7 Questions to Ask Your Event Stylist

When planning an event, everything has to be perfect. Many people spend hours, a ton of money and endless days agonising over every single detail because they want the day to be perfect. It's often exhausting, and can, at times, get in the way of setting up a fantastic event. 

It's better to get the right people to work on the event from the start, especially the decor, as it plays a major role in the success of your day. You cannot just leave it to anyone. It would be best if you hired an event stylist to make sure it's flawless.

Event stylist and event planner: What is the difference?

When people hear of an event stylist, they automatically think of the event planner but that is not correct. An event stylist is only responsible for the decor and making sure the place looks visibly pleasing for the day.

On the other hand, an event planner is responsible for everything. That may also in fact include getting the right event stylist for you. The planner will also organise the food, transport, location, and entertainment, among other aspects of the event.

Why do you need an event stylist?

An event stylist works to provide the picture-perfect decor for your occasion. It helps to find someone separate for this instead of leaving it to the planner. That way, your event outlay will get specialised attention. The stylist will focus on getting the right props, furniture, colours, and other ad hoc special effects, as they are responsible for giving your day that extra special touch and the outstanding setting it deserves.

As with any other service provider, if you want the best results from your event stylist, you will need to sit and share your expectations with them. You need to ensure you ask them the right questions and give them the appropriate detail and/ or instructions. 

Here are seven questions to ask your event stylist the next time you plan a n event - be this a wedding, corporate event, birthday celebration, party or other function requiring decor:.

1. Can you work with my budget?

Let's be honest, money matters when putting together an event. It determines the quality of service you will get for your event. An event stylist should be able to work within your budget. You don't want to have a great occasion that is so over budget, that it leaves you in debt. Also, make sure you can meet their payment policies; for example, do they require a deposit and when is final payment required?

It goes without saying, make sure the quote you get includes EVERYTHING. In fact, it may be worth asking for a list of all the items and services you are paying with each cost specified. That will protect you from receiving any additional invoices after the event that you had not budgeted for. Use this event planning contract to get your payment details right.

2. Are you experienced?

These days, if you think you are talented, you can wake up any day and decide to be an event stylist. Therefore, there are many rogue stylists out there that can make your event a nightmare. To avoid them, ask to see examples of their work and be sure to find out how many events/ weddings they have done and over how many years.. 

The longer that the stylist has been in business, the better for you because they have the experience to back up their talent and title. You will also find it easy to get referees - people to back up their claims of excellence.  Additionally a great stylist often has an industry award such as The Wedding Industry Awards behind them in support of their level of expertise.

Best of all, a stylist who has experience will have an easier time getting the things needed for an event and connecting with vendors as opposed to a newbie. 

3. Are you insured?

You should also ask your event stylist if they are insured. Even if your stylist has the best intentions, accidents happen. You need to know that if something bad happens, your stylist can pay for the damages. Make this a non-negotiable part of your contract with the stylist to avoid liability.

On that note, we would always highly recommend our couples have wedding insurance.

4. What's your style?

Many stylists have a signature look that they bring to an event. Their style and way of decorating makes them unique. You need to know what your stylist's look is before you offer them the job. Otherwise, you could end up with something completely different to what you had in mind for your special day. For example, they could be focused on whimsical undertones, while you are into boho or moho decor.  

It's better to find a stylist who can see and bring your vision to life. That way you are guaranteed a meeting of the minds. As you talk about style, you should also discuss themes, colours, mood boards, props, flowers, lighting, decorations and all other things you feel are necessary for a beautiful event.

5. Can you recommend a great location?

Experienced event stylists often know about amazing out-of-the-way locations you can book for an unforgettable day. Why don't you ask them for recommendations? You may discover an affordable venue and/ or a hidden gem that you were completely unaware existed. It also makes it easier and more effective for them when they know the venue inside out, which will go a long way towards making your event a success.

6. Can you meet some special needs for the event?

Maybe you are holding a religious event that requires specific rules to be met. For example, if you have a Bar Mitzvah, you may need a stylist that is familiar with the Jewish faith and culture. 

Maybe you are setting up an Chinese New Year event and you want someone who knows feng shui, so as not to offend guests with wrong colours, numbers and items.

Or it could be a kid's party. Can they set up a party for kids? Make sure you ask your stylist about such special requirements before hiring them.

Mode of communication

When all is said and done, you need to know how available your event stylist is (in the case of any emergencies after hours for example) and whether you can easily reach them or not. In this case, you should also agree on how many updates you get from them over a given period,  during the planning of the event. 

Some stylists do not work well with micro-managers, so if there are any ‘helicopter’ tendencies on your part, you may not be a good fit for some of them who need more control of the event overall. Getting the mode of communication out of the way will ensure you have a smooth working relationship when setting up the event.

Conclusion

These are 7 questions you need to ask an event stylist before hiring them. Asking event suppliers questions may not be comfortable, but it sets the tone for a successful working relationship. 

You cannot afford to leave your event in the hands of someone you do not understand or ‘gel’ with. Make sure you ask your event stylist these questions the next time you are hiring for an event, and you will get the right person for the job.