'Let's talk weddings....' an insight into wedding planning

My afternoon meeting in the Peak District of Derbyshire was very good driving over the hills and valleys, a good way to clear your head.

It is nice to reflect on some of the weddings that I have been instrumental in ensuring the 'Big Day' runs like clockwork and every couple's expectations are exceeded.

Being a Wedding Planner is about being one step ahead all the time, having contingencies but also about having realistic and at times flexible timelines for all the tasks that need doing up to and on the day.  My timeline and task list for couples that choose the 'Bespoke' or the  'Handing over' package can be 5 pages long, especially for outdoor weddings which we are popular for.

Contingencies are all about not panicking when something does not go as planned it is about finding a solution and doing that fast!! all the time remaining calm and collected..... A well organised wedding will appear that everything is perfect (even if things are going on behind the scenes) that is between the planner and suppliers to organise.  I would never consider consulting a bride on the day on any aspect of the wedding as that is what I am paid to do.....

I have to say we have been very fortunate with our couples getting married if their are any issues as a Wedding Planner should be able to ensure all nerves and problems are soothed and sorted..

Lizzy and Hilton married in 2013 and flew in from Australia with their beautiful daughter to get married back in the Peak District where Lizzy's family home is. A truly international wedding as guests arrived from all over the world to celebrate with this couple at the very grand Yeldersley Hall.

http://lilyjasmine.com/lizzy-hilton-london-wedding-photographer/

The photos by Lily Jasmine Wedding Photograpy check the above link, were a true reflection of the day and at the venue they have a beautiful walled garden and when the sun is shining it is glorious. However, on this day and although Lizzy had said if it rains welcome drinks inside she would have been very dissappointed not being in the walled garden, so with 70% chance of rain and a black cloud looming at the very last minute I risked the outdoor drinks reception. Staff were ready to move at the last minute to an inside drinks reception should the rain start to fall.. As it happened when the happy couple arrived the cloud moved and the sun came out and everyone had their drinks in the walled garden listening to the saxaphone player... phew!! serene swan moment......

It was nice to meet up at the beginning of the year with Lizzy on my holiday in Australia.

And yes as a planner you do keep in touch with some of your couples, only yesterday I had coffee and cake with one of our 2012 brides...

More insights next week......