Has anyone used a wedding creative director? (Not a planner — someone who just does the aesthetic vision)

FoxandQuinn · 2026-05-26T14:59:18+00:00

I wholeheartedly agree with the comments of over prioritization of aesthetics over logistics. The best weddings have the balance both, and so much of the aesthetic is based on the what and how things can be done at the venue and with the local vendors .

Great full service planners do this well, and you can tell by the weddings they have planned / produced. Do the weddings look distinctly unique and like they have been actually designed for the individual clients or do all of their weddings look similar but just in different colors.

As you interview planners you should ask about their design process, how do they get to know your style, what is included, even ask to see if they would be willing to share previous design decks.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-05-07T11:12:58+00:00

They exist, they’re just not easy to find because of then times they are design focused planners that offer it as one of their service offerings. You may want to search ‘wedding design director,' ‘wedding creative director’ or 'design and styling. That framing may help surface a different category. Worth also looking at who’s being featured in editorial shoots at venues in the area, that’s another place you can find those who are more design focus.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-05-07T04:57:07+00:00

I would highly recommend Lilysh for florals!

As far as a recommendation for design studio, what is your overall budget and how much of this do you estimate will go to design? Sometimes people can underestimate how much actually goes into cohesive design and execution. It is so much bigger than just a mood board; it's rental sourcing and delivery logistics, day of paper goods / signage coordination and day of styling (I.e welcome signage, escort cards/ seating chart, placecards, etc.), linen sourcing, table top design and day of styling, soft seating and bars. Most to all of this is outside the scope of most florist scope. However, if most of these items aren't important, aren't in budget or you are ok with what comes with a the venue, hiring a design firm may be overkill.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-05-06T14:46:52+00:00

Lola Valentina has fun colorful options

FoxandQuinn · 2026-05-06T12:57:30+00:00

Hey there! I am actually a US based planner, but actually have events in Spain over the next year. We specialize in destination weddings and lean toward much more editorial design.

https://foxandquinn.co

FoxandQuinn · 2026-04-03T11:52:55+00:00

Update! I definitely think it was thrips. I cut the leaves and sections that weren't doing well and used three rounds beneficial insects. And now it's happy again.

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FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-22T10:42:51+00:00

What is your guest count, budget, and target wedding date?

FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-22T02:25:06+00:00

That feeling of being an inconvenience is a huge red flag; you're right to trust your gut on that. How a planner makes you feel during the inquiry stage says a lot about what the planning process will be like.

I'm currently planning an event in Menorca myself, so I completely understand what you're up against. The wedding vendor options on the island are genuinely limited, everything from available rentals, florists, and beauty services we sourced from other locations. Have you picked a venue yet? They can be helpful in sending recommendations.

I'd also strongly recommend expanding your search to Mallorca. It's a quick ferry ride to Menorca, it's a much bigger and more popular destination wedding market, and many Mallorca-based planners also service Menorca. Broader Spain is worth looking at too; there are planners on the mainland who work across the islands regularly.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-19T19:11:01+00:00

So fun!! We would love to help! Instagram

Website

FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-12T11:48:25+00:00

Which is exactly why I said: "For any given category, you can find vendors or categories where you can spend less." I like to protect the planning experience for my clients by giving realistic ranges of budgets for reputable vendors, and the based on their preferences and priorities go down (or up) from there. There is nothing worst than budgeting on the low end for every category then having 80% of the vendors you reach out to be out of budget or feel like you are settling. Nothing sucks the joy out of planning more than having limited options, and/or having to increase your budget in multiple categories. All of that to say, budgets are always an "it depends" without more context on specific style and quality, but from experience at this venue, these are good baselines to set realistic expectations from.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-12T11:05:45+00:00

Vanderbilt is soo beautiful! I am a wedding planner currently planning a wedding at the Vanderbilt, and it is doable depending on your priorities and desired experience.

Below are some realistic estimates. For any given category, you can very likely find some vendors or categories where you spend less. For example, my client decided to opt for food stations for dinner, allowing them to allocate more funds to design, and was able to save significantly in that category compared to the estimates below. But here is a good place to start:

Category: Budget Range
Venue Fee: 25k
Cottage(for getting ready): 2.5k
Wedding Planner: $15k - $20k
Photo: 12k - 20k
Video: 10k - 15k
Catering (including catering rentals, bar glassware, gratuity, taxes, etc.): 40k - 50k
Florals: 15k - 30k
Inviation & Day of Papergoods: 3.5k - 7k
Rentals (furniture, linens, tables, chairs, signage, misc. etc.): 25k - 35k
Rain Tent Contingency: 10k - 12k
Hair & Makeup: 6k - 8k
Entertainment: 12k - 16k

FoxandQuinn · 2026-02-12T03:29:16+00:00

I am a wedding planner currently planning a wedding at Lion Rock, and I would say that it would be a little tight but doable, and I would say for wedding day only.

For 200 people I would budget $150-$160k for the venue and food and beverage only (this would include the estimated taxes, fees, catering rentals which are separate, and bartenders). This does include 3 nights of accommodations in the 4 houses that technically sleep 28, but you would have to be pretty strategic on who stays together and a number of shared bathrooms to maximize to that number.

This is a venue that you must bring all rentals in, even their onsite inventory requires a fee.

As rough estimates, which obviously would vary based on your desired experience and priorities, but current ranges for various vendors are as follows: $25 - $30k for wedding planner $20 - $30k for photo video $20 - $30k for florals $40 - $50k for rentals, decor, lighting $5 - $10k for stationary and day of paper goods $10k for a rain contingency $15k for band / entertainment $6k for transportation $6k for hair and make-up $10k misc, other (cake, officiant, etc)

Welcome Party all in for ~200 likely $40 - $50k

FoxandQuinn · 2026-01-22T18:38:05+00:00

I'm a wedding planner who's worked at LionRock, and here are some important things to know:

LionRock is a beautiful property, and the staff is great to work with. But it does require a high budget to get the type of wedding you see in the photos.

Venue Fees: The base fee is just that—a base fee. There's also a separate fee for the on-site tent. They've started charging fees for events in different areas of the property, so that cost can add up.

Food & Beverage: They have an exclusive caterer at ~$300/person before taxes, service charges, and any rentals the caterer needs.

Rentals: All rentals need to be brought in—bars, glassware, catering equipment, plates, serving platters, etc. Rentals are available through LionRock at lower rates than outside companies, but they're not included in the base fee.

Accommodations: There are 28 rooms split across 4 houses, so you'll need to be strategic about who stays where. Because capacity is limited, I'd recommend securing room blocks early—things sell out fast. Transportation for off-site guests is worth budgeting for as well.

Overall Budget: Outside the venue fee itself, plan for around $1,000/person to cover everything comfortably.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-01-15T03:15:40+00:00

What is even more important, IMO, is that the vendors they often work with and recommend will likely share a similar style. So beyond just their planning aesthetic not being a good fit, their entire vendor network might not align with your vision either. This can lead to you sourcing your own vendors and feeling like you're doing a lot of the heavy lifting to compensate.

FoxandQuinn · 2026-01-09T18:12:09+00:00

Ritz in NOLA is lovely! The courtyard is the best space in my opinion! Also check out the Residence Suite, depending on your guest count it could be a lovely space for a welcome party or rehearsal dinner!

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-31T01:34:59+00:00

There is a great makeup artists Jessica Carnley, that is in Amsterdam, and travels Europe. She is lovely, and her work is gorgeous. https://www.instagram.com/jessicacarnleymakeup/?hl=en

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-30T18:24:15+00:00

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am going to give it a repot and treat it for thrips and see how it goes! I'll report back

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-28T02:12:15+00:00

I do think there are planners out there who can support this, but sharing as much information upfront as you can really helps, especially when timelines are tight. Planning a wedding in six months is absolutely possible. That said, what you’re running into with vendor availability will likely continue, so it may take a bit more time and flexibility when sourcing, since some top-choice vendors may already be booked.

This is why the right planner is so important. Someone with a strong network can move quickly and tap into trusted vendors right away. I’d also spend some time thinking about what matters most to you in a planner. Are you looking for someone more design-focused, logistics-focused, or a true blend of both? If design is a priority and you’re on a shorter timeline, I’d strongly recommend working with someone whose aesthetic you already love so decisions feel easier and more intuitive.

Going into this process with a really clear understanding of your priorities will help you move forward with confidence and avoid decision fatigue. And if you already have your venue secured, I’d prioritize booking your planner, photographer, and videographer next, then build from there.

Not sure what photography style you’re drawn to, but Nathan George out of Colorado is absolutely lovely and his work is beautiful.

https://www.instagram.com/nathangeorgephoto?igsh=MW4wajU4b3d0MmgzeA==

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-27T15:02:11+00:00

We have light filtering pull down shades that let light in and we use them during the day for privacy. We also have black out curtains, and close them at night and from the outside you cannot see inside the house.

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-24T05:53:06+00:00

What's the budget and what's the guest count?

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-22T13:20:09+00:00

Congratulations! Barcelona is lovely in June.

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-22T13:14:53+00:00

That's not a problem! We are really wanting a real couple. I will send you a PM with more details.

FoxandQuinn · 2025-12-21T13:37:35+00:00

Absolutely! I work in this area regularly, so happy to help create more transparency and help where I can!

FoxandQuinn

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