Florist vs Event Designer: What's The Difference? Choosing Your Role In the Wedding & Event Industry
There are many facets to the floral and event design industry, so when starting a new business in this arena there are many decisions you’ll need to make right from the start. One of the biggest considerations (and often most confusing for those outside the industry) is whether you’ll work as a florist or an event designer. Or both!
This is a conversation I’m constantly having with clients and other professionals, so I’ve included it in my online course and in-person Mastermind workshop and wanted to preview the discussion here on my blog today. If you’re thinking of starting your own business or are looking to grow your floral and event design offerings, explore my upcoming workshops, or my online Masterclass: The Business of Luxury Floral & Event Design.
Florist vs. Event Designer - What’s the difference?
In my own business, I work as both, and there is a very clear and quite large difference between these two roles. To enlist me to do floral work is very different than having me design an event in full.
As a florist I create floral arrangements to match the design and color palette decisions that come from my clients. I’m not involved with choosing associated 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 organized by the event’s planner.
As an event designer I’m responsible for all components of an event’s visual and experiential design. This means that my designs consist of every single detail from chairs, tables, linens and napkins, to the lighting, dance floor, entertainment and overall atmosphere. As an event designer I’m creating a comprehensive experience for my clients and their guests. I design for all five senses, so I consider not only what guests will see when they arrive, but what emotions, textures, sounds, scents and flavors 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!
Another part of working as an event designer is the production of the event itself. My team and I are responsible for building out each event and bringing our designs to life. This approach requires a larger crew and longer hours when setting up and tearing down events but it’s worth it to me. Not every designer works this way, but I feel that when I produce my own events I have much more control over the quality of the end result, and I have the freedom to be creative and DREAM BIG on behalf of my clients.
I work hand in hand with the planner or coordinator as they manage the event’s schedule and ensure my clients stay on track with time. Planning services are their own unique and important component of a successful event, but they are not a service that I provide.
How do I choose what’s right for me?
When making the florist vs event designer decision for yourself, consider the kind of work you’re most passionate about, but also consider the commitment associated with each role and what that will mean for your work-life balance. For example, events, parties and weddings typically take place on weekends. As your business becomes more and more successful you will likely have events (sometimes multiple events) on weekends. Depending on your level of involvement in each event, you will be sacrificing time away from the rest of your life. How will that work for you? Think long and hard about the pros and cons of each type of business and remain committed to the vision you have for not only your craft and business but also your personal life. It will make for a happier, healthier career in the long run!
