What Does a Wedding Stylist Actually Do — And Do You Really Need One?

You’ve heard of wedding planners. You’ve seen florists and photographers. But what exactly does a wedding stylist do — and do you even need one?

It’s a fair question, especially if you’re newly engaged and still figuring out what suppliers you’ll need. You might not even know that a stylist is a wedding role. And if you have, you might be wondering:

• Isn’t that the same as a decorator?

• Couldn’t my florist just handle it?

• What if I get a “3-in-1” — a planner who does decor and flowers too?

Let’s break it down.

When to Hire Which

• Planners handle logistics, timelines, supplier contracts, budgets, and make sure the day runs smoothly.

• Florists create and install your floral designs.

• Stylists design the look and feel of your day — turning your ideas, colours, and mood into a coherent, personal visual story.
  
  

Sometimes you’ll see hybrids — a planner who does florals, or a florist who offers decor hire. And while it can work, it’s worth understanding the risks: when a supplier wears too many hats, it’s easy for one area to lose focus. If styling is “added on” to their main service, you might get generic setups or decor that looks pretty but doesn’t feel you.

1. The Confusion: Stylist vs Decorator vs Planner

Couples often mistake stylists for decorators or planners. The truth is, a stylist is your visual translator — the one who takes all your Pinterest boards, saved Instagram posts, and random ideas and makes them coherent, beautiful, and unmistakably you.

Here’s the difference:

• Decorator only: Supplies and sets out hire props — but doesn’t design the overall concept.

• Stylist: Creates a bespoke design plan based on your story, sources or provides the props, and styles the venue so it feels like a complete, intentional experience.

• Planner: Oversees the logistics, timings, and suppliers — but usually doesn’t handle deep-level design.
  
  

Some hire companies call themselves “stylists” but simply rent out pre-set packages of props. That’s not the same thing. If every client gets the same sequin backdrop or identical table centrepieces, you’re not getting a design — you’re getting stock delivery.

Stylists can work alongside planners and florists beautifully. In fact, collaboration is where the magic happens. And then there are florist-stylists (or stylists who do floristry), where one person designs your entire look and creates the flowers. This can be incredibly cohesive — as long as they truly specialise in both.

2. The Reality: What a Good Stylist Does

A good stylist doesn’t just pick colour palettes — they:

• Design atmosphere and mood

• Curate decor that matches your venue, season, and style

• Coordinate the visual suppliers (florist, hire companies, stationer, lighting) so it all works together

• Think about spatial flow, table layouts, and guest comfort

• Bring your personality into the details

• And on the day? They’re there, physically building your vision
  
  
  

Styling involves design thinking (how the space works), ergonomics (how guests move and feel in it), and aesthetic storytelling (how it reflects you as a couple). It’s about creating a seamless guest experience — from the moment they arrive to the last glass raised.

3. What Creatala Studio Does Differently

At Creatala Studio, I don’t just design weddings — I style and build them. That means:

• Custom concepts — no off-the-shelf “packages”

• Personal touches drawn from your personality, taste, and story

• Hands-on setup — I’m there making sure every candle is lit and every linen is just so

• Access to my own collection of beautiful hire items, from faux florals and candleholders to fresh blooms

I design with you, not just for you. I don’t suggest the same props to everyone, so no two weddings look alike. I source the best items to match your mood — whether that means handpicking vintage glassware or finding the perfect velvet ribbon for your menus.

I can also:

• Help you extract your vision and enhance it

• Create a styling blueprint for you or your planner to execute

• Provide consultations if you’re feeling stuck and need clarity

I know the trends — and I know how to work with them, not copy them. If you love a trend, I’ll adapt it to suit you so it still feels timeless.

4. Final Thought

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and the way it looks and feels should leave you with memories as vivid as the day itself. Styling is about more than trends or matching colours — it’s about creating a setting that feels right the moment you walk in. If you want that sense of ease, beauty, and authenticity, working with a stylist can be the difference between “nice” and unforgettable.

Let’s meet!
I’ll be at the National Wedding Show this October (25-26th Oct 2025). Come say hi — and let’s chat about your story, your ideas, and how we can bring it all to life.