Why choose a career in wedding planning?
A lot of the joy comes from my love of design; I have always been very creative and have a real eye for detail.
I love conceptualising the look of an event and then seeing many months of hard work come to fruition at the end of the planning process.
I take real pleasure in listening to my clients, ensuring that everything about the look and feel of their wedding is right there to experience - exactly as they wanted it, on their wedding day.
How did you get into wedding planning?
At the end of 2013 I began to conduct detailed research into the wedding industry. It soon became apparent that there was a real gap in the luxury planning services market in the North of England. In the South, brides are spoilt for choice – there are so many luxury event planners to choose from! The lack of such agencies in the North was the motivating factor for my business model.
"I decided that if I was going to embark on a new career in wedding planning then I wanted to do so correctly and professionally."
Having worked in the legal field, which is so highly regulated, I was delighted to discover the UKAWP, which was founded for one purpose: to promote professionalism in the wedding industry.
Prior to launching, I undertook extensive training with the UKAWP. I also worked closely with one of their Regional Ambassadors, assisting her on large-scale weddings. This allowed me to benefit from invaluable event planning experience.
What transferable skills have you gained from your career as a Solicitor?
As a practicing Solicitor, I acquired vital time management, research and problem-solving skills. I have handled significant caseloads, carrying up to 100 cases at a time.
That required immense organisational skills, attention to detail and an ability to prioritise while working under pressure – all things I've most definitely employed as a wedding planner!
Working in the litigation field I have also gained invaluable technical and negotiation skills. These have proved particularly useful when reviewing and negotiating supplier contracts.
I've the added advantage in knowing precisely what contracts mean and how to make sure my clients are receiving the best possible service from their venue and suppliers!
"The common thread between all of my clients tends to be the fact that they are time short, busy people"
Who are your typical clients?
There's no typical client as such - as clichéd as it sounds, each of our couples are unique! They aren't always located in the UK either; we plan weddings for couples that live abroad but are looking to host their celebrations here.
Wherever they're located, the common thread between all of my clients tends to be the fact that they are time short, busy people. They often have hectic work schedules, which further intensifies their need for wedding planning assistance.
Our clients definitely have an appreciation for quality - with a leaning towards the luxury end of the market. That said, they aren't ostentatious, and they still seek value for money - whatever their budget may be. They also, quite understandably, have high expectations in terms of service and delivery.
What sets you apart from other planning services?
I offer a truly unique planning and design experience and firmly believe that my clients wedding planning journey should be just as memorable and pleasurable as their wedding celebration. For me, the planning process involves so much more than putting together a team of suppliers and coordinating and managing the logistics of their event.
When I initially set up my planning business I did so with the intention of creating a completely unique and immersive planning experience.
I combine that with a flair for design, meticulous attention to detail and the highest level of client service.
What advice would you give to any couples that are looking for design inspiration for their wedding day?
Be open minded and never rule anything out - at least initially! It's a good idea to be receptive to other people's advice and ideas. Also, start by asking yourselves: what distinguishes you as a couple.
Think about what you love doing together as a couple. What are your interests and passions? Identify them and try to incorporate some of those elements into your day.
The personal bits are so important: they can transform standard parts of your wedding day into things that become the most memorable elements of the occasion.