Products and Services
Your Wedding Friend understands that not everyone wants or needs to employ a wedding planner for their whole wedding planning journey. I offer a range of services that can help you, whatever stage you’re at. From a couple of hours help and advice, to full planning and co-ordination. If you just need a Helping Hand to get you going, we can work together on creating a budget and identifying potential themes. I can give you guidance on what you need to do at each stage and check on your progress, with a pay-as-you-go approach or monthly retainer. This package also works well if you hit a stumbling block or aren’t sure what to do about something, we can just check in and I can help you get back on track. My full planning and co-ordination package is perfect for anyone needing more help. We work together on your to-do list and make sure everything is on track. I will monitor progress, keep suppliers informed and work with your venue/s to ensure that the day runs smoothly and that everyone and everything is where it needs to be on time. I also deal with any last-minute issues and co-ordinate the set-up, right through to the end of the day. Couples I work with love that I’m hands-on, crafty and stay calm in a crisis. Suppliers love that with my experience and technical knowledge I can ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible, even if that means helping them to build backdrops or help lug heavy equipment around. My ethos is that you are in charge and I’m there to make your life easier. I will always be on your side and give you honest advice. At any point in your wedding planning I'm here for any panics and problems. My hands are yours. X
Message from the team
Experience
What is your most memorable wedding?
Aside from my own wedding, each wedding I work on has its own memorable moments. From the shortest ever entrance music of one (the 20th Century Fox theme), to the handpainted table portraits by the groom for another, and so many more besides.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Hands-on, approachable, organised, ready, creative
What about your business are you most proud of?
I'm most proud that I took the leap away from the venues I was proud to work in, to go it alone and start my own business. That my focus is on helping couples into great marriages not just great wedding days.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Compromise is key but make sure you set your boundaries too.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I love the weddings where friends and family have come together to create different parts of it. You can see their love and passion for what they do. But the one that stays with me is the wedding where the bride designed and made her bridesmaids dresses, as well as designing her own.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We start with a consultation (either in person or via skype/messenger/zoom) and decide the way forward from there. For some it will be regular scheduled contact and working through the to-do list, but for others it might be more email based. I like to visit the venue early on to get a feel for the requirements, even if I'm not co-ordinating on the day as it will still help me to identify what will need to be done to prepare for the big day. From there it's usually a matter of keeping in touch and monitoring progress. Having a shared to-do list is key; some couples prefer to have an outline from the start complete with timeline, whilst others prefer to be prompted when to do things. I will work in whatever way best suits you.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
Ensuring a bride had food and swap alcoholic drinks for soft drinks, for a bride who was early stages pregnant but didn't want her friends and family to know yet. I loved being part of the secret and having the responsibility to ensure she was looked after and that I had excuses ready when she needed to escape.
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
Plan. Prepare. Patience. You need all three to be a great wedding planner, along with oodles of ideas and a support team of other friendly suppliers for just in case. I stay calm and I get things done.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
I love that weddings are becoming less about what is traditionally done and more about doing what matches your personalities and makes you happy.
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
My favourite moment is always the first time the couple sees each other, whether it's as they wlak down the aisle or when doing a private first look. I get very weepy at that point. Gets me every time.