Here I get to interview Alina from White Lilies Events about her company, how she got into wedding planning and to get some top tips for brides who are looking for help with planning their wedding.
What is special about White Lilies Events?
Well, to start with: my nationality. I am Romanian, and probably my personal background may allow me to see things from a different perspective sometimes. However, it is my considered opinion that an important role is played by the wedding planner’s personality. The reason for this is that wedding planning is a service. As wedding planners, especially if we have had specialised training, we should have the industry-related knowledge. However, the wedding day is a rather personal event for couples and I believe they should trust and feel comfortable with the wedding planner that they choose. All wedding planners are special and different, and White Lilies Events is no exception.
What are the reasons for a couple to use a wedding planner and can this help save costs?
One of the most common reasons for couples hiring a wedding planner is their busy schedule and lack of time to actually organise all the aspects of their wedding day. In addition to this, industry-related knowledge is important. Wedding planners are involved in the wedding industry on a daily basis and know the trends and what to pay attention to when negotiating an aspect of your wedding. Having someone to rely on also reduces the level of stress that organising a wedding may imply. And lastly, but not the least, wedding planners can give professional and objective advice.
Why is it important to pick a wedding planner (like you) that has trained and is part of UK Alliance of Wedding Planners?
Wedding planning is rather unregulated. However, as member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, I have to abide by their code of ethics. And this gives reassurance to couples looking to hire a wedding planner. They can be sure I will do my job and not run away with their money. Also, we take part in seminars and trainings aimed at our personal and professional development. Last, but not least, I am part of a network of wedding planners that help each other, share ideas and can always step in for me in case of illness.
My blog is all about promoting unusual and unique wedding ideas and inspiration for brides. What little touches have you made at your clients weddings to help them have something a little bit different?
I am just starting as wedding planner, and until now I have mainly been doing consultations. However, an example of a different thing would be an ice sculpture for an 80th anniversary. Ice sculptures can be quite versatile because you can freeze all sorts of items inside and customise them to your theme. And the team at Ice Fantastic was great.
What is your favourite bit about helping couples planning the wedding?
Personally, my favourite bit about helping couples plan their wedding is the significance of the whole day. The wedding day is the official start of the couples life together. They confess their love and commitment in front of both legal authorities, close friends and family. In my opinion this is what makes organising weddings different and more special than organising any other event.
Do you have any tips for couples on planning their wedding?
1.Before actually starting to look for suppliers, I would advise couples to sit down and talk about how they want their wedding to be: season, number of guests, what elements they really want included and what can be optional. Also, settle on a rough budget. This will make it easier when sourcing suppliers and will help you stay within budget.
2.Allow time to organise everything. A wedding day implies the co-ordination of a rather large number of suppliers, and sourcing all the suppliers implies a certain level of stress. Having enough time to choose suppliers and organise everything prevents the whole process from becoming too stressful aswell as allowing you to shop around and find the best deals
3.Ask for help, may that be friends or family or even a wedding planner. Friends and family will obviously be happy to be part of your wedding, whilst the advantage of using a wedding planner is the professional and non emotional advice that they provide, in addition to their experience in planning weddings.
4.Do not let the design of the invitations or the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses take over. Make time for the two of you, do things that you like and do not talk about wedding planning aspects.
You can find out more about White Lilies Events on their site or check out the White Lilies Events blog that Alina writes with tips and advice for wedding planning and all things nice!