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n many ways, an event planner is a casting director. It's not only
lights, camera, action but also the ability to have a list of characters
to perform different roles in the production. After all, some clients
are looking for a boho-chic wedding while others may want a modern
minimalist affair. Others opt for lush compact floral décor while still
others want over-the-top profusion of flowertopias.
Event planners have their stars and supporting cast members while
overseeing details including set décor, chairs, linens and lights as well
as recommending the right florists for their events. " You have to pair the
right person with the bride," says Shannon Wellington, creative director
of Shannon Wellington Weddings, a boutique wedding-planning firm
based in Chadds Ford, Pa. "We have our contractors and subcontractors,
but we're always looking for new talent."
ere is a pervasive myth that event planners always use the same
people. While superstar event planners like Marcy Blum, of Marcy Blum
Events in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Jennifer Zabinski, of JZ Events in New York
City ; Victoria Dubin, of Victoria
Dubin Events in Harrison, N.Y. and others do have their stables of
florists—with brand names like David Beahm, Lewis Miller, Jeff
Leatham, Rishi Patel, Larry Walshe and Thierry Boutemy—
they do more than just big-ticket, Vogue-worthy events.
As Wellington explains, clients with a range of budgets visit event-
planners' offices. "I have to know who is up and coming, as well as
who will be less expensive and who will be available for the
big-budget weddings I do at the Ritz," she explains.
Furthermore, many star florists get booked
quickly because, according to e Knot,
most weddings—73 percent—take
place from May through October. June,
September and October are currently
the most popular months for weddings,
with approximately 45 percent of
all weddings taking place during
those three months. is confluence
of wedding dates can provide an
opportunity for resourceful florists.
Approximately
45 percent of
all weddings take
place during June,
September and
October.
How to Impre
Event Planners
By Jill Brooke
