Hire In Style

The difference between a wedding planner, stylist & coordinator

Wait, I need a planner, coordinator AND stylist?

Confused?

Don’t worry, we were once too!

Though they may seem like very similar job titles, and it is true that a lot of planners, stylists and coordinators actually do more than one of these roles, some even all three!

They are actually, in fact, three different job titles, and it might not be until you begin to plan your wedding that it hits you, ‘Heck, I really do need a stylist AND a coordinator’.

These wedding wizards know the ins and outs of the wedding world, they have the contacts, the ideas, and the experience, so trust us when we say, they are worth every penny.

So, without further ado, and so we can restore the calm back in your wedding planning, here is our little cheat sheet outlining the difference between wedding planners, stylists & coordinators.

Photo: @stefanieburmaweddings | Stylist @hitchedweddings

WEDDING PLANNER

The Logistics

Think of J.Lo in the ‘Wedding Planner’

 A wedding planner is all about the logistics – they are there from the very beginning to help to navigate the details of your wedding from start to finish and every­thing in between.

On average, it takes about 400 hours to plan a wedding* It’s a full time job, so a good wedding planner is worth every penny. They take on the stress for you; deal with deadlines, plan your plan B’s and tackle emergencies, they even check for typos in your stationery! Literally everything that is involved with planning a wedding they do for you.

A wedding planner’s role:

  • – Refer and assist in choosing vendors, as well as schedule & attend vendor meetings
  • – Overseeing & managing your budget, track deposits and payments for vendors
  • – Attend site tours
  • – Communicate with vendors during the planning stages & in the lead up to the wedding
  • – Create timelines & floor plans
  • – Be there to support you with any questions or queries they may have
  • – Work with the stylist and coordinator

 

Photographer: @tylerbrownphotography | Stylist: @confettiandcoevents

 

WEDDING STYLIST

The Aesthetics

A wedding stylist designs and conceptualises the creative aspect of your wedding, ensuring you have a cohesive theme throughout the event, from altar to dance floor. It is all about the aesthetics for a wedding stylist; from lighting design, furniture selection, flowers, linens, tableware, and stationery. They will literally bring your vision to life!

A wedding stylists role:

  • – Developing a mood board and style concept for your overall wedding
  • – Develop a colour palette
  • – Attend a site visit to visualise where you want everything to go and plan the layout
  • – Develop detailed floor plans of the ceremony, pre-reception & reception space
  • – Source styling pieces
  • – Coordinate all decor elements during bump in and ensure all styling pieces are in place prior to the wedding commencing
  • – Assist in the pack down of styling pieces during bump out
  • – Work with the planner and coordinator

 

Photo @teneilkablephoto | Planner & Stylist @white_events

 

WEDDING COORDINATOR

The Point Person

Think Monica Geller at Phoebe’s wedding in Friends, but the non-scary version. Not to be confused with wedding planners, a coordinator’s role is to look after the wedding day itself, ensuring the whole day runs as smoothly and stress free as possible.

 A wedding coordinator normally comes into the picture 2-3 months prior to your wedding, to assist in the preparation of the day, to confirm the vendor scope of services on the day. They create an on-the-day timeline to provide a seamless execution of the on-the-day set up, and ensure a smooth running of the entire event right up until pack down.

A wedding coordinators role:

  • – Meet you 2-3 months prior to the wedding to get an understanding of where everything is to date
  • – Check in with your vendors and review signed contracts
  • – Ensure all loose ends are tied prior to the day
  • – Complete a final venue walk through
  • – Manage and coordinate the rehearsal
  • – Be the point person during bump in and the morning of, to free you up on the day

 

Photo: @sarahtonkinphotography | Set Up & On the Day Coordination @hire_in_style_wa

 

So, what’s the best fit for you?

If you already have a super busy workload, or maybe you don’t cope well with increased stress levels and decision making, then you might benefit from a wedding planner. Maybe you have no creative bone in your body so a stylist would come in handy! Lastly, we think everyone needs an on the day coordinator in their lives. Do you really want to be answering phone calls from your florist the morning of your wedding while you are getting your hair & make up done? We didn’t think so.

Fun fact, did you know we also offer styling AND on the day coordination as an add on to your hire order? Get in touch with us if you would like to know more.

Happy planning!

 

* Source: Instagram post @maeandcomonthly

Picking Your Palette

The questions to ask yourself when picking the palette for your wedding

Picking the colour scheme of your wedding or event, is like picking the colour to paint your house; it’s hard! Your palette will be visible in pretty much every facet of your wedding, from your attire, to your stationery, flowers, table décor, linens and even the food; including your signature cocktails and dessert choices. Yep, we aren’t kidding!

If you are struggling to decide on your dream palette, well this post is for you. Keep on reading for the inside scoop on how to pick the perfect palette for your special day.

 

Image: @annimariaphotography

 

Questions to ask yourself and things to consider: 

 

The Season

Think apricots, blue/greys or terracotta in Autumn, deep berry tones in Winter, or cheerful golden hues in Summer. These colours are seen in the natural environment, which will be visible in your photos and overall, will impact the aesthetic of your palette. If you are ever stuck on choosing a scheme, think about the season of your day and draw inspiration from the colours of the environment.

  

The Venue

Is your event taking place in a warehouse? Or outdoors in a vineyard? Or maybe by the sea? Even though there are no rules saying your chosen colour scheme can’t work in particular venues, just like the season, if you are stuck on choosing the right scheme, think of the environment of your venue of choice.

Earthy tones pair well with outdoor spaces; monochrome palettes work a treat in modern, luxe, white wall spaces such as inner city buildings and ball rooms; and the classic white wedding look, well that works just about anywhere!

Image: @alannahliddell

 

Event Formality 

Classic red roses or black & white go hand in hand with black tie, whereas eucalyptus, terracotta and dusty pinks rear on the rustic cocktail vibe. Your colour choice can even have an impact on the vibe of your event. If you are trying to create a fun, lively atmosphere where your guests are upstanding and mingling, then eye-catching bright colours are your go to. If you are after a more glamorous, suave vibe, then metallics and monochrome tones may be more your style.

  

Overall Aesthetic

Keep your event must-haves in mind.

If large floral arrangements are a must, then you need to consider what flowers are going to be available at the time of your event. If all that is available to you are sunflowers, but you are trying to channel a chic n classy affair, then you might need to rethink the direction you take your colour palette in.

 Use your must-haves as a starting point, rather than trying to figure out how to incorporate them into your event after you have locked in your colour palette.

Image: @natasjakremers

 

Spin the Wheel

If you have a solid colour, but don’t know what to match it with to develop your palette, then consult the colour wheel.

Try:

–   Matching opposite colours on the wheel;

–   Match neighbouring colours;

–   Match a saturated colour with a neutral colour, and throw in one or two softer complimenting colour for bulk.

Another tip: opt for a family of colours, rather than picking two or three of your favourite colours. Think, classic neutrals or; pale pinks or; dark jewel tones. Creating a family of colours will help you nail the perfect colour scheme across all of your elements, rather than trying to get every individual item to match perfectly.

 

Trend or Forever Fave?

When you look back at your wedding photos in 10 years’ time, are you going to love or hate your final choice? Trends come and go, but your wedding photos last a lifetime, so think about your photos when deciding on your colour theme.

Image: @keeprecreative

At the end of the day, you need to love the colour palette you choose. So even if all else fails, don’t overthink it, trust your gut and pick a palette you love!

 

Wedding Speeches 101

How to make the crowd laugh, cry and reflect in 10 easy steps

 

Have you felt the honour of being asked to give a toast at a wedding, only to realise you have never made a toast in your life and have no idea what to say? Don’t worry we have been there too.

 Whether you are in your best friend’s bridal party, the Mother of the Groom, planning your own wedding, or a guest at your cousin’s wedding, these few handy pointers are here to help you put together the speech of your life!

 

Image: @benandebony

 

1.Assess the room:

Think about your opening address and who you will be saying it to. Draw them in with a knee slapping one liner or instead ask them a question to gauge their attention. The trick; be sure your opening address fits the theme of the wedding, and your audience will relate to the tone of voice you are portraying. This will help you speak with intention and hook the audience in, to avoid the sound of crickets during your time in the spotlight.

 

2. Introduce yourself:

If you are making a speech at a wedding, chances are the majority of the guests will know who you are, though, this is not to say everyone will! Be sure to introduce yourself and make comment on how you know the couple, this will help to add purpose to your speech as a whole.

 

3. Congratulate the couple:

 Be sure to address and congratulate BOTH parties you are there to celebrate! Even if you have only met your best mate’s spouse a handful of times.

If you can’t think of a memory or story you experienced with them, think about things your friend has told you about them which makes them the perfect partner-to-be for your mate.

 

4. Read the room:

As the saying goes, this is a toast, not a roast…

Remember who is in the room, and choose your ‘funny’ stories wisely. In other words, leave the crude and embarrassing stories at home. Your besties’ new in-laws do not want to hear about what went on during your footy trip to Bali. Instead, make reference rather than recounting, you will thank us later.

This also goes for personal jokes, although they are great and hold meaning, they aren’t something the whole guest list will understand. So best to keep these to a minimum otherwise those crickets may appear.

 

 5. Remember your focus:

The couple! Or if you are the couple, show your appreciation to your new life partner and all of your loved ones who came to celebrate with you.

 

Image: @benandebony

 

6. Congratulate and thank:

An important one – hence the second mention.

Congratulate & thank the couple, the family, the bridal party and those who made the day possible.

 

7. Eject personality & bring the energy:

If you are shy and hate public speaking, we apologise in advance, but we highly recommend you smile, laugh, change the tone of your voice and praise the couple you are there to celebrate! This is what makes your speech heartfelt and sincere, we want to steer clear from monotone as much as possible.

If you are good at singing or if you are a poet, write something for the couple and perform it as your speech. Or, maybe dance is more your style? But remember, only go for something out of the box if it is relevant to the couple themselves.

And lastly, some liquid confidence will never go astray – though don’t go overboard. 

 

8. Less is more:

Get in, say what you need, and get out, no one likes a rambler, especially when the D-Floor is calling their name. The most ideal time for a speech is 3-5 minutes, so keep it short and sweet in order to keep your guests engaged.

 

9. Write it out and say it aloud:

 This one may seem like common sense, but there is nothing worse than forgetting to say something you wanted to tell the couple because stage fright got the better of you. It’s also a good idea to write out your speech as dot points on paper, in case you run the risk of your phone battery dying during the day. Plus, reading off of a phone is not the best look.

 And remember, practice makes perfect, so practise reading it aloud prior too. 

 

10: Don’t forget to toast:

Wrap up your speech by raising a glass to the couple, to love or to something relevant. Pause for a moment, take a sip, and relax knowing you have delivered a speech you are proud of.

 

Image: @tessaeckersley.photo

 

So, to sum up:

🎤 Practise makes perfect – we recommend against ‘winging it’.

🎤 Stay off the booze prior to speaking to reduce the risk of any potential embarrassment (a little is okay but know your limits).

🎤 Use note cards if you need to keep on track – this looks better than reading off of your phone and reduces the risk of your speech going missing because your phone died.

🎤 Remember your body language & eye contact.

🎤 And last but not least, don’t forget to toast 🥂

Round or long tables: What is the best choice for your wedding reception?

Wondering what table layout will work best for your wedding?

We wish we could say making the decision between round or long tables is an easy one. The truth is, choosing the best table layout for your wedding isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Your venue space & capacity, guest list, guest requirements, menu style and your overall wedding style all come into play.

We have made a good ol’ fashioned list of pros & cons for each table type, so you can way up the options and decide what is the best fit for your wedding reception. 

Image: @emmamacaulayphotography

Before we dive into the pros and cons debate, the first point of call is to check in with your venue. Confirm the capacity limit and do a walk-through of the reception space so you have a clear vision of what the space looks like, where the entry and exits are, the bathrooms and the power points. Trust us when we say, all these things will impact the floor layout.

Sometimes, venues often have their own furniture for you to use, which helps to make your choice of tables a whole lot simpler. If your venue space is a blank canvas, it’s still wise to check with the venue as to what their recommended floor plan for your number of guests may be, especially if they are coordinating or catering your wedding themselves.

Image: @thedayweddings

 

Round: Pros

– Round tables can’t be joined together, therefore there is less table top to be styled meaning less budget you will need to allocate to decorative items. So a pro for your budget!

– Round tables better accommodate conversation – guests can more easily chat to all parties on the table, rather than being restricted to the guests next to them or directly opposite.

 

Round: Cons

– Round tables tend to have the ‘been there, done that’ connotation. They are perceived as more traditional, which might not work with your wedding style.

Image: @parishawkenphoto

 

Long: Pros

– Long tables are communal – they can be joined together to create even longer tables, decreasing the overall number of tables on your seating chart all together. It might sound silly, but this can also decrease the chance of some of your guests getting upset with the table number they were put on.

– Long tables allow for more styling options –  think larger floral arrangements, table raisers, candle & posy vase combos.   

– Long tables more often than not sit more guests, which is a big tick if you are hiring tables, chairs & linen!

 

Long: Cons

– Not so easy to mingle. Long tables make it harder to strike up conversation with multiple guests during the seated service, other than the ones sitting next to you and directly across.

– Accessibility – getting to your seat can be difficult if you are sat in the middle of the table. If you are going for a long table layout, be sure to take this into considerations when drafting your seating plan. Seating your elderly guests in the middle of your long tables probably isn’t the best choice.

– Speaking of seating plans, it could possibly be a little more difficult putting together your seating plan with fewer tables to group your guests at. Word of advice, start this as early as possible and have a glass of wine handy!

 

Image: @holiiandash

 

 

The Ins & Outs of Contract Reading

Planning your wedding is an exciting time! Though don’t be fooled, there is a serious side to it. With so much going on, it’s easy to sign a contract after giving it only a quick glance. Instead, you should approach contract reading with your undivided attention.

 Here are a few tips on what to look out for. 

 

READ THE ENTIRE THING

– Don’t let a single world slip by.

– Look for typos, double and triple-check dates and times, and be sure everything you’ve discussed in person is included in the contract. Your wedding is an investment to your future, so it’s important you have read all of the T&C’s before signing your life away.

 

CHECK FOR RED FLAGS

What are red flags you ask? Here are a few to give you an idea:

  • – A contract full of confusing clauses.
  • – The vendor not providing you with a contract at all!
  • – Missing important documents.

After reading the contract, write down any questions you have for your vendors you want them to clarify. You don’t want to be blindsided by unexpected charges. If they have no contract at all, do not hire them. If something goes wrong you have no legal protection.

@zachtaylorphotography

 

OUTLINE EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL GET

Be sure to get a clear answer from every vendor about what exactly is included in your contract, and don’t be afraid to ask your vendors to provide you with an itemised list of everything you get. A fee breakdown is a handy thing to know, at the end of the day it’s your money and you are paying for the service, you have the right to know where your money is going and what it will get you.

 

FEES AND PAYMENT

Deposits:

The deposit may be a flat fee or a percentage of the vendor’s total cost. What’s most important to understand here are how much you’re paying and whether that deposit is refundable or not.

Full upfront payments:

Service providers typically charge a deposit to protect themselves in the event that they face cancellations, but a full upfront charge is not necessary. We all know things can change in the lead up to a wedding or event, guests can pull out or you may want to add or remove certain features, so you want the amount you pay to reflect those changes. don’t be scared to clarify any upfront payments before signing the contract. Remember, what you sign for is what you get.

 

LOOK FOR ADDITIONAL FEES AND COSTS

We are talking added GST, delivery charges, travel fees, cleaning fees and late return fees. Taxes or service fees on big-ticket items, like catering and florals, can end up being a hefty chunk of your budget, as can the replacement of damaged items, so be sure you check for extra or hidden costs before you sign so you know what you are up for. It’s also a good idea to incorporate these charges into your budget.

@photogerson

 

CANCELLATION CLAUSES

You never know what life will throw your way—so pay close attention to cancellation clauses, even if you don’t think they’ll affect you. Know exactly what you are up against in case the unexpected happens.

 

 GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING

We are all busy people, and we all forget things! Like anything in life, verbal contracts aren’t viable, and weddings/events aren’t cheap. So be sure you ask for every agreement between you and your vendors to be documented in writing to ensure you get what you paid for.

 

 UNDERSTAND VENDOR MEALS AND ACCOMMODATION

This is something that we tend not to think about when planning a wedding, but when you do think about it, do you really expect your Photographer, Videorapher, DJ, or Coordinator to work for non stop for 8-12 hours straight on an empty stomach?

 Make sure you check to see if your vendors have included a meal in their contract, count ahead of time how many vendor meals you’ll need to provide, and make sure your caterer is aware of this number.

Vendors may also include other accommodations in their contract such as travel and/or hotel fees if they’re traveling from out of town.

@emmamacaulayphotography

 

BE THOROUGH, BUT NOT A TURTLE

While it’s encouraged to spend time looking over your contract, it’s also a good idea not to leave your vendors waiting too long. Your vendors time is precious, and they potentially have a number of other clients chasing their tails. We are sure you want to get in first and beat those other couples all to it, so what we are trying to say is, prioritise your contract reading!!

 

THE FINAL MUST DO’S

  • Research ALL of your vendors – check their reviews and make sure they are legitimate.
  • And be wary of unusual requests.

 

 

Summer Soirees & Boozy Banquets: Four festive event planning tips you should know

The Festive Season is upon us! The season where your social calendar fills up with long luncheons, end of year celebrations, boozy banquets and of course, Christmas festivities. Is there any better time of the year?

If you are throwing an outdoor soiree, here are a few little pointers from the experts on how to make it one to top this festive season.

 

1. Comfort is key

It’s safe to say that everyone’s ideal weather situation for an outdoor event is a beautifully clear, mild day with a light breeze and a warm, balmy evening. Though let’s face it, this isn’t always the case, especially in December…

Our number one piece of advice; be prepared for every possible scenario and keep your guests comfort your number one priority. We are talking adequate shade, furniture, food & beverages, and last but certainly not least, always have a backup plan just in-case the weather gods decide to put on a show!

For example:

If you are longing for classy, long table lunch, at midday, set up on the grass so your guests can take in the picturesque views of the gardens or vineyards. Then be sure you provide:

–    SHADE! A luxury tent, marquee or canvas umbrellas.

–    Plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Heatstroke, sunburn or mosquitos are not a vibe.

Oh and if there is a forecast of 40 degrees (this is a high chance in December), consider changing your event start time to a later time, or moving your event inside or to an undercover shot where there are outdoor fans.

 

Image: @blackbirdtale_

 

2. Styling & Cohesion

 

It is the silly season after all, so why not go big with your styling! 

Gone are the days where red and green are the key elements to your festive celebration colour scheme. Instead, break the boundaries, gimme that atmosphere and make it WOW.

 

Here are some tips to keep you on track:

–    Cohesion – pick a theme and stick to it. Think Parisian Party, Havana Nights or Backyard Boho for something different.

–    Base all of your styling choices around the theme: including furniture, florals, lighting and stationery.

–    Group your styling items based on colour, texture & materials.

–    Add some flare and personality to create something totally unique. Think of a seasonal menu, complete with a gelato cart, or oyster bar.

 

If you are traditional, and want to keep the Festive spirit alive, opt for a classic white theme and add a pop of colour with a sage green, terracotta and beige combo. Or instead play with duck egg blue and gold for a festive ‘Winter’ wonderland vibe.

 

Image: @photogerson

 

3. Use appropriate furniture

 

Festive events are usually when we see 20-plus people around the table, so look into hiring some furniture to fit everyone in with enough elbow room as well as to create a beautiful and consistent table.

Here are our top hire items we think are essential when planning a festive event:

–    Hydration stations – AKA, Bars. If you have a larger guest list, or two separate entertaining areas, consider hiring multiple bars.

–    Beverage Accessories: glassware, water carafes, champagne bowls and ice buckets.

–    Tables & Chairs – to suit your event style. Bar chairs & tables and lounges for a cocktail vibe, or long banquet tables & chairs for seated.

–    Shade – whether it be a marquee, or luxury tent, this is a big one if you are hosting a large celebration.

–    Lighting – especially if your festivities will run into the evening.

 

4. Communication and flexibility is key

 

Understand all of your vendors’ needs – from power requirements to space needed and time frames. Look at the event holistically and then make sure those needs are fulfilled as much as possible to avoid misunderstandings or issues on the day. Know what everyone is and isn’t taking care of so you can identify any double-ups or gaps that need to be resolved.