EVENT FLORIST VS. EVENT STYLIST - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Deciding between an event florist and a stylist? Let's explore key factors like budget, timing, and the level of cohesiveness you desire for your event.

I have been asked this question a lot recently, with all the Christmas drinks and meet-ups lately, and I thought this is a great topic to unpack a bit as from the outside it might look like these roles are all done by the same person, but here are the differences laid out for you:

Personally, in my business, I work on both sides, but they are very different in what entails in each of these roles. As an event florist, I create floral arrangements to match the design brief and colour palette we have decided to go with for my clients. This will involve designing the different arrangements needed, choosing the most appropriate flowers to work with the event type, venue considerations, climate at that time of year, scented or not; there are a lot of factors to consider in making the perfect arrangements to enhance your event space. This also includes working out logistics, prepping, delivery, set up, and the final taking everything apart and back to the studio.

In a nutshell, this is what you get with an event florist. But I am not involved in any other factors of the event's look and feel. I’m not involved with choosing any of the decor components, styling the entire venue, or producing the other parts of the event. My team and I create the arrangements and deliver them to the venue based on the schedule organised by the event’s planner. As an event florist, I will work as a supplier to the event planner/organiser.

As an event stylist, the workload is very different. The planning starts a long time in advance to give us the time to book all the props, trades, send designs to special trades for construction and all that is needed to make the event come to life. With event styling, I am responsible for all of the event’s visual look and feel. This means that my designs consist of every single detail from chairs, tables, linens and napkins, to the lighting, and full styling of the venue and overall atmosphere. As an event stylist, I’m working closely with the event planner/organiser in creating a comprehensive experience for our clients and their guests. I love designing for all five senses, so I consider not only what guests will see when they arrive but what emotions we would like to give them through the visuals, textures, sounds, scents they’ll be met with as well. I think about the experience of the event from every angle and then work with the entire team of event professionals to be sure that no detail goes unnoticed! I work hand in hand with the event planner/coordinator as they manage the event’s schedule and ensure both client and trades stay on track with timings. The event planner will also work out all the contracts, payments and other important details that go with the planning services side to ensure the smooth running of the event.

SO, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR EVENT?

Let's address each question to help guide the decision-making process between whether you need an event florist or an event stylist for your event:

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Event Florist:

If you have a limited budget, then prioritising an event florist is a wise choice. An event florist will be able to suggest how to best utilise your budget for the most visual effect. They can create stunning floral arrangements that add impact and interest to the right places in your event space.

Event Stylist:

If your budget allows for a more comprehensive approach to event aesthetics, investing in an event stylist ensures a fully cohesive look to the overall event experience.

WHAT IS YOUR TIMESCALE?

Event Florist:

If time is of the essence and you need quick but beautiful enhancements, an event florist can efficiently transform spaces with stunning floral arrangements, with a shorter time frame to work with.

Event Stylist:

If you have ample time for detailed planning and need a meticulously curated event, an event stylist can take the time to craft a cohesive and immersive experience, leaving no details to chance.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOUR EVENT TO HAVE EVERYTHING SPOT ON AND WORKING COHESIVELY?

Event Florist:

If floral aesthetics are a focal point that you would like to add some visual interest, and everything else has been taken care of, then your event florist will be able to advise on bringing beauty into your event space through creative florals options.

Event Stylist:

If it's crucial that every element of your event aligns seamlessly to create a unified experience, investing in an event stylist ensures a meticulous and harmonised overall design and experience.

IS YOUR CLIENT OR PROJECT A NEW LAUNCH OR A REBRAND THAT NEEDS TO CAPTURE ATTENTION?

Event Florist:

An event florist will be able to make beautiful on-brand designs to capture your guests' attention. They will also be able to help you with how many arrangements you might need, what type of installations would work best, and of course give you design and floral guidance and advice.

Event Stylist:

For events that demand a unique and attention-grabbing aesthetic, hiring an event stylist allows for a fully engaged experience to be built for your guests, with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond floral elements to capture and reflect the brand or project's identity.

IS IT A CLIENT THANK YOU DINNER OR AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE YOU ARE LOOKING TO CREATE?

Event Florist:

For a client thank-you dinner where a touch of elegance is desired, an event florist can enhance the atmosphere with beautifully crafted floral arrangements, and the rest is left to the venue to organise all the other elements. With this in mind though, sometimes that is all that is needed, especially when working with some gorgeous venues that have so much to offer on-site.

Event Stylist:

If you aim to create an immersive and unforgettable experience that goes beyond floral decor, an event stylist can transform the venue into a captivating and cohesive environment tailored to the specific event theme. For an event where you really want to give the full experience to your client, choosing an event stylist is going to guarantee a beautiful, seamless scene, where your story can be told.

I hope this has been useful in some way, and I would very much appreciate hearing your thoughts on this if you have any or any questions you might have. I am always happy to answer.