Chicago Crafter to Event Designer.. how?

HI Vendors near & far :-)-

I seriously need your advice about the industry/business practices. I create handcrafted & custom designed wedding items- mainly wedding bouquets made from wooden flowers and jumping brooms. I have had the opportunity to expanded my product list to include custom cardboxes, centerpeices, bridal accessories etc as well. I sell my wares online and of course, word of mouth.

My dillemma is, although i am doing ok selling things online I want to get to the place where I am creating whole weddings that incorporate my products- event design essentially. i have a degree in fashion/art design and i have some experience developing events with my current job- BUT- its the the BUSINESS aka financial part that gives me the heebeegeebees. lol.

How does one gain experience in this area - are there any classes, internships etc. mentoring opportunities in Chicago- I have no idea on "standard" rates, fees, event decorator even charge and through my minimial research online - i always see the huge production companies that put together these gorgeous elaborate affairs- never a small team of folks that i would prefer to work with.

So in a nutshell, I am a crafter wanting to eventually to get into the event design/decorating field but really Im lost abot where to go from here. If you can provide any help in this area- i would SO APPRECIATE it! THANK YOU