Do You Need A Wedding Planner or Wedding Stylist?
WEDDING PLANNER VS. WEDDING STYLIST
Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but it can also feel like a very big undertaking. You might be starting to think you could do with some assistance from a professional, but you’re not sure exactly what is available and what is right for you! You may have heard of a wedding planner or wedding stylist, but are they the same thing? Which one do you need?
As an aesthetically driven wedding planner, I’m here to clear up the myths around these supportive roles available to you on your wedding planning journey. This is your guide to help clarify - Do you need a wedding planner or wedding stylist?
What is the role of a wedding planner AND wedding stylist?
Firstly, it’s important to note that the roles of wedding planners and wedding stylists are very different and can vary wildly! You should spend some time chatting to and getting to know your wedding planner or wedding stylist before booking, and make sure you know what’s included and what isn’t.
A wedding planner is your personal wedding expert. They oversee the whole event, from venue selection, negotiation and booking all the way to post wedding day celebrations! A great wedding planner will have a network of contacts full of amazing, experienced suppliers to help create your wedding; pulling together florists, photographers, caterers and entertainment that fits your overall vision for the day. The logistics of the day will be handled, and a planner will also usually manage your RSVPs and guest accommodation - If you need it for your wedding it will be handled. Think of it like having a right-hand-woman (or man!) to guide you through the whole process, someone who will also be there on the day to make sure everything runs perfectly. Planning and coordination often go hand-in-hand; if you hire a wedding planner, they’ll be there to take care of the coordination of the wedding day too.
If you want your wedding to look like your Pinterest inspo board then a wedding stylist is definitely what you are looking for. A wedding stylist focuses purely on the design and aesthetic of your wedding day. They’ll help you with every detail from the colour palette to the texture of your napkins, crafting a whole design plan for your day. Stylists can help to source all of your suppliers relating to the vision of your wedding day; this could include fabric installations, bespoke backdrops and furniture suppliers! If you work with a wedding stylist, they should curate a personal design brief that’s bespoke to you as a couple.
Should I book a wedding planner or wedding stylist?
If you’re wondering whether to opt for a wedding planner or wedding stylist, ask yourself this; is it the organisational aspects you’re struggling with, or the creative ones!? Traditionally wedding planners will cover you on logistics, bookings and timelines while stylists will assist with the visual finishes. However, if you’re answering ‘BOTH’ I’ve got great news for you…
Over the past few years the role of a wedding planner has evolved, and you’ll now find some wedding planners whose role crosses over into that of a wedding stylist too. Many wedding planners (myself included!) have developed an aesthetic approach to wedding planning, basing the organisation of the whole event on a final vision, guest experience or theme. The benefits of hiring someone who can do both the wedding planner and wedding stylist role are myriad; you have one point of contact who knows every aspect of your wedding inside out, and you can be sure the vision will be coherent across all suppliers.
I am an aesthetically driven wedding planner, meaning you get all the logistical, organisational and planning assistance along with the confidence that your day will be chic and style-led. To see some of my work head to The Lane, and if you’d like to chat about pulling off your dreamy ideas you can contact me below.
