“Oh, I didn’t even know Wedding Planners and Wedding Designers were different.” My sister said, during a casual conversation three months after her wedding day. The truth is that Wedding Planners, Designers, and Coordinators provide distinct & invaluable services that could help you in many different ways. Some studios like Endlessly Lush, provide a hybrid approach that integrate efficient systems to produce all-encompassing experiences under one roof, while others focus on a single aspect of the event planning process. In short, this blog post will help you understand the role of each professional, and how an expert in design and planning will provide you with the most streamlined experience.

What is exactly a Wedding Designer?

Wedding Designers will make your soirée one-of-a-kind lifetime memory. Similarly to Interior Design, we orchestrate a cohesive sensory experience made up of visual and tactile elements that are unique to the client’s vision.  We envision the occasion as a reflection of our clients’ personalities. 

We are pros that will curate bespoke installations, fine linens, floral design, furniture, lighting, tableware, stationary, and details from top vendors in the event and interior design industry. Since designers create personal brands for wedding days, we start collaborating as early as one year prior to the event. Wedding Designers typically work in conjunction with Wedding Planners unless the client is hosting an intimate event. If so, they could hire a Wedding Designer and Coordinator for the day-of the event.  Please follow along to understand the role of a Wedding Coordinator.

Wedding Designer Duties

• • Produce a unique concept that represents the client’s story

• • Create 2D and 3D representations including, floor plans, spatial layouts, and sketches

• • Advise on color scheme, textures, fabrics, floral design, & specialty installations

• • Work with creative partners to transform the user experience.  Partners include, the venue manager, bridal consultant, cake designer, floral designer, lighting designer, stationary designer, rental vendors, local artists, and many more.

• • Curate unique table arrangements

• • Design personal welcome packages, specialty gifts, and favors

• • Source furniture, tabletop items, and specialty décor

• • Design custom installations and custom furniture in collaboration with local makers
  • Ensure design items are installed as specified the day-of

What is exactly a Wedding Planner?

An Wedding Planner is similar to a Contractor in that he/she coordinates all vendors to ensure every aspect runs smoothly and without unnecessary headaches. It is the Wedding Planner’s job to ensure everything related to the wedding starting from logistics to programming and day-of coordination is taken care of. In a nutshell, we are the logistical mastermind behind any celebration and start as early as a year ahead up until the day-of the event. Most importantly, we will make sure you get the best value from each vendor.

Not to mention, studios like Endlessly Lush will offer a hybrid approach of design and planning to streamline the complex planning process that has numerous parts and codependent pieces.

Being a client’s one stop shop will ensure no details are missed nor miscommunicated along the way. If we produce a creative vision, we would prefer to manage it from A to Z to guarantee accuracy and quality control. After all, we will let you enjoy the engagement phase you deserve!

Wedding Planner duties

• • Create and manage the budget throughout the entire planning process

• • Provide vendor recommendations and manage the coordination process

• • Produce floor plans and day-of timelines

• • Source furnishings & décor items from retail or rental vendors

• • Schedule and facilitate vendor meetings

• • Coordinate wedding day transportation and day-after brunch festivities
  • Manage the rehearsal
  • Ensure all vendors execute their job as per outlined in the contract

How are Wedding Planners & Coordinators different?

While we get this question very often, there are a few key differences that set them apart. A Wedding Planner takes on the majority of the planning process regarding critical decisions such as the what, who, and how. On the other hand, a Wedding Coordinator ensures all previously planned logistics are executed seamlessly and appropriately. This professional is typically hired to coordinate details during the last 2 to 1 month prior to the event date. 

After all, I would recommend this route if you’re design-oriented, and if you truly feel confident dedicating time and discipline to the planning process. 

Wedding Coordinator duties

• • Checks-in with all vendors to review signed contracts

• • Confirm logistics with all vendors

• • Create detailed timelines & floor plans

• • Manage the rehearsal

• • Be present on the day-of to coordinate all vendors and their respective roles
  • Advise on any overlooked items

After all, you may be realizing that planning a wedding is no small task.  It is a milestone event that will live in your memory forever and that is why it needs the attention it deserves!

At Endlessly Lush, we are more than just your Designer & Planner, but we are your personal advocate throughout the entire process. We are with you along the way to give you the peace of mind you deserve!

Which one is right for you?  

I’ve created a DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE  highlighting the different professional roles in the Events industry. Trust me, friends!

As always, please reach out to ask for questions, recommendations, and further advice.

XOXO,

Claudia

Tag: #Midsummer White’s Dream