The Difference Between a Wedding Planner, Event Designer, and Florist

Written By Rachel Calvelli

When you begin planning your wedding, the vendor list can feel like a foreign language- planner, coordinator, designer, stylist, florist… aren’t they all doing the same thing?

Not quite. While these roles often work closely together, each has a distinct purpose in creating your wedding day. Understanding these differences will help you hire the right team and ensure no detail is overlooked.

The Wedding Planner

Think of your planner as your project manager. They:

  • Keep your planning timeline on track

  • Manage your budget

  • Recommend vendors and negotiate contracts

  • Coordinate logistics on the day of your wedding

Planners are detail-driven, deadline-focused, and essential for keeping the big picture organized- especially for couples juggling busy careers or planning from a distance.

The Event Designer

While a planner focuses on logistics, an event designer focuses on the look and feel. They:

  • Develop a cohesive visual concept and color palette

  • Source rentals, linens, lighting, and décor

  • Style each element so it works harmoniously

  • Collaborate with florists, stationers, and other creatives to bring the vision to life

An event designer is your creative director- ensuring your wedding has a unified aesthetic from the invitation suite to the final send-off.

The Florist

A florist focuses on all things floral. They:

  • Source and design with seasonal blooms

  • Create bouquets, boutonnieres, and ceremony installations

  • Style reception flowers and tablescapes

  • Handle floral logistics, delivery, and setup

While florists bring beauty in bloom, they may not provide broader event styling unless that’s part of their services.

Where Simplicity in Mind Fits In -

At Simplicity in Mind, we combine both event design and floral design under one creative vision. This means every detail- from your ceremony backdrop to your reception tablescape- is planned and styled together, ensuring a consistent look throughout the entire celebration. By overseeing both the décor and the florals, we eliminate the risk of mismatched styles and instead create a wedding environment where each element complements the next. The result is a seamless, immersive atmosphere that feels beautifully intentional from the moment guests arrive to the last dance.

Why You Might Need All Three

In a luxury wedding, every element is interwoven- timelines, design, and flowers are inseparable. A planner keeps the day running smoothly, a designer ensures visual cohesion, and a florist brings your floral vision to life.

When these professionals collaborate- or in the case of Simplicity in Mind, when design and florals are led by the same creative team- the result is a wedding that feels intentional, seamless, and unforgettable!

Rachel Calvelli