The UK Alliance of Wedding Planners - The leading industry body for the UK Wedding Planning Market | Promoting professionalism in Wedding Planning

Why did you become a wedding planner?

I originally started my career working for the high-end fashion designer Roland Mouret and got my first taste for event planning, as I was involved in his catwalk show for London Fashion Week.  I then moved onto work as a Fashion Buyer for a number of years, but became increasingly involved and passionate about the event side of things.  My transition into weddings came after I attended several weddings that were disorganised and I felt strongly that I could utilise my skills and experience to create beautiful and seamless weddings.  I organised my first wedding in 2007 and then formally set up my business - ‘Cranberry Blue Weddings & Events’ just over a year and a half ago, which I’m pleased to say is going from strength to strength. 

What’s your USP?

Having trained and worked in fashion for many years I am able to spot new trends, but I also understand how to adapt them to suit individual tastes. Being creative and a perfectionist means I have a natural eye for design and detail, with the ability to turn ideas into a practical reality. I am also very down-to-earth and personable, which I hope makes people feel automatically at ease.

What’s your signature dish? 

That’s a tough one as my husband actually does most of the cooking!  I would probably have to say though I do a pretty mean Thai green curry and also a classic lasagne with lots of red wine and a crisp green salad.

Do you have a favourite venue?

That is also a tough question as there are so many amazing venues; however Eynsham Hall in Oxfordshire is definitely one of them.  It is a grand country house that has beautiful grounds and the long drive up to it provides fantastic views of this breath taking building. The interiors are a fabulous mix of old and new and the ‘gun room’ bar has even won a prestigious design award for its interior.

How would your clients describe you?

I have been described as creative, super organised, down to earth, and a perfectionist with a sense of humour.

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

I have been very lucky so far as all of my clients have been lovely.  If I had to pick one however I would say that I did work with a bride who was incredibly indecisive (which is a bride’s prerogative I know), but ideas and colour schemes would change on a weekly basis right up until about 2 weeks before the big day.  This was quite challenging as it meant a lot of last minute sourcing and managing suppliers. However, I was able to re-assure the bride that the decisions she had made and the design concept we had developed would look fantastic, and she needed to trust in me and my experience that everything would come together and look amazing.  Needless to say it did and she was actually speechless when she saw it altogether because she was so happy. 

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be?

William and Kate’s without a doubt as it was a defining moment in history where the whole world watched their every move. It was classic but beautiful with touches of their personalities.  For completely different reasons I would also love to plan Lady Gaga’s wedding, as hers would be extravagantly quirky and a lot of fun.  She would probably have several outfit changes and you could let you imagination run wild with the reception décor.

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I never had any illusions that this job would be glamorous and what goes on behind the scenes, is proof of that!  Although it may not be glamorous it is certainly creative, exciting and very rewarding.

Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why?

I really admire the work of Mark Niemierko as he is so well known in the industry.  The weddings he arranges are at the highest level of the market and his business has grown so much that he now attracts celebrity couples. 

What’s your biggest achievement since launching?

Organising a wedding in Austin, Texas in the States last year.

What’s your vice

Cheese and red wine - you can’t beat a cheese board with a glass of Merlot!  Also, my shoe obsession, I just can’t help myself and have been known to buy the same show in several different colours!

Do please view their website for details on their services.

Today we are happy to introduce you to Olivia of Olivia Soleto Weddings…. 

Why did you become a wedding planner?

For the last ten years I’ve worked as a senior manager in the catering and hospitality industry, including Wagamama, and most recently, stylish British restaurant, Canteen. I’ve always enjoyed organising events, but it wasn’t until I planned my own wedding that I realised I was good at it. Organising a wedding can be very stressful, but with my professional background it’s something I’m accustomed to, along with the long hours and high expectations. 

What’s your USP? 

I create unique, elegant weddings for style-savvy couples – and unusually, men are catered for too. As well as the usual wedding planning services, we also offer bridal styling experience, a suit-buying day, wedding day grooming service and professional speech-writing guidance overseen by lifestyle journalist and broadcaster, Anthony Teasdale. There’s so much focus on the bride-to-be that the groom gets sidelined. This gives him an excuse not to get involved. The wedding should be a       reflection of a couple’s personalities and the things they’ve done together. In terms of looking good, men are much more in tune with their feminine side these days, so they can enjoy the grooming part with their mates as much as the bride does with her female companions. 

What’s your signature dish?  

I make a mean paella, which is always good on a summers day. My Spanish background means that cooking it is in my blood! 

Do you have a favourite venue? 

My venue of the moment has to be the Design Museum on the Thames in London. It’s very contemporary and has amazing views of London, with good outdoor space. 

How would your clients describe you? 

Cool, calm and collected. A good creative vision and an eye for detail. 

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?  

So far, no. I have a lot in common with my clients and I think that comes across on the website. 

How do you unwind? 

I’m an avid kick-boxer and love a swim. I’m also a big fan of True Blood and Mad Men. 

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be? 

It would have to be Kylie Minogue. I think she’s very stylish and elegant – and I’m sure she’d be a pleasure to work with. 

 Is the job as glamorous as you thought? 

I never expected it to be glamorous. Each day is different, which is good. I like the fact I get to use my creativity to help people create their vision. 

Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why

I admire many wedding planner’s work, but I particularly like the creativity of Grant-Riley Weddings. 

What themes are you working on for 2010? 

Afternoon tea party with vintage feel, a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll-inspired party with red and white polka dots, and a Cool Britannia wedding. 

What’s your biggest achievement since launching? 

Bringing Olivia Soleto Weddings to life and being commissioned for two jobs in the first couple of months from launching. I feel privileged to have such a fabulous job – I’m finally doing what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. The future is very exciting! 

What is your vice?  

Champagne, shoes and cupcakes. 

What trends are you seeing for 2010? 

Vintage, the colour red and all things retro-British are all very strong at the moment. Multi-day weddings are also very hip.

Thanks very much to Olivia for an insight into her working world.