Payment vs gift question

esmurphy

In the search for a DOC one of my BM's informed me that a girl we went to elementary school with is going to school to be a wedding planner and is working on building her portfolio.  We met and I felt really comfortable having her so FI and I decided to go with her.  I asked her about cost and she said that since she is just starting out she would only charge for expenses i.e. if she puts together centerpieces. 

Here is my question.  I can't NOT give her something for her work, so should I give her a gift like I would if she was a friend being my DOC, or should I pay her like she is a standard vendor?  We were never super close growing up but for some reason it seems cold giving her cash?  Maybe I'm just being silly and over thinking things - who doesn't want cash? 

Gribbles

I'd say cash in a nice Thankyou card at the end of the event - if she opens it after she has gone home it wont be awkward but I am sure it will be appreciated.

gailpete

I think a gift card and then a nice note (assuming she does a good job) or review of her business that she can use for marketing her new business would be appropriate.