Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about an event stylist!

Ever wondered what an Event Stylist actually does? Have you considered booking a stylist but aren’t sure if it would suit your type of event?

Today we chat to the talented Lopa of Pumpkin Carriage Events in Sydney and find out about the inner workings of an Event Stylist!

Why engage an event stylist?

If you want to have flawless decor to give that WOW factor to your celebration, then you need to engage an event stylist. But…. that’s not the entire package that an event stylist brings to your party. We save you time, money and bring you a pool of resources, knowledge and experience.

In our busy days and lives, we have to master our to-do lists and excel at prioritising. Sometimes having huge work and family commitments means that you can’t be completely committed to designing a fabulous event that will make memories forever. Now imagine an individual or a business whose bread and butter is solely to prioritise your event and give it the full and undivided attention that it needs. Bringing an event stylist on board for your event means that not a single detail is missed and no effort is spared in bringing your theme and your style to life.

Apart from saving you time, an event stylist will also save you a lot of money. Stylists are not inexpensive, but they are very efficient with their costs. On your budget spreadsheet, it may seem like it is an extra cost, but in reality engaging a stylist will bring you massive savings. A good stylist will know how to set the scene for a stylish and memorable celebration whilst maximising your budget. A stylist knows where to cut back without compromising the style and where to splash out to create that WOW factor for your celebration, bringing you value for money.

Finally, an event stylist brings a wealth of experience and a pool of expertise to your event. Whether you are planning your child’s first birthday or an upcoming wedding, remember a stylist would have styled and organised numerous of them in the same year. Every stylist has their own database of experienced and skilled vendors, and the stylist knows which of those vendor’s knowledge and expertise will bring the best value to your event.

 

As an event stylist, what aspects of the event do you coordinate?

As a stylist, our focus is on the décor and style of your event, including venue styling, dessert tables, bar and drink stations, entrance styling and guestbooks and much more. Your event is unique to you and we believe that it should tell your story.

Our focus is getting to know you and what you want to achieve from your event, so that we can set the scene and add your personal touches in designing the perfect celebration. People come together to celebrate a milestone or a happy occasion and it is always a delight for the host and guests to walk into a party space that is styled to heighten the mood for celebration.

Can you talk us through the process of what happens if I was to book with you for an event? 

Once you receive a quote and are happy with it, you can book us by paying a deposit, which locks in the date of your event in our calendar.

During the quoting process, we ask a lot of questions about your event so that we can provide you with a tailored quotation to suit what you need for your event. For example, you don’t need to be quoted for a marquee if you don’t need it!

By the booking stage we have a fair idea of the kind of look, feel and style you may want for your event. Once booked, we ask for your preferred colour palette, and then we buzz away behind the scenes planning, coordinating, organising all that is required to design and set up a mesmerising party space. Yes, it is a lot of work, but we love it!

Our team will design, create and set up the party space at your venue before your party begins so all that’s left for you to do is pick your fabulous outfit and host your party!

How should someone decide whether to DIY or book an event stylist?

The key deciding factor in DIY vs hiring an stylist is time and expertise. Do you have the time to design and create styling pieces, source unique décor features, cakes, desserts, personalised items, source props, pick up and drop offs from multiple locations to and from the event venue, and the list could continue on.

As an event styling company our team’s time and expertise is dedicated to doing all of those things for you, so that you can dedicate your time to work and family commitments.

It’s like doing your taxes on your own as opposed to engaging an accountant. Sure, its easy enough to lodge taxes online on our own, but an experienced accountant has the expertise to find you creative ways to get more bang for your buck!

What happens if someone doesn’t know if they can afford an event planner? Do stylists have a range of packages they can tailor to suit various budgets?

There is a range of event stylists in the market with a wide spectrum of pricing and inclusions. There are those who provide stock standard pricing and inclusions, and those who provide tailored pricing to suit what the client needs. Essentially, what you need to consider is firstly what is your budget and what is your expectation from that budget in terms of the style you want to achieve. As with all products and services, style and quality go hand-in-hand with price.

Approximately how many hours of work would go into an event such as a first birthday ? 

After styling many first birthdays, it now takes us an average of 15 to 20 hours from concept and development to coordination, to styling and setting up an event. Of course every event is different and exact timings depend on the event however this is a rough estimate.

On average 4 to 5 hours of this is spent in styling, setting up the scene for the event at the venue with a team of 3 to 4 staff, and at least 1 to 2 hours packing up after the event.

The pre-event preparations such as design briefs and proofs for vendors, sourcing and booking of props, cakes, and desserts take up almost 6 to 8 hours depending on the style and complexity required. For example, when we are creating a unique and innovative prop or accessory for an event, it takes longer in design and testing process, before we include it for your event.

Travel time can take up almost 6 to 8 hours depending on the event requirements, as we travel all over Sydney to source the appropriate vendors to match the skills required for your event. This involves picking up, delivering to the venue and returning items such as props, signage, printed items, cakes and desserts, flowers, decorative items and much more.

These time estimates are only rough guides as each event is unique and therefore timing will depend on the specific requirements you need.

 

Tell us about the day in the life of an event planner /stylist/! 

A day in my life absolutely has to start with a strong cup of ‘chai’ made the traditional way, which I sip while packing lunch and serving breakfast for my cherubs.

Then begins the school routine and drop offs. Once the kids are in their happy place, I get into mine.

This includes providing design briefs, booking vendors for upcoming events, sourcing props (mostly on the road), going to see clients for consults, and so on until close of business, with the evenings free to enjoy some time with my gorgeous family.

 

 

What doesn’t an event stylist do? 

A stylist is responsible for the décor and style of the event, mainly setting the scene for your celebration. As an event stylist we usually don’t stay for the duration of the event to ensure everything runs smoothly and coordinate with venue staff and guests. This is usually what an event planner would do.

Thank you Lopa of The Pumpkin Carriage events for providing us more insight into the services of an event stylist!

All the beautiful events showcased in this blog post were styled by The Pumpkin Carriage events with photography by Captured by Kirri.

If you want to discuss your event further with The Pumpkin Carriage events you can find their website here

 

 

 

Candy buffets worthy of an art gallery

Just like a great artist, an event stylist has a signature style that you can recognise on each and every one of their creations. From the vision to the execution of the candy buffets, the finest of details have a way of being brought together that leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to capture the moment.

I’ve always admired the work of Melbourne stylist ,Victoria of Miss Deliciouza for her attention to detail and unique spin she puts on some of the more popular themes you think you’ve already seen every possible adaptation of!

Collaborating with many of our LLC directory vendors, Victoria’s candy buffets are a complete feast for your senses, and I can only imagine the gasps of delight from guests as they take in every detail and taste every last bite.

 

Candy Buffet

 

Eva, you were one lucky girl to receive a third birthday party like this!

 

Event Styling

 

A Safari theme is a popular choice for first birthday’s but I particularly like how Miss Deliciouza added more organic, earthy colours rather than the brights – and that backdrop!

 

Frozen party styling

 

The Disney masterpiece, Frozen continues to capture the imagination of young girls, making the work of a stylist extremely difficult, trying to create new designs each and every time. Using the Coronation Day colours and return of Spring in Arendale rather than the popular blue, white and snow (can you tell I’ve had my fair share of the movie too?!) looks absolutely gorgeous.

 

4th birthday

 

 

teddy bears picnic party

 

 

baby shower

 

I could keep going for days with all the beautiful images from Miss Deliciouza events, but I won’t! Instead, jump on over to her Facebook page to see more of her incredible work and contact details for you to lock her in for your upcoming event if you’re in Melbourne!

 

tanya

Introducing: Memories are Sweet

Today I am introducing you to Memories are Sweet who provide styling services (Qld), paperie and sequin tablecloths!

As Jocelyn herself describes – “Throughout our lives, many celebrations occur creating memories that stay with us for a lifetime. Teaming our passion for all things beautiful with our expertise in designing an eye catching table filled with scrumptious delights, will help us to bring your dreams to life with a magical buffet for all to enjoy.”

 

Under the Sea birthday party by Memories Are Sweet

 

Memories are Sweet specialise in styling lolly buffets and dessert tables for all occasions and events. They pride themselves on giving every element of your buffet that unique touch to compliment quality confectionery and desserts sourced from premium suppliers. Designing a luxurious and delectable display that captures the essence and style of your event.

 

Superhero Dessert Table by Memories Are Sweet

 

They also understand that people may wish to create their own magical events. Their stylist will work with you to custom design paperie matching your theme and colour palette. This is then printed, cut and uniquely finished for that magical touch before being delivered directly to your door.

These toppers are just gorgeous!:

 

Gold glitter toppers by Memories Are Sweet

 

 

Toppers by Memories Are Sweet

Toppers by Memories Are Sweet

 

 

Paperie and cupcake toppers from Memories are Sweet

 

Are you wanting to give your event that special sparkling touch also?  Why not purchase one of their stunning sequin tablecloths or table runners? In nearly 50 colours and custom sizing, these are now available for hire or purchase.

How amazing does this purple tablecloth look?

 

Dessert table with sequin tablecloth and backdrop from Memories are Sweet

From baby showers to christenings, engagements to weddings, birthdays , corporate events or any celebration that you are planning – Memories are Sweet would be delighted to help you create a unique table which will provide sweet memories for a lifetime.

 

Have a Merry & Bright Christmas styling

 

You can visit Memories are Sweet website here and facebook page here for more information!

 

signature

 

Introducing Save the Date Events

I’m excited to share with you the beautiful work of one of my blog sponsors Save the Date Events who provide event planning and styling services in Sydney as well as styled dessert tables!

 

STDE Emmanuella's Christening 1

Christening Reception styling

 

 

Nicole who owns Save the Date Events first realised her passion for creating beautiful events when she hosted her friend’s bridal shower.

She explains – “It started with a simple colour scheme and the end result was a gorgeous backyard garden affair.  I received a lot of compliments from the guests and thought that I should pursue things further and start my own business.  I absolutely loved planning my own wedding and wanted to feel that rush of organising an event all the time, and Save the Date Events was born!”

 

How fun is this Lion King inspired table?:

 

STDE Lion King 2nd Birthday - Dessert Table

Lion King inspired 3rd birthday party

 

Like many of us, Nicole explains that she has always had an interest in the pretty things in life and loves that she is able to express her creativity through working with her clients on their events. She enjoys working with clients to come up with unique and special ideas to suit their vision for an event.

This popcorn bar is such a fantastic idea for something different to a standard candy buffet:

 

Popcorn Bar 11

Popcorn and sweets birthday bar

 

Nicole loves all of life’s celebrations and incorporating hand-made items and craft throughout each event to add a unique and personal touch.

 

I am totally swooning over this table!:

 

 

Nicholas & Karina's Engagement Photo 1

Pastel engagement dessert table

 

Something gorgeous for a good cause:

 

Keep Calm and Fight On Photo 1

Breast cancer awareness fundraising event

 

You can Follow all of Nicole’s work on the Save the Date Event’s facebook page, and website and if you’re in Sydney you can have the pleasure of having Nicole assist you in any celebration you are planning!

 

 

signature

Introducing: Sugar Coated Candy & Dessert Buffet’s

Today I am delighted to introduce you to one of my talented blog sponsers – Sugar Coated Candy & Dessert Buffets. Maja provides an amazing styling service in Melbourne (as you can see by the images in this post). Her focus is on dessert tables however she also provides full event styling services.

In this post she shares a little bit more about her business, her motivation and managing the work/business balance!

 

marco 1

Nautical themed 1st birthday


What have been some of your recent themes and favourite themes you have styled?

The first half of the year has consisted of lots of boys parties! I have covered owl themes, vintage circus, construction, dirt bikes, elmo and a few nautical themes. My favourite to date has to be the Construction party I styled for Bela Designs’ son Lincoln who did an amazing job with the event stationary.

 

IMG_4323

Construction themed 3rd birthday

 

The second half of the year looks like its all girl parties for me! I recently styled the ever so popular bird theme table in gorgeous pinks and lilac colour palette.  I am looking forward to styling a Teddy bear Picnic and Hungry Caterpillar for two little girls’ first birthdays this month.

 

DSC_6399

Bird themed 1st Birthday

 

Where do you find inspiration and motivation for your business?

I have always been always been very creative, artistic and hands on, so styling events is a great opportunity to express all. My 20 month old daughter is my biggest inspiration as well as my little assistant, she has started styling her own tables at  home!

 

IMG_5320

Dirtbike themed 5th Birthday

 

How you manage to balance your business with your family commitments?

Being a parent and working from home is a challenge in itself! I definitely try to create the balance between my family and work. I tend to make the most of my time during nap times and the 2 days my daughter is in day care are my most productive days.

 

Vintage inspired circus theme 1st birthday

Vintage inspired circus theme 1st birthday

 

Aren’t these dessert tables amazing?

Thanks so much Maja for sharing some thoughts on your business Sugar Coated Candy & Dessert Buffets. As you can see from the images, Maja is extremely talented! You can join her facebook page to keep up to date with more of her work!

 

signature