​What is the difference between an ‘event planner ‘and an ‘event designer’?

This is a very common question so it's definitely worth addressing.

Any great event is thoroughly planned in all aspects, but the ones that are unforgettable are strong from a logistical standpoint as well as from a creative and design standpoint.

EVENT PLANNER - The strengths of an event planner are the organizational aspects of planning your day:

• Budget creation / allocation / management
• Relationships and familiarity with reputable and distinguished vendors
• Creation of schedules, timelines, setting appointments, coordinating orders
• Event logistics, diagrams, seating charts and set up / tear down schedules
• (if contracted for Day Of) On site management of all your event details, vendors, family and guest experiences

Event Planners are the foundation and backbone of managing the event itself, and ensuring that nothing is overlooked or forgotten in preparation, and most importantly, taking care of you, the client to ensure you have a wonderful wedding day

 

EVENT DESIGNER – A talented event designer has the ability to draw upon your inspiration, emotion, creativity, style and taste and interpret it into a personal event aesthetic that truly represents you. Event design considers all of the senses and how not only you, but also how all your guests will experience your event from start to finish – we call this the 'A6':

• creating guest anticipation before the event – how your celebration is perceived and presented via your ‘Save the Date’, invitations, information and wedding website
• guest arrival – the guest experience as soon as they’ve arrived at your event
• event atmosphere – the translation of your design aesthetic in all the ‘experiences’ of the event
• appetite – the food offerings, menu and presentation to your guests as well as beverages and culinary enhancements
• amusement provided – whether it be a DJ or band, quartet for ceremony & cocktail hour – games and activities offered, interactive stations , photo booths and props – there are many choices of aspects that delight and enhance your guest’s enjoyment of your event.
• Appreciation – whether it be a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ card set at each place setting, a gift or a favor; a token of thoughtful appreciation for the people you’ve chosen to witness your day is a moving and lasting personal touch and leaves your guest with a sense of ‘specialness’ for having been invited to your celebration.

Thoughtfully working with you the client, your needs, your budget and taste, an event designer will beautifully bring your vision of your day to life.

 

When you’re considering whether or not to hire help to plan the wedding of your dreams, think about how important it is to have the day not only flow smoothly but also be as beautiful as you envision it. When you contract for planning and design, choose wisely and contract them separately.

Chances are the person who best understands your vision for the day is a completely different person than the person who can help plan all the logistics of the day. Working together, these two professionals will go above and beyond to deliver and tightly executed and thoughtfully gorgeous event that you and your guests will never forget.