What Is The Difference Between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Stylist?
Many people aren’t clear on the difference in these two roles and some actually think they’re the same thing. But they are very different roles so you need to be clear on them to enable you to work out whether you need one or the other or both. 
So let’s have a look at the key differences between a wedding planner and a wedding stylist.
What Does A Wedding Planner Do?
A wedding planner basically organises your wedding for you. They generally offer a range of planning services but when you book full planning they will undertake most elements of your day.
So they will help you find the perfect venue, they will source and book your suppliers, they will manage your guest list and rsvps and create the detailed timeline of your day. They will ensure your day runs like clockwork and resolve any issues which arise.
This is a very high level summary and you can see more info on this here.
Wedding planners are by nature, incredibly organised, as well as being able to think on their feet and their attention to detail is second to none.
If you’re opting for full planning, your planner will usually be responsible for (but not limited to):
- Sourcing of your dream venue.
- Sourcing & management of all your suppliers
- Creation and management of your budget throughout the planning process.
- Guest management including issue of your wedding invitations, tracking & chasing RSVPS, recording menu choices and dietary requirements.
- Advice throughout the planning process.
- Full wedding day management including schedule creation, managing suppliers and running your day
So in summary your planner will be focused on logistics and detailed plans for your day. They will be like your very own PA for your wedding.
What Does A Wedding Stylist Do?
The role of a wedding stylist is very different to that of a planner. You would employ a stylist to take responsibility for the overall look and feel of your wedding day. So they will arrange all the elements that are needed to bring your vision alive.
So if you have a clear vision of how your day will look, maybe a glamourous Hollywood red carpet theme for example, your stylist will undertake the work needed to make that happen.
They are very creative and skilled at turning your ideas into reality. They will help you to create a cohesive look and feel that provides an amazing experience for you and your guests.
Wedding stylists don’t undertake the planning or management of your day though. They won’t take on responsibility for managing your suppliers, creating your timeline and ensuring your day runs to plan. They will generally liaise with the suppliers they have brought in to achieve their styling, so furniture hire or décor for example.
The wedding stylist’s role typically includes:
- Creation of the overall wedding “theme”
- Presentation of ideas using mood boards
- Sourcing and working with the suppliers who are needed for the styling of your day such as florists, stationery designer, lighting suppliers)
- Liaison with the styling suppliers in the run up to your big day to confirm all the final details
- Managing the set up of the styling on the day, working with the planner to ensure timelines are maintained.
So if you know you want a specific look and feel for your day, then investing in a stylist is worth every penny.
Some planners do offer styling and vice versa which can be great for you but do make sure that you’re confident that they are equally strong in both roles if you’re considering one person for both.
For example, you may think a planner’s logical approach is amazing but if she can’t get inside your head to bring your vision to life, then she may not be the right person for that part of your day. Planners and stylists are used to working together and their skill sets really complement each other.
I hope this helps you to work out what support you need for your wedding. However, if you still have some questions, feel free to get in touch with me and we can chat things through.
Louise
