A Touch Of Class Consulting in Baltimore: Full-Service Event Planning with Flat-Fee Pricing
A Touch Of Class Consulting is a full-service event planning firm based in Baltimore that handles weddings, corporate functions, and social events from concept through execution, operating under a flat-fee model rather than the percentage-of-budget structure common among local competitors.
What A Touch Of Class Consulting Actually Is
The firm operates as a boutique planning service positioned between DIY coordination and luxury destination planners. Owner and lead planner work directly with clients rather than routing inquiries through a sales team, and the company maintains a core focus on mid-size to large events (typically 75 to 300 guests) where logistics and vendor coordination create the most friction. The business is registered in Baltimore and serves events throughout the metro area and Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Services and Pricing Structure
A Touch Of Class Consulting offers three tiers: day-of coordination only, partial planning (three to six months prior), and full planning from six months to event date.
Day-of coordination runs a flat fee starting at $1,500 for events under 100 guests and scaling to $2,500 for 200-plus guests. This covers timeline management, vendor check-in, ceremony and reception flow, and real-time problem-solving but excludes pre-event vendor vetting or design work.
Partial planning, typically engaged two to three months before an event, charges between $3,500 and $5,500 depending on scope. This includes vendor sourcing and negotiation, design consultation, invitation coordination, and on-site management. The client handles initial concept and venue selection.
Full planning from initial consultation through event day costs $6,000 to $10,000 depending on guest count and event complexity. This encompasses venue selection assistance, full vendor management, design and layout, timeline creation, budget tracking, and day-of coordination. The firm does not charge a percentage of the overall event budget, which distinguishes it from providers like [competitor name withheld pending verification] and allows predictability regardless of whether a client spends $30,000 or $75,000 on catering and florals.
All tiers include one initial consultation, email support during planning, and a written event timeline. Additional consultations or revisions beyond the scope of the selected package incur an hourly rate of $75 per hour. Confirm current pricing and package details directly, as add-on rates may adjust seasonally.
How It Compares to Other Baltimore Event Planners
Baltimore's event planning market splits broadly into three camps: full-service luxury planners (typically working exclusively on high-budget weddings and charging 10-15% of total event spend), à la carte coordinators who charge hourly fees with no commitment minimum, and hybrid firms offering tiered packages.
A Touch Of Class Consulting occupies the hybrid space but leans toward transparency through flat fees. This means a client planning a 120-person wedding can budget exactly $6,500 for full planning without worrying that vendor upgrades will trigger higher planner fees. Competitors charging percentage-based fees benefit from upselling; the flat-fee model here removes that incentive and aligns the planner's interest with the client's budget discipline.
For clients who want hands-on involvement and partial outsourcing, the partial-planning tier undercuts hourly coordinators when the event requires more than 40-50 hours of work (which most formal events do). For ultra-high-end destination weddings or events exceeding 300 guests, luxury planners with dedicated assistant staff and design studios may be a better fit.
Who This Fits and Who It Does Not
This service suits clients planning their first major event, professionals with demanding work schedules who need expert vendor coordination but have clear aesthetic direction, and families consolidating multiple logistics (rehearsal dinners, welcome events, post-wedding brunches) under one coordinator. The flat fee works well for budgets of $40,000 to $100,000, where percentage-based planning fees would feel arbitrary.
It does not suit couples wanting a design-driven, fully custom aesthetic developed from concept with mood boards and 3D renderings, or events under 50 guests where the workload does not justify the flat fee. It also does not serve clients seeking a planner who will handle every communication or prefer a hands-off experience; this firm expects clients to remain actively involved in major decisions.
What the First Visit Involves
The initial consultation is typically a 60-minute meeting at the client's chosen location (the firm's office, the venue, or a coffee shop in Baltimore). The planner asks about guest count, budget, must-have vendors (if any), timeline, and event vision. At the end, the client receives a written proposal outlining which tier applies, what is included, and next steps if they choose to move forward. There is no obligation or consultation fee.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
A Touch Of Class Consulting operates by appointment Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with limited Saturday availability by request. The office address and parking details should be confirmed directly. For clients unable to meet in person, the firm accommodates phone and video consultations. Event day coordination is available Friday through Sunday for weddings and Saturday through Sunday for corporate events.
A Touch Of Class Consulting fills a specific gap in Baltimore's event planning landscape: clients who want professional coordination without percentage-based fee structures or the full-scale design operations of luxury firms. The flat-fee model and mid-market focus make it a practical choice for working professionals executing events in the $50,000 to $100,000 range.
