BAZAAR Bride's Little Black Book: The Top Wedding & Event Designers in the World
These are the people to call when you're looking for far more than florals alone.
There are many ways to achieve a welcome event, ceremony, reception, and after party beyond your wildest dreams. And while hiring a superstar wedding planner is the first step, even some of the industry's best don't do it all—and by all we mean production, fabrication, lighting design, florals, and more. The best event planners, however, know who to call when they don't offer design in-house, or when they do and a project demands it.
For the first time, BAZAAR Bride is honoring the industry's top designers, separately from their planning counterparts. Keep in mind, the majority of the talents on this list won't work without a planner on board. Here's a cheat sheet: Most event designers offer floral design, but not all florists are designers; some event planners are designers, but those that tout themselves as designers-only won't take care of your timeline, seating, welcome bag delivery, transportation, bridal styling coordination, and tastings. These are the people you (or your planner) call when you're looking for far more than florals alone—from building a structure from the ground up to creating custom furniture, lighting, details, and so much more. Here, the best event designers in the country—straight from our rolodex.
David Beahm Experiences
The Look: My personal aesthetic leans toward a farm-to-vase, organic modernism—but I insist that our weddings reflect our clients’ expressions, not our own. Our company designs in a myriad of styles for a diverse client base.
The Approach: Every wedding begins with a blank slate, where I draft a singular, bespoke experience for the couple. Along with our tenured team of passionate designers, producers, and artisans, we have become adept at harvesting our inspiration from our clients. We want their wedding to be as expressive as it is flawless and stress-free. Customer service is at the pinnacle of our philosophy.
Expert Advice: The design process can be intimate, lengthy, and richly collaborative—it's imperative that your designer appeal to you both artistically and personally. Trust your gut instinct when considering a design partner; there is a perfect match for everyone!
Weddings of Note: Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. We have also designed countless weddings for a coterie of notable socialites, dignitaries, and celebrities for whom privacy is paramount.
Mindy Rice
The Look: One of my strengths is my ability to read a client and come up with a celebration that is unique to them and their venue, no matter where it is in the world. The opportunity to expand and push myself creatively is what keeps me excited and generating fresh ideas for my clients.
The Approach: I absolutely love the creative process. I encourage clients to start by collecting items that they are drawn to—a photo, a paint, a textile swatch, anything. We work up design boards and revise until everyone is ecstatic. Floral is at the core of my business, but I love to create the entire look of an event down to the smallest detail. My collaboration with creative and production partners is key in making an event look effortless.
Expert Advice: Choose a wedding team with whom you feel completely comfortable. Hire a team you trust, let go of the reigns, and let them impress you with their talents.
Weddings of Note: It’s really not who the client is that excites me, but how we interact and the energy that builds between us.
Todd Events
The Look: Our style can best be described as traditional with a twist. We believe in balance; if we focus on incorporating Joy, Uniqueness, Innovation, Creativity, and Energy into the space, we are able to produce better parties. We call this the “J-U-I-C-E!”
The Approach: Our processes are formalized to create structure, but our desire to be happy is not formal. We want the process to be fun and lighthearted, not heavy. We want our clients to be focused on being present and grateful, full of appreciation, and to be able to enjoy this milestone moment with their family and friends.
Expert Advice: A wedding day is a very special, landmark day. But at the same time only 13 hours—and there's a big life is ahead of you. Enjoy, be present, have fun, and be joyous. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let us do that.
Weddings of Note: Jason Kennedy & Lauren Scruggs, Candice Crawford & Tony Romo, Jerry & Gene Jones Family, Mike Modono & Allison Micheletti, and Whitney Ford & Wilson Bowen.
Hessney & Co.
The Look: We pride ourselves in the unexpected; we like to push the envelope and our mission is always to create a party, not just a pretty event. We love a maximalist or minimalist who isn't afraid of using color or bold statements; we love when couples tap into themes and ideas that are indicative of their partnership to create a truly memorable and unique experience. We are romantics at heart—if you don't enjoy warm candlelight, we probably aren't the perfect fit for you.
The Approach: As a boutique agency, we have a very hands-on and in-person approach, allowing us to obsess over guest experience and attention to detail. A wedding is really you hosting a party for your nearest and dearest, and everyone's experience should be exceptional at minimum. We pride ourselves in sourcing far and wide for unexpected design elements and always try to work with local vendors whenever possible for a thoughtful and sustainable touch.
Expert Advice: Never pick a venue where you don't love the rain plan, You should go into your wedding expecting the worst case scenario with weather and be absolutely thrilled with whatever that Plan B is.
Weddings of Note: Most of our clients ask that their events are kept private, and our dedication is to that trust. As for a recent event we can discuss, we recently worked on a wedding for a fantastic couple. Their save the date read "Fuck Me and Marry Me Young" from their favorite '80s band The Sisters of Mercy—and we based the design around that. The bride wore a Rick Owens white dress and had all her guests write all over it in a black sharpie as the night went on...
Joy Proctor
The Look: Our work is elegant yet effortless. Every detail is tasteful, and all our decor intentional. We specialize in outdoor and destination weddings and events where the culture of the location is infused into the design.
The Approach: We are a full-service design house, offering design and flowers for events worldwide. Through a meticulous curation of unique ideas, we create events where unparalleled beauty and impeccable execution create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Expert Advice: Create an event around both beauty and experience. The added layer of experiential design on top of a stunningly beautiful wedding makes for details and moments your guests will never forget.
Weddings of Note: Most recently, we had the pleasure of designing the wedding of Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner.
Rishi Patel of HMR Designs
The Look: We believe that designing a wedding is telling a story, and every client has a different one. Interpreting each client's taste and personality allows me to act as a chameleon of style, adapting to an ever-changing world of design. Although stylistically every event is different, the common denominator across all that we do is exquisite taste and editing.
The Approach: I start by drawing inspiration from our clients directly. It could be anything from how they dress to what restaurants they adore, or even what their homes feel like. It's this translation of their style that helps guide me to create something spectacular. The 140 artists and artisans behind these ideas are what bring our sublime concepts to life.
Expert Advice: Trust yourself that you've hired the right professionals for your wedding. Let them lead you in crafting the perfect team while you focus on enjoying the process.
Weddings of Note: We have had the privilege of designing weddings and events for athletes, celebrities, Fortune 500 executives, notable political figures, and so many more.
Lewis Miller
The Look: Sumptuous, timeless, raw, and refined.
The Approach: My team and I listen to our clients and support them in their vision. Very little flower talk happens in the initial meetings; the focus is on the mood, the color story, and how they want to feel and be seen on this special day. Once those important pillars are in place, then we bring in flowers, lighting, decor, etc.
Expert Advice: Keep your expectations aligned with your budget!
Weddings of Note: Most recently, I led Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, and her closest friends in a flower arranging class at the Mark Hotel for her baby shower.
BIRCH
The Look: Our look is all about the WOW. We are designers, producers, and florists that edit every event for our couples, clients, and creative partners to feel uniquely curated, intentional—and authentically you.
The Approach: We have a design process that is equally as beautiful as the result. The key is listening. We are attentive to everything our clients say, as well as everything that they don't. At BIRCH, we strive to over-deliver in an unexpected way that surprises and delights by providing the moment(s) you didn't know you needed.
Expert Advice: For us, this is not about just the job. We have a true passion for what we do, and when a bride (or groom) trusts us to be part of their team, that's where the magic really happens. It's an absolute honor when our couple's become like family. Find a pro you trust—then let them do what they do best.
Weddings of Note: The BIRCH team has created WOW events for, most notably, millennials, such as the Betches, the Toasters, and the Bachers. From The Bachelor and The Bachelorette couples to the co-founders of The Morning Toast, celebrity athletes, and beyond, we're so grateful for every bride and groom we've had the pleasure of designing.
Jes Gordon
The Look: Eclectic, timeless, thought-provoking, and purposeful. I design in order to evoke an emotional response and not just a visual one. I personally take the time to work with expressing each of my client’s visions, so that their events are specifically true to them.
The Approach: Our process is (truthfully) to not have a process. We celebrate the fact that each client is different with specific needs. I personally discuss the inspiration and design concept we've created with each client, and I choose artists to help me execute that vision from my talent bank. We create visual samples for you to taste, touch, smell, and see—and we play great music so you can hear, too. We want our clients to feel like friends, family, rock stars, kings, and queens during our time together, and long afterwards. For me, this is a lifestyle—not a job.
Expert Advice: It’s not only about the wedding, it’s about the marriage. Go on at least one date a month and don't talk about the wedding. Speak up—if you don’t understand or dislike something one of your vendors says or proposes, say it loud and proud.
Weddings of Note: I have always wanted to be a rock star, and working with Elton John, Sting, Bono, and Madonna was pretty great. When a bride, groom, and their families walk into their event and burst into tears of joy my life gets made. I guess I am old school like that!
Kathleen Deery
The Look We are a full-service wedding and event design studio whose discerning taste and intuitive leadership balances timelessness with current trends. The result is a fresh and relaxed sophistication that could be described as luxe comfort.
The Approach: We are a diverse collective of multi-faceted creatives who draw from all areas of business, design, fine art, craft, building and custom fabrication. Our ultimate mission is to make meaningful products and environments that leave the wedding party feeling inspired and celebrated.
Expert Advice: We work with materials both fresh and fixed from flowers to furniture, often being at the mercy of Mother Nature. The most treasured flowers are available in April through June, and September through October. If you're obsessed with the freshest flowers and seasonal treasures and want the best available varieties at your fingertips, consider a springtime or early Autumn wedding.
Weddings of Note: Seth Rogen & Lauren Miller, among others. We're honored to be among the distinct group of wedding design veterans serving international business leaders and dignitaries as well as figures in Hollywood and the music industry.
Stone Kelly
The Look: If left to our own devices, our signature could be described as a lush, luxe, garden style. But we pride ourselves on being able to adapt to and execute for any and every style. We can easily make any and all of our client’s wishes our vision. Our goal is to bring our clients' dreams to life.
The Approach: Our process is extremely hands-on and personal. In-person meetings at our studio and on the event site are key. In the initial meeting, we hear all about the client’s needs, hopes, and dreams, and from there we write our proposal, which is almost like a story. We churn their wishes into our ideas and bring them to life with words, photos, sketches. After a handful of meetings, our hope is that the client is so excited and comfortable with our vision—and confident in our ability to execute it—that the meetings cease until we invite them to our studio for a full sample meeting, where we mock up exact versions of design elements from their event decor to finalize them.
Expert Advice: Hire a designer you are excited about, you are comfortable with, and that you trust—then relax and let them do their thing.
Weddings of Note: Our client list is long, and truly all of our clients are celebrities to us! If we're asked to name “names,” Amy Poehler, Elisabeth Moss, and Billy Joel would top the list.
Jackson Durham
The Look: Our signature aesthetic is classically influenced and residentially inspired in both floral and furnishings, which results in cohesive design.
The Approach: We are florally focused with a first-rate floral design team in-house. We listen to our clients and make them part of our collaborative process, beginning with moodboards and renderings, followed by full-scale mockups. We hope to make our clients feel heard, and they are involved along the way as we translate their vision and surpass their expectations.
Expert Advice: Let the season guide your design, particularly when choosing florals. We love the the special sentiment of designing a wedding around a family home or a beloved family destination. CONTACT
Ron Wendt
The Look: We create timeless environments that won’t leave you asking yourself “What were we thinking?!” in ten years.
The Approach: We pay attention to our client’s personal style, and we create smart interiors and tabletop décor that's reflective of the couple and their style.
Expert Advice: Don’t inundate yourselves with everyone else’s “dream wedding” on social media. Be selective with what inspires you.
Weddings of Note: Discretion is the foundation of all our client relationships, so we can't share names. With that said, we have had the privilege to work in the U.S. and the Caribbean, Greece, and the South of France, among other stunning destinations.
Ed Libby & Co.
The Look: Walking into one of our events is an immersive experience. Expect to be struck by originality, color, and scale. As a full service event design company, we specialize in unique floral creations, furniture fabrication, and custom graphics to ensure a one-of-a-kind celebration that is a feast for the senses.
The Approach: Our creative process starts with a cocktail party style introductory meeting. We may review inspiration photos, or discuss your fashion icons, go-to restaurant, or favorite hotel lobby. We want to get to know our clients and their personal style; then, our team creates proposals and renderings that lead to a sample presentation where the client experiences their event first-hand prior to their celebration.
Expert Advice: Stay open to innovative design ideas that you may have never seen before. We are happy to use inspiration from events you've attended, seen in magazines, or from our own portfolio—but your event should be unique to you. Be next season, not last season.
Weddings of Note: Kelsey & Kayte Grammer, Lala & Carmelo Anthony, and milestone events for Beyoncé, Jay Z, Naomi Campbell, and Jennifer Lopez, among others. Ed Libby also serves as the creative director of conservatories for MGM Resorts International.
Blossoms Events
The Look: 99% of what we do is custom to the client. We listen, adapt, and create. Anything is possible—transforming tents inside and out and taking them from hunks of metal to sexy soirées is our specialty.
The Approach: We collaborate with event planners to make our clients’ day stress free and above all, fun. Our team of designers, builders, floral designers, and creatives have dreamed about each detail and passionately bring every design to life.
Expert Advice: Don’t forget your “wow” pieces. As designers, we want to make your event a cohesive reflection of you—with a little extra, because we’re a little extra. A breathtaking bar, fabulous florals, or hand-touched wall treatment adds to the guest experience, and makes for Instagram-able moments.
Weddings of Note: Gwyneth Paltrow to Brad Falchuk, Susan Sarandon’s daughter Eva Ammuri to Kyle Martino, Chris Wilcox, Kenny Florian, and a host of others we’ll never tell!
Emily Clarke
The Look: Self-described color addict. We believe a party is not the place to take yourself too seriously; we love to create events with personality and experiential elements.
The Approach: We take design inspiration from our couples; and we work to get to know their story and their personalities, which we incorporate into the design. The best compliment we receive is when guests remark that the event truly feels like the couple they are celebrating.
Expert Advice: Trust the process! Working with a creative team is not as easy as checking things off a list. Allowing your design to take shape and evolve is the best way to create a unique and authentic experience for your guests, and for yourselves.
Weddings of Note: We’ve travelled all over the world with our clients, but my Southern roots have taught me to never “design and tell.”
Renny & Reed
The Look: Modern organic, textural, lush, candlelit, understated elegance, and authenticity. Our style can embrace a wide range of aesthetics, all with the signature recipe of unique flower types and a fresh, custom sensibility. Our events are always relevant to the surrounding environment, be it a ballroom or a backyard.
The Approach: We are a responsible, kind, and exceptionally creative team, who for almost 50 years has delivered an enjoyable and memorable process so that our client’s do not have to worry.
Expert Advice: Create boundaries around social media. It’s near impossible to not be influenced, so find your inspiration and then open your mind to let your creative team deliver a wedding that is truly yours. Curate a strong team of vendors and then give them space to do what you hired them to do. Oh, and always kill 'em with candlelight.
Weddings of Note: We don’t drop names, but always love to reflect on over the top moments—from a custom, open air pergola ‘tent’ on a polo field in Santa Barbara, to a ten-day installation on a mountain in Montana where we temporarily shifted a small forest.
Preston Bailey
The Look: Warm, inviting, and yet—dramatic. Our floral work is often referred to as art installations because of the overall intricacy and sculptural nature of the designs.
The Approach: Even though we are in the luxury market, our approach is very down to Earth—we love keeping it real. I have trained myself to listen with an open heart; our aim is always to try walking in our clients shoes in order to truly serve them properly.
Expert Advice: Be as controlling and detailed as you like before your wedding. But on that day, let go. Allow your experts vendors to do their jobs.
Clients of Note: Serena Williams, Lebron James, Eva Longoria, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, Sean Parker, Oprah, Mr. and Mrs. George Soros, Mariano Rivera, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Donna Karen, Liza Minelli, Reem Acra, and more.
Brian Worley Productions
The Look: My experience designing movie premiere parties has resulted in my not really having a signature aesthetic. Harry Potter was a much different design than Memoirs of a Geisha, so I've learned to be versatile in my approach. I like to think outside-the-box and do my best to create new and interesting designs.
The Approach: Much like a house, designing a wedding is a process and a huge expense; I want my clients to know that I have their best interest at heart, and that I can execute their visions. Anyone can create "pretty" and replicate a Pinterest board, but I want to get to know them, who they are, and tell their story. It's important to us to create a wow moment for each guest as well as the couple. I want their family and friends to recognize that the event is an extension of who they're celebrating.
Expert Advice: You can't rush creativity; be patient with the process and enjoy it. Allow yourself to relax in the fact that your guests have no idea what was planned. Rely on your team, forget about everything you know behind-the-scenes, and act like a guest.
Clients of Note: Terry Crews' vow renewal, Robert Irvine, Ian Ziering & Erin Ludwig, David Arquette & Christina McLarty, Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel of the Foo Fighters, and Khadijah & Bobby McCray.
Tinsel Design
The Look: We are more glam and gold than blush; even our all-white weddings have a recognizable cosmopolitan edge. We are known for taking our design concepts beyond the traditional flowers-candles pairing, incorporating surprise and delight details like taxidermy, found objects, automobiles, live peacocks, neon, disco balls, and a generous dose of color.
The Approach: We give our clients the permission to have fun with the design process and let their weddings look and feel as uniquely cool, playful, silly, and/or sexy as they are on their best days.
Expert Advice: Just because you're in a ballroom doesn't mean you have to default to crystal chandeliers and trumpet vases. Our team loves an aesthetic juxtaposition and the opportunity to funk up a traditional space with unexpected decor. We're still waiting for a couple to finally let us build a tattoo booth at The Plaza!
Clients of Note: Diane von Furstenberg, Lauren Bush Lauren, John Varvatos, Lin Manuel Miranda, Cher, and more.
Carrie Goldberg is meltsflow.com’s Weddings & Travel Director. She oversees the site’s BAZAAR Bride channel, travel & dining content, and styles fashion and bridal editorials for BAZAAR.com. When she’s not traveling, she spends her free time in her hometown–New York City–where there is no shortage of new places to shop, eat, drink, see and explore.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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