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7 Best Practices for Planning Extraordinary Events

Here, Marc Wilson—the creative director of global floral, event production, and design studio The Style Marc—shares his top tips for planning memorable events.

The Style Marc Event Planning
A snapshot from a beach-themed event planned and produced by Marc Wilson of The Style Marc
Photo: Frank Ammaccapane/Natural Expressions NY

Marc Wilson is the creative director of The Style Marc, a global floral, event production, and design studio with offices in New York, Miami, and Wyoming. He began his career in the home furnishings industry before establishing his company in 1998; since then, he and his team have created events for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, ESSENCE, Rolex, Mercedes-Benz, and more high-profile fashion and corporate brands. Wilson is vice chairman of the board of The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals and recently launched The Style Marc Home, a new e-commerce site offering floral and home accents. Did we mention he’s also currently working on his first book?

Marc Wilson, The Style Marc, New York Event PlanningMarc WilsonPhoto: Courtesy of The Style Marc1. Choose a consistent color palette. 
"Depending on the client and the event, one of my favorite tips would be to use two or three colors and let them run throughout all the elements of the party—the linens, chairs, glassware, flowers, and decor. This can create a strong visual statement. I also love variations in size and scale, using a mix of round, square, and rectangular tables along with high and low floral combinations. And my final tip would be to create a tactile or textural experience, using fabrics and surprise elements that pop throughout the event."

2. When choosing flowers, look at sustainability. 
"There are also ethical issues and considerations to make when it comes to choosing and sourcing flowers. Flowers are an agricultural product, and most of our suppliers have been importing the flowers we buy from countries such as the Netherlands, Colombia, Ecuador, and other places throughout the world. To try and decrease our carbon footprint, we’ve begun sourcing locally grown flowers within the region and choosing domestic growers whenever possible. Choosing to buy locally grown, seasonal flowers helps the local economy and provides for an amazing product—like roses, sunflowers, dahlias, zinnias, and the list goes on and on. Choosing what’s in season at the time of your event helps guarantee superb blooms."

3. Don’t let trends take over your aesthetic. 
"Remember, trends come and go, and as Heidi Klum says, “One day you’re in, the next day you’re out!” We, as designers, can create our own style through inspiration and imagination. Always remember: Find your own voice and stay true to your vision."

4. It’s OK to walk away. 
"Not every client is right for you. It’s important to remember that as much as you are being interviewed for an event, you should also be interviewing the client. If your instinct is telling you this might not be the right fit, don’t be afraid to listen to it."

5. Collaborate! 
"I love and live by this word. As an event design professional, I cannot take credit for all I do. I have a great team and I not only want their opinions, I have learned to trust and value them. Let’s face it: We do this day in and day out, and tunnel vision is real. Collaboration can help bring out the wow-factor in an otherwise routine project."

6. Listen intently. 
"It’s imperative that we listen to our client’s needs. Our role requires us to not only read between the lines but also to encourage our clients to think outside the box. Be sure to listen carefully to their wants, needs, and even their outer-most visions."

7. You’re only as good as your last event. 
"I cannot stress this enough and always use this line when giving advice to up-and-coming professionals in the industry. Your reputation is your most important commodity and is difficult to repair once damaged. Being integrity-based ensures that you not only do right by your clients, but also by your fellow event colleagues."

A version of this story appeared in the fall 2020 issue of BizBash.

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