What do I need an Event Designer for? Isn't that why I have a florist?

We feel it's important that we take the time to educate and inform on event design. The more we work with clients and meet the wonderful couples we are lucky to know, the more we realize that people just don't understand what Event Designers really do and why it's a value.

Open up a Martha Stewart, You may see pictures like this:

This is the work of Rebecca Thus, a well respected Event Designer. Note the details and how everything seems to tie together. That is event design. An ED will create an overall concept for your event at the start of planning and should ensure that every visual detail works as a cohesive whole. This may include partnering with your florist and lighting specialist, or using one in house. Florists do flowers and can do some structural work depending on the florist. Event Designers, design events from top to bottom. So now you're may thinking, but I can do that myself. And you're right, you probably could. But the couples who hire ED's are very interested in creating a stunning and unique event. You're not hiring someone to go buy vases and tie bows. You're hiring a creative team for their brains. The same reason why artists can sell a painting for thousands of dollars. You aren't paying for the oil paint and canvas (bows and boxes), you're paying for the creativity that maybe you didn't have.

These pictures above are the work of RJ Balthazar, another event design firm. They happen to also do florals as well. You can see the creative touches though that go well beyond just flowers.

Clients who end up working well with event designers are those who value something different. A good event designer won't simply recreate what you saw in a magazine. They will instead take your ideas and create something that has never been done before (Or they should!)

Something now that couples are asking about is getting published in a magazine. Magazines won't just publish a wedding that was "expensive", they will specifically want to see original details. If the details aren't there, it's not worth sharing for them. (from the mouth of a well respected bridal mag editor).

These pictures are from Art Fool, another great ED firm. A few last pointers and insights about Event Designers.

Their job is to create something beautiful. They will charge for their concepts and time and bill for materials based on your budget or vision.

They generally aren't coordinators. They may partner with a day of coordinator if you think that is something you are looking for, but designers are different people than coordinators.

Please value their time as you would value a photographer's or a florist's time and understand that you aren't just paying for some linens and cute nick knacks.

Working with an Event Designer doesn't mean giving up all creative control either. Good ED's should partner with you! Find people you like and you can have fun with! We absolutely love everyone of our clients and are lucky enough to work with people we want to spend time with.

Yay for Event Design!