What is a sliding scale?

       A sliding scale is a community care-based fee payment structure that takes into consideration the variances of economic access and privilege that exist for all intersections of folks. Sliding scale is not a sale or discount.

Why offer a sliding scale/affordable rentals & setup services?

       Since becoming engaged & starting to plan a wedding myself, I began to realize how incredibly inaccessible wedding rentals & services were for low income folks. You’ve heard of the wedding tax, and I assure you, it is alive and well. It is my belief that nobody should have to go into debt to have the wedding of their dreams. It is also my belief that wedding & event rentals should not charge extra for rentals or services on a weekend. Every wedding is on a weekend. Without these weddings, rental businesses would not have a business. Punishing customers for needing services on a weekend, when these customers are the reason you have an income, is downright wrong. That’s like Bath & Body Works charging more for their soaps if you come in to shop on a Saturday. It makes no sense.

       It is for these reasons that we want to offer a sliding scale for rental prices & more affordable options than what is currently available in Winnipeg. We aim to keep event rentals & services accessible for all. 

What should I be paying?

       We will never ask you to validate your income with us. Our sliding scale program works on the ‘Honour System’. To effectively participate in a sliding scale model it requires honesty, accountability, a desire to think outside of yourself and most importantly about community. Community truly thrives when the focus is on taking care of one another.

When you pay the Financially Affluent price, you are helping to make it so that others can access our rentals & services. You are also supporting the growth of Wanted & Wild Co. and its sole employee, so we can continue to do the work that we do. 

When you pay the Financially Stable price you are helping us cover the costs of running our business. 

When you pay the Financially Fluctuating price you are allowing your community to hold you and support you. 

When deciding where you sit on this scale one of the first things to consider is the difference between ‘sacrifice’ and ‘hardship’.

Here is how we envision the difference: 

       If paying for our rentals & services would be difficult, but not detrimental, it qualifies as a sacrifice. You might have to cut back on other spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, or a new outfit), but this will not have a long term or harmful impact on your life. It is a sacrifice in order to invest in your wedding or event. 

       If, however, paying for our rentals & services would lead to a harmful impact on your life, such as not being able to put food on the table, support your family, pay rent, or pay for your transportation to get to work, then you are dealing with hardship.

You may consider paying less if you:

• Are a single income household supporting children or have other dependents 
• Have significant debt that prohibits you from attaining your basic needs 
• Have medical expenses not covered by insurance 
• Receive public assistance 
• Have immigration-related expenses 
• Are an unpaid community organizer 
• Have been denied work due to incarceration history or based on other biases (race, gender, sexuality, etc)

You may consider paying more if you:

• Own the home you live in 
• Have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money 
• Travel recreationally 
• Own or lease a car 
• Have access to family money and resources in times of need 
• Work part time by choice

       All prices listed on our website are the price for those that are financially affluent. If you are financially stable or fluctuating, your fees will be slightly decreased. If you cannot afford our services at all, we do provide rentals free of charge (with a damage deposit) on a case by case basis. We can also provide resources & tips on how to budget for your wedding or event, and where to access other free resources. 

This is a 100% judgment free zone, and we are excited to work with you regardless of your financial situation. 

****Excerpts of this document used with permission from Full Circle Movement Studios. Thank you!****