Why Hire a Wedding Designer?
When it comes to wedding planning, understanding the role of a wedding designer versus a wedding planner is crucial. In this guide, I’m going to get straight to the point and answer the burning question of “what does a wedding designer do?” Whether you're actively planning your wedding or just curious about the behind-the-scenes action, this blog post aims to provide clear insights into the practical aspects of a wedding designer's and how it resembles and differs from that of a destination wedding planner. Before we dig in, in case we haven’t met before, my name is India, I’m a destination wedding designer and co-director of Best Events Co. My background is in writing and editing, so I also run the Journal on our website and socials.
Defining the role
As a wedding designer, I would describe myself as a practical visionary. The simple answer to why hire a wedding designer is this: I help coordinate a large team of creatives to bring your wedding ideas to life. Being a wedding designer means I focus on the aesthetic elements of your big day, all while liaising with the planning team to ensure the ideas are practical. My job is to turn your vision into a visually stunning reality, covering everything from decor and floral arrangements to color schemes and overall ambiance. I’m here to make sure that all the details you choose for your day fit together seamlessly to create an experience for your guests to enjoy and reminisce about for years to come.
The part your destination plays
For me, where you’re getting married forms a key part of the design process. If you’ve chosen a destination wedding in a particular country, there will necessarily be a reason behind that choice, and it’s my job to bring that to the forefront of your wedding design. Whether it’s French landscapes or Italian food, it’s important to give nods to your favorite things about your destination country so you can share them with your loved ones on your wedding day.
Planners and designers
Speaking as a designer who works within a full-service wedding planning agency in France, I can say that the two roles work hand-in-hand to make a perfect wedding. Our lead planner (my lovely mum!) and our planning team are there to make sure any design choices are implemented smoothly and guide clients through the process of managing ideas within location, timing, and budget constraints. If you are considering whether to hire a wedding designer, a wedding planner, or both, I strongly advise prioritizing a planner if your budget will not stretch to hiring both: it’s way more important to you that everything runs smoothly than having cute decor. If you’re able to find a team that offers both services, that’s most likely your best bet at pulling off a seamlessly designed wedding. If you’re considering hiring a planner and designer separately, then it’s worth getting everyone on a call to work out what the process would look like to avoid doubling up on tasks and to ensure everything will be executed seamlessly for you.
Choosing the right designer for you
As with any kind of design service - whether it’s brand design, interior design, or any other creative service - there is an element of needing to like someone’s style for them to be a great fit for you. If you’re looking for a super fine art style of wedding with tons of florals and pastel hues then you’re not going to achieve the results you want by working with someone who specializes in more modern, or minimalist designs. The key here is to spend time looking through designers’ portfolios and past real weddings to get a glimpse of their work. Look for someone who aligns with your vision, and spend some time discussing your ideas with them to see if it’s a project they sound excited about!
Understanding the practical role of a wedding designer is vital for bringing your vision to life. From infusing local charm to navigating the differences between designers and planners, this guide provides straightforward insights. With the right designer, your celebration will unfold seamlessly, embodying a modern and personalized touch that goes beyond traditional romantic ideals.