves the customer of any additional charges resulting from “accidental damages” while this merchandise is in the customer's possession. The ADW does “not” protect or relieve the customer from any charges resulting from malicious damages or lost merchandise while in the customer's possession.

How long is the rental for?
Most rentals are for 24 hours. The tuxedo will need to be returned the next business day by 5 pm. Tuxedos being used over a weekend will need to be returned the following Monday by 5 pm.

When do the suits come in?
Usually, all suits come in a few days prior to your event. We will give you a call to let you know when it arrives. At this time, you can come in to get pre-fitted, just to make sure everything
fits. If the tuxedo fits to your liking, you can take the suit with you that day, and then return it the business day following your event.

If for some reason does not fit properly, then we will be able to make alterations or get replacements before your event.

Do you do alterations on site?
Yes, if it is something simple, we make alterations. We can take up and let out hems on sleeves and trousers. If it is something that requires a replacement, we will have the replacement shipped in.

Will we be responsible for shipping of replacements?
Usually, we assume the cost of the shipping charge. The exception is if you have had adequate time to come in for your pre-fitting, but did not show up until the day before the event and we have to overnight replacements.

What happens if we are late returning the tuxedo?
A daily late return rate of $50 per day will be due on return of the late arriving merchandise.

Do you offer discounts or promotions?
Yes we do!! With 6 full paid tuxedos in your party, you qualify for a free tuxedo. This is most commonly used for the groom's tuxedo in the wedding party. In addition, if you have 6 fully paid tuxedos, you can receive a discounted price on your ring bearer tuxedo. If you wish to not have a single free suit, you can take the cost of one suit and split the discount between everyone in the rental party. This way everyone shares in the discount.
You may also choose to use this discount to give the ring bearer a free suit. The choice is yours.

Do you have brochures with tuxedos available?
Yes, brochures are available at our store and can also be ordered online.



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Balloon Décor

What is balloon décor?
When most people think of balloons as a party decoration, they imagine a bundle of balloons tied to the back of a chair. That is not what we do. Imagine cascades of balloons… arches, columns,
and garlands. Think of a dance floor covered with a canopy of balloons. This is balloon décor … balloon art. There is nothing better than balloons for filling a space and adding color to a room. Balloon arches can be made in several designs, shapes and colors. Balloons can turn a dull lifeless room into a magical wonderland of colors and shapes.

Are balloons an inexpensive alternative to flowers?
This is actually a common misunderstanding. Balloons themselves are relatively inexpensive, but to do what we do with them is very labor intensive. Some designs take hours and hours to make. The cost varies depending on how complicated the design is, and how many balloons it takes and whether helium will be required. A lot of designs call for specialty framework. If it is a design we have to custom make the framework for, it may cause the price to be a little higher than normal.

The best option is to let us come up with a design for you and then decide on a price from there.

How long will the balloons last? Can they be done in advance?
This depends on whether the balloon is filled with helium or air. Most people think that balloons are only helium filled because that is what is normally seen. Actually, most of our balloon designs are done with air. Because of this, we can often do some balloon designs up days in advance. If air-filled balloons are kept in moderate temperature conditions and free from moisture, you can actually keep them up for months and months.

Helium balloons depending on the size, left untreated, will fly 10 to 12 hours. We do have a flight extender that we can add to helium balloons to lengthen the flying time. This is a time consuming treatment and does add to the cost of the balloon, but treated, you can get a helium balloon to fly as long as 2 weeks in the right conditions.

Can we set up our balloon décor ourselves?
Again, this depends on what the design is. We do have several designs that can easily be set up without our help. It's when you get into the more complicated designs that it is required that we come on site and set it up. Also, it is beneficial to you to let us do the set up, just in case there is a mishap. We are prepared to fix any problem that arises.

Can we let you set up and we tear down?
If it's allowed by the facility, then yes this is a possibility. Some facilities do not allow their clients to tear down our equipment for safety reasons, especially if a ladder is required. It would depend on the designs used. If you are responsible for tear down, you will be required to pay a tear down/framework deposit. This deposit is refunded if the tear down goes the way it is supposed to and if the framework is returned in good condition.

Can you get balloons in any color?
Yes, there are very few colors that we cannot match. We use professional quality designer latex and mylar. We offer a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and types for you to choose from.

Can we order balloons with our names on them?
Yes, you can custom order balloons with your name, or business name and logo on them. These are special order only, and come with a minimum quantity requirement.


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