When planning a wedding or special event, the terms floral designer and event designer are often used interchangeably. While both contribute to the look and feel of a celebration, they serve different roles, and understanding that difference can help you make more confident decisions during the planning process.
In this post, I’m breaking down the difference between a floral designer and an event designer, what each typically provides, and how to determine which level of design support best fits your event.
What Does a Floral Designer Do?
A floral designer focuses primarily on flowers. Sourcing, designing, and installing floral elements that enhance your event.
This often includes:
- Bridal bouquets and personal flowers
- Ceremony arrangements
- Reception centerpieces
- Floral accents such as cake flowers, welcome tables, or bars
Floral designers are experts in flower varieties, seasonality, color, and composition. If your main priority is beautiful, thoughtfully designed florals, and many other décor elements are already decided, working with a floral designer may be the perfect fit.
What Does an Event Designer Do?
An event designer looks beyond individual elements and focuses on the entire visual experience of an event.
In addition to florals, event design often includes:
- Overall design concept and aesthetic
- Color palette and texture selection
- Tablescape styling, including linens, candles, and place settings
- Decorative elements such as signage, installations, or statement pieces
- Ensuring all design elements work together cohesively
An event designer’s role is to translate your vision into a unified design that feels intentional, elevated, and immersive throughout the space.
Floral Designer vs. Event Designer: Key Differences
While there can be overlap, the main difference comes down to scope.
A floral designer focuses on the floral elements of your event.
An event designer considers how all visual components interact to tell a cohesive story.
Some professionals specialize strictly in one role, while others offer a blend of both — which can be especially helpful for couples who want a seamless, well-curated look without managing multiple vendors.
Which One Do You Need for Your Event?
You may be best served by a floral designer if:
- You have a clear design vision
- Your primary focus is flowers
- Other décor elements are handled separately
You may benefit from an event designer if:
- You want guidance beyond florals
- You’re unsure how to bring your ideas together
- You care deeply about how the entire space feels, not just how it looks
Many couples fall somewhere in between — and that’s completely okay. The right design partner will help clarify what level of support makes the most sense for your event.
My Approach to Floral Design
At Marcia Alphonso Design, I approach floral design with an event designer’s mindset.
While flowers are at the heart of what I do, I also consider how vessels, candles, candleholders, color, texture, scale, and layout work together to create a polished and intentional experience. In addition to florals, I provide vases, candles, and candleholders as part of a thoughtfully curated design, ensuring your tables and spaces feel cohesive, warm, and elevated.
Learn more about my wedding floral design services here
Why This Distinction Matters
Understanding the difference between a floral designer and an event designer allows you to:
- Set clearer expectations
- Choose the right level of design support
- Feel more confident throughout the planning process
Ultimately, both roles exist to support you, the key is finding an approach that aligns with your vision, priorities, and the experience you want to create.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re planning a wedding or event and aren’t sure what level of design support you need, I’d love to help guide you. Contact me here
Many wedding publications, such as Brides, discuss the roles of both floral designers and event designers when planning a cohesive wedding aesthetic.
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