So as a wedding designer, I thought it was befitting of me to give advice. Not just any advice, but advice to soon-to-be Brides on how to navigate and sort through the what to do’s and how to’s of planning and designing a wedding. Which leads me to starting an ongoing series aimed towards getting answers to some of the most pressing or confusing questions Brides have when planning your wedding. Weddings 101 will be the go to spot here on The White Library to get some of those answers. Today we are talking about the difference between Event Planners and Event Designers.
HERE WE GO:
With all the wedding shows on TV, the magazines, the blogs…how do you really tell the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Designer? OK so here is the breakdown. Event planners are all about the “logistics for the day”. Who is the DJ, when will the florist arrive? How many rooms do I need to block at the local hotel for the out of town guests? Event Designers on the other hand are all about the “look and feel for the day”. Does this flower go with the rustic outdoor event the Bride wants? Is lighting going to make a difference in the ballroom? What color linens look best for this type of venue? The Wedding Coordinators that work at the wedding venues are just fine for the day of your wedding but they work for the venue, NOT you and they generally don’t really have the background knowledge to make suggestions towards the overall look and design aesthetics for your big day. Event planners are especially good at making sure everything is going OK the day of and for getting your vendors in order, but the beauty of an Event Designer is to ensure that your big day has a cohesive and well put together look. From invitations, to flowers to linens and lighting, Wedding Designers get to really reflect you as a couple and to help to tell your story the way you want it. Hope this helps making your wedding day decisions a lot easier.
This is a wedding we designed for a couple who got married in Westport CT. They met at Cape Cod and both their families spent significant time there every year. With this knowledge, we used their wedding colors (magenta and navy blue) but incorporated stripes that you would find on a lighthouse at the Cape. This is how we kept the look cohesive. Their signature drink was even a Cape Codder 
Wedding Design by: Sandra Downie Event Designs
Photograhpy Credit: Melani Lust Photography
Category: Weddings
June 2, 2011
A a wedding blogger who is working on a lot of inspiration shoots, I’m always asked if I want to be a wedding planner. When I say no, but I would love to be a wedding designer, I’m generally met with a blank look! Thanks for making everyone aware of the differences – and the value of a wedding designer!
June 2, 2011
Hi Louise! Yes it’s amazing that many people still don’t know the difference between the two, but if you want to get your feet wet being a designer, go for it! XO
June 2, 2011
Thanks for posting this! I’ve been a professional meeting and event planner for three years and I’m starting my own special event planning business. You totally hit the nail on the head with your definitions. I hope this will help brides or other potential clients really understand what they need – a planner and/or a designer!
June 3, 2011
Good Luck with your new business Venture Real Housewife! You can do anything!
June 3, 2011
so true, great post!!! {as always}
have a great weekend, sandra!
July 22, 2011
Great article, thanks for writing this!
July 22, 2011
Thanks for this nice post and love the work, as usual!! Is it bad that I am a hybrid of both? What is your suggestion for people who are both organized and creative? When do you look for a partner to take on more of one side? Would love some advice!
August 8, 2011
Dont forget the Wedding Coordinator. All three have totally different purposes! i equate this to the Designer- screenplay writer Planner- the one who does the casting and set design Coordinator- the one who makes sure the movie is made as planned.
August 16, 2011
You are so right April…thanks for the reminder!