IMAGE CREDIT: Jerry Ghionis
Plan in Style – Wedding Stylist
Have you thought about hiring a wedding stylist? Planning a wedding can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing. Which is why a little extra help can go a long way. Whether they’re sourcing a particular flower or helping you achieve a unique wedding theme, Kate Fitzgerald looks at how having a professional on-hand to assist and guide you, can take some of the pressure off and make the build-up to your special day a lot more enjoyable.
It’s a common misconception that wedding stylists are reserved for the celebrity weddings that litter the pages of glossy magazines. Because, in recent years, hiring a wedding stylist has become a great way for ordinary couples to gain access to an array of different items to make their wedding day extra special and stress-free. Whether you are the type of bride who can’t bear to think about organising something as big as a wedding, or a do-it-yourself bride who needs a little extra guidance, there is a wedding stylist for you.
WHAT IS A WEDDING STYLIST?
A wedding stylist is a little different to a planner. They focus primarily on the aesthetics of your wedding, not on the big decisions like choosing a photographer. From assisting with the selection of bridal party looks to choosing the backdrop for your ceremony and photos – they are problem solvers who are constantly looking out for new trends in the wedding design sector.
If you and your groom have decided on a unique wedding theme, but are unsure how to execute your desired look, or have a lot of ideas but don’t know how to pull them all together, a wedding stylist will help you bring your plans to fruition. They can also suggest an array of wonderful additions that you may not have originally thought of.
JUST RELAX
Hiring a wedding stylist will help take some of the stress out of planning your wedding, while also providing quick solutions when problems arise. As the old saying goes, plan for the best and prepare for the worst.
Often venues will only give you a short bump-in and bump-out time frame to work with on the day, it is here that a stylist can work wonders. From setting the venue up for you to laying out place cards, arranging flowers and displaying any unique features you have decided on, your stylist will get a lot done in a short amount of time. This leaves you and your bridal party plenty of time to sip on Champagne and relax ahead of the event with the knowledge your event is in good hands. Your wedding stylist can also stay back to pack everything up after the wedding, so you don’t have to ask more of your family and friends.
STAY IN CONTROL
Remember, when you hire a wedding stylist you are not forfeiting creative control over the way your wedding looks and runs! You still can customise the level of involvement, and control, your stylist has. So you can ensure your wedding is everything you’ve ever dreamed. A stylist will work within a budget, ensuring that the best outcome is achieved at the most reasonable price. It is a good idea to sit down with your groom at the beginning of your wedding preparations and consider how much time you have to plan your wedding, what your budget is, and how many helpers you have to assist with your planning. By doing this you will quickly discover which areas you most need professional support with.
STICK TO YOUR BUDGET
Hiring a stylist will also give you access to a host of other wedding vendors. Stylists maintain close relationships with suppliers and are often able to source extra-special pieces at a reduced price. Stylists are professionals who work on wedding and events constantly. So they are able to advise you on which items are worth splurging on and where you can save your coins.
Hiring a wedding stylist doesn’t have to be expensive, as your quote will depend on a few factors. Wedding stylists often have to hire or book items. So the bulk of the bill will depend on the amount of furniture, lighting and décor that is required to achieve the effect you are after. As well as the amount of flowers and hanging greenery you have decided on. The rate for this will also be dependent on the amount of set-up time your venue has allowed. This will affect the size of the team needed to create your desired aesthetic. When asking for a quote, make sure you get the stylist to break down all costs involved. Including any extra charges, such as set-up, GST, or delivery charges. So you don’t get a nasty shock when you receive your bill.
AFTER THE BIG DAY
Quite often do-it-yourself brides will buy centrepieces and other items in bulk for their weddings. But what happens to these items after the wedding? A wedding stylist is able to outsource or hire these items for a better or similar price. Or may even have them in their own inventory. This way you don’t have to worry about re-selling a huge amount of items after the wedding.
Do-it-yourself wedding set-ups have become popular in recent years. So the online market has become saturated with used wedding centrepieces. Making it more and more difficult for couples to successfully on-sell. More often than not, couples end up storing their wedding pieces for extended periods of time. If they do manage to sell, often end up doing so at a much lower price than what was originally paid. Through hiring a wedding stylist you can avoid the unnecessary hassle of selling second-hand centrepieces.
INTERVIEW YOUR STYLIST
When looking for a stylist you should treat your search like an interview. Make sure the stylist takes your ideas and budget into account. Also, be upfront about how much money you want to invest in your wedding. You don’t want to start your marriage off in debt from decorations and light fittings! It is a great idea to put together a mood board to use when you’re meeting with stylists. This is so they can get to know your taste as a couple and work with you to bring your ideas to fruition.
Get to know their style before you hire them. Perhaps ask if you can view photos of previous weddings they have styled. Most stylists will have Instagram or Facebook pages so make sure you have a look at these before making a decision. Their online presence will give you a feel for the type of aesthetic the stylist has experience in creating.
The most important thing is to trust your gut when hiring your stylist. Anyone can put together a beautiful, slick website. But you need to be able to trust your wedding stylist to create your dream day. You will know when you find the right one. After all, your wedding day is meant to be the best day of your life, so don’t settle!