Frequently Asked Questions

Every gathering we plan is tailored to you, so no two look alike. Whether it's hosted in the comfort of your home or at a venue of your choosing, we start with your vision and build everything around it. That could be a private chef and a curated menu, small plates with wine or craft beer pairings, florals, a styled tablescape, and the thoughtful finishing touches that make an evening feel exclusive. When needed, we also coordinate staffing, bartenders, and on-site hosting so you can be fully present with your guests. The result is an elevated, one-of-a-kind experience designed around the way you want to gather.

Absolutely. We begin by listening to the details that make your celebration uniquely yours, from how you want the space to feel to the touches you've been imagining. From there, we coordinate every element, including florals, tablescapes, lighting, rentals, and styling, so that your home is transformed seamlessly. Your guests step into a space that feels intentional and elevated, and you get to simply enjoy the moment.

What makes J Gathered unique is that we handle as much or as little as you'd like. You might want to take on certain pieces yourself and leave the rest to us, or have us manage it all from start to finish. We can secure the venue, coordinate with vendors, design curated food and specialty drink menus, and style every detail so it all comes together beautifully. No detail is too big or too small. Our goal is to bring your vision to life so you can savor every moment leading up to the big day.

Full planning is our most comprehensive service, designed for clients who want to entrust every detail to us from start to finish. We manage everything from venue and vendor selection to music, menus, staffing, and design, so you can stay as hands-off as you'd like and simply enjoy the process. Event coordination is ideal when most of the details are already in place. We step in during the final month or on the day of your event, confirming vendors, managing the timeline, and making sure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. Every service can be tailored, so you receive exactly the level of support you need.

Every event is unique, so your investment reflects the level of planning and support you'd like. Our curated private experiences begin at $1,000+, coordination and finishing details at $1,800+, and full planning and styling at $6,000+. You can find more detail on our Services & Investment page. If your celebration doesn't fit neatly into one of these, we're happy to create a custom approach that honors both your vision and your investment. Reach out, and we'll talk through what's possible.

Our planning fee covers our time, expertise, and the coordination it takes to bring every detail together, whether your gathering is small or grand. Vendor costs, including catering, venue fees, florals, and rentals, are separate from our fee. We'll outline each of these clearly in your service agreement, so you know exactly where your investment is going from the very beginning.

Once your inquiry comes in, we'll reach out by phone or email, typically within 24 hours, because we know your event matters and you shouldn't be left waiting. During that conversation, we'll learn more about what you're envisioning, answer any questions, and talk through how we can bring your gathering to life. It's a relaxed, no-pressure first step toward something beautiful.

To reserve your date, we require a 50% non-refundable retainer, which is applied toward your total planning fee. Your date is officially secured once the retainer is paid and your service agreement is signed. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your event, and every detail of your payment schedule is outlined clearly in your agreement, so there are no surprises along the way.

Both. We've built relationships with trusted partners we love recommending, from chefs and florists to rental and staffing professionals. If you already have vendors in mind, we're happy to work with them too. Some venues require their own preferred or exclusive vendors, and we'll help you navigate any of those guidelines along the way. Our goal is to create a seamless team around your vision, whichever partners you choose.

We're based in Lakeville and proudly serve the entire Twin Cities metro, including Prior Lake, Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Stillwater, Wayzata, and the surrounding communities. We also love traveling for the right celebration, whether it's a lake getaway up north or a venue anywhere in greater Minnesota and beyond. Travel fees may apply for events outside the metro, and we'll always outline them clearly up front.