Happy Wedding Wednesday you beauties! I hope you're having as good a week as you can in these uncertain times! This week I interviewed the fabulous Jen from My Pretties UK, who is an amazing Wedding Planner, Co-Ordinator and Stylist. I first met Jen on a photo shoot last year, the sun shone, it was red hot and we were creating magic in an Abbey. We clicked instantly and I firmly believe she came into my life at the right time, she's honest, reliable, friendly and utterly amazing at what she does. She's purely a beautiful sole and definitely someone you want on your team. Grab a glass of wine or a cuppa, sit back, read...enjoy!
How has this affected you and your business?
So far all my couples have been wonderful and have made some difficult decisions, mostly to postpone till next year. They have all been lucky that their venues have accommodated date changes without to much bother, I know not all have been so fortunate.
I am like all wedding professions right now, having to take one day at a time and I am completely dictated by the choices of the Government, the venues and my couples. So far, all my weddings and events from March until Mid July have been postponed.
My biggest hope is that we can return to work in August and do what we can to salvage some of the year. It’s a very stressful time for small businesses right now.
How can you help our couples plan my wedding?
I know there are a lot of couples out there who may have lost the venue they wanted or key suppliers might not be able to do their new date. That’s definitely something I can help with as part of my partial (boutique) planning. I can help to source suppliers who are available and venues that can accommodate you even at short notice.
I have seen a lot of couples changing their original plans and are now wanting a smaller, more personal wedding or elopement. Couples marrying on family property and private land. This might be a great alternative and mean there’s the possibility you could still marry this year.
What tips do you have for planning a wedding?
Right now the usual rules don’t apply, you can’t visit all the venues you’d planned or go to wedding fairs. But the internet is a wonderful thing, check out online blogs for some incredible inspiration from real weddings and styled shoots. Some of my favourite are, Rock My Wedding, Love My Dress, Festival Brides and Magpie Wedding.
Ask your married friends for recommendations, ask your venue for recommendations and then check out those suppliers on Instagram, Facebook and their website.
My top tip is to ensure they have a website and that they have a ‘leave a review’ function on their Facebook page and on Google.
What should a couple do if they are feeling the stress of wedding planning?
As a former bride I always say, make sure you keep talking to one another. Try to involve both of you in the decision making process and don’t belittle anyone’s ideas or input.
If you have the resources to hire someone to help, of course I’d recommend this. Weather it’s a half an hour chat about where they should be starting from, full planning or just coordinating your wedding day so that you and your guests can fully relax and enjoy the day. There are lot’s of way’s a planner can help you.
On the day coordination is becoming more popular than ever, with more couples electing for fully DIY weddings, outdoor weddings or a wedding on their own property, a coordinator ensures that your day runs smoothly from start to finish. Exactly as it would be if you’d hired a more traditional venue that came with a coordinator/planner, an independent planner like me will oversea your day, organise your suppliers, help you with your timeline and generally make sure you all have an incredible day.
Want to check Jen out?
Instagram @myprettiesUK