{Wedding Series 101}:: Designer vs Planner

Today's post is meant to clear up a lot of confusion in the Wedding industry. So many people confuse Wedding Designers with Wedding Planners and vice versa and use them interchangabaly. A planner is almost always a coordinator, but a coordinator is not always a planner. A planner can be a designer as well, but a designer is not always a planner or a coordinator, and some are all three. Stay with me as I try to clear the confusion up a bit.

EVENT DESIGNERS

Greyson Design is know as a boutique Event Design and Floral Design company here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We specialize in both Event Design and Floral Design for the wedding and party industry. Meaning, I am like an interior designer to an event, thinking about the visual aesthetics of an event and thread the design through each element of the event. We look at the big picture!

An Event Designers job is to make everything beautiful :) We deal with working with professionals in  lighting, photography, and florists. We cover aesthetics like tablescapes, stationary, florals, linens, rentals, draping and more. Not every Event Designer is a florist either, but it is an added plus to be an florist in my opinion. Not only does it create a cohesive business and event, but also allows for the client or bride to narrow down vendor meetings without going to so many vendors. 

 We simply are not wedding planners but do more of the creative and artsy jobs when it comes to events. Don't be fooled though there are lots of planners who do design also, the difference is some are just merely designers. And some are merely just planners and hire third parties to handle the design aspects. 

 WEDDING PLANNER/ COORDINATORS 

A planner deals with all of the logistical elements of an event whereas a designer deals with all of the aesthetic elements of an event. Logistical elements include hiring vendors, creating schedules and making appointments. Most of them are involved from the very beginning of the planning process. A wedding planner will also help coordinate the day of the wedding since they are so involved from the beginning. 

COORDINATORS 

A wedding coordinators primary duty is to be there on the day and ensure that it runs according to plan. You often hear them referred to as day-of-coordinators. Many jump in a month before the wedding to finalize the last minute details, confirm vendor obligations, create a timeline, and oversee the set-up of the decor. Many wedding planners offer wedding coordination serves to their clients as part of their service package. But be aware that wedding coordinators/day-of-coordinators are very different from venue coordinators.

VENUE COORDINATOR EVENT/ MANAGERS

A venue coordinator or event manager is hired by the venue to ensure your wedding follows the regulations of the space. They may help with your timeline but more often than not they will not help you with set-up or troubleshooting. Most importantly, a venue coordinator works for the venue; their job is to answer your questions about the venue, their loyalty is to the venue not your wedding.

{Wedding 101 Series}:: Let's Talk About Color!

Today's Wedding 101 Series is all about Color. I am a huge fan of adding color in unexpected ways for my clients and their weddings. Let's talk color today!

Photo Via DanyC Photography

FINDING INSPIRATION
People are visually driven by color naturally. Color makes individuals feel a certain way or can even change one's mood. When your looking for Wedding Day inspiration look in unlikely places. This may mean looking at nature, fabric, a picture, clothing and design, etc. The list could go on and on to where your inspiration may stem from. When I meet with my clients I put together a mood board for them to visually see.  You could do the same as well. Another idea I use is to start a collection of mini objects, items, fabrics, etc that I put into a mini tray that has sections. Whatever you feel is inspiring and useful -- go for it.

BREAK THE RULES
Mixing patterns, colors and fabrics all from the same color family is okay, actually it's awesome. The Ombre' effect is very popular amongst weddings, events, design and even fashion. Basically, you take one color lets say "purple," and use various shades lighter and darker in the design aspect of the wedding. It makes a cohesive and beautiful effect that can be taken from the paper goods, to the design and even to the florals. The bouquet above that I designed was a mix of different purples and fuschia tones creating an ombre' effect mimicked after Pantone's color of the Year, which is Radiant Orchid.

There is also the option of mixing patterns and textures from the same color family. You can use a tablecloth from a "lime green" color family, and pair it with printed napkins with a darker green family.
When it comes to the space your designing in don't be afraid to mix up the design rules as well. Think contemporary space with a mod touch, rustic with refined or organic with industrial. The ideas are endless and with most ideas you can find a way to make them mesh together well.

MAKE A STATEMENT
Whenever I am designing I am moved by organic and natural elements. Whether that would be a flower, fabric, vases, wood or even the architecture of a space, I play it up! When I work with those elements I make that a cohesive and repetitive element in the design. So whatever you pick as your statement piece don't be afraid to use it. Make a statement!

UNEXPECTED COLOR
Don't be afraid to use color. Having black and white pinstripes with pops of fuschia is an excellent choice for a bold and chic statement, with a touch of Kate Spade. Don't be afraid to use pops of color to accent and overall theme, fabric or design idea. Color is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Photo Via The Perfect Palette

Tell me what are some of your favorite colors in the comments below, until next time!

{Featured on Wedding Chicks}:: DIY Greyson Design Florals

 A few weeks ago my favorite floral recipe and bouquet was featured by the lovely Wedding Chicks here. I created this bouquet designed after Pantone's Color of the Year called Radiant Orchid. Ombre' shades of magenta and purple blooms made this bouquet happen on a snowy winter day here in Michigan. DanyC Photography was there to capture my happiness bloom by bloom. Greyson Design is your go to source for Wedding flowers and inspiration.  Enjoy the lovely pictures from this fun filled morning!

                                                    

                                               

{Wedding 101 Series}:: Wedding Guest List

I wanted to start a new series on my blog just in time for all those newly engaged couples who need a little advice. Over the next several weeks I will be sharing advice on picking wedding colors, hiring vendors, invitation etiquette, event design and more! I wanted to kick off today with talking about your wedding guest list. 

Many brides to-be have a very hard time narrowing down who to invite to the wedding. They fear leaving someone out may cause a riff. Or many have the perception that if they were invited to her wedding that the feeling should be reciprocated. That is not the case and I am here to help you with all these thoughts and more. Here are a few simple guidelines. 

FRIENDS 

Just because you were grade school best friends doens't mean you owe her an invite. And neither does the fact that she invited you to hers - a decade ago. A few questions to ask yourself when deciding: Can you imagine calling her in the next year or having dinner with her? If so, add her to your primary list. If you were once close but haven't been in years, keep her on your secondary list. 

RELATIVES

Your immediate family is something you shouldn't have to even think twice about. Also, as well as aunts, uncles, first cousins, and grandparents. But for the more distant relatives it's a good idea to remember if you invite one from a family clan, you have to invite the whole clan. For example: You wouldn't invite your second cousin and not invite her siblings too. It only seems right! 

COWORKERS 

The same rule applies here that was mentioned above too. Invite the whole clan from your department or none at all. An exception to this rule is colleagues you see regularly outside of the office. In this case they are truly a friend and not just a co-worker. The hardest decision is if you should invite your boss or not. If they are someone you work closely with a lot, or if the office environment would reflect poorly on you if your didn't ask her to go, go ahead and invite her. 

PLUS ONES

Couples often debate if they would allow the invited guests to bring a date, etc. Honestly, if you are okay with meeting quite a few strangers or people you really don't know then that is okay. Just remember it can add up rather quickly when you are combing over the wedding budget. Most people draw the line inviting significant others, or partners only. If you do decide to follow this rule, just make the rule consistent for everyone.