Dellicate Events

15/01/2024

Please unfollow this page and follow Anomaly Weddings

09/11/2022

Just a reminder that I am now over at Anomaly Weddings - please unfollow me here and follow me over there.

This is now just a holding page until I can work out how to also get rid of my old Instagram x

21/03/2021

It’s Sunday and I’m feeling generous!

I have had no end of people help me when I was in need and I'm so grateful!

So while this may sound crazy and a load of my online guru friends might say I’m undervaluing myself, I know not everyone has the budget to hire a full wedding planning service (especially in these crazy times!) and it feels right to be able to give back something small!

So for today only I’m going to host a flash sale, for 3 couples who are planning their wedding and will do the majority of it themselves but also feel they need to chat with a professional about how to make it work seamlessly on the day.

Is that you?

I’m offering 3 consultations only, usually £65 for one hour, but instead for £33!

You can ask me anything wedding related and in that hour you will write your own wedding plan to ensure that your people are in the right place at the right time and will help you ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.

This offer is for you if:

🌸 You have booked your venue and begun planning
🌸 You have planned everything in the lead up to the wedding, but haven't planned or even thought about how to staff it on the day
🌸 You want your guests to have fun at your wedding with no real responsibilities
🌸 You don’t want to be the one clearing up after yourselves at the end of the night along with your guests.

The first 3 people to email me on [email protected] will be able to arrange a 1 hour slot (over zoom) with me this coming week at a mutually beneficial time!

I will be responding on Monday 💓

19/03/2021

Why do some couples prefer to organise or plan their own weddings?

There are many answers to this but for today I'm going to concentrate on one.

Believe me when I tell you I've done a ton of research and it seems if one of the spouses likes organising, they tend to want to plan their entire wedding and believe they have no need for a planner.

I absolutely relate - whilst planning my wedding (currently postponed due to covid) I had my entire event plan ready to go within a week of getting engaged. I knew what I wanted, and within two weeks of getting engaged I bought my wedding dress and within a month we’d already put a deposit down on our venue.

So trust me, I’m a bridezilla, a control freak and an absolute stickler for bridal perfection. I get it!

One thing I noticed is that these couples cover every base in terms of visual elements of the day, but haven’t thought about the actual ‘operation’ and how to make it run seamlessly, (Think guest management, supplier liaison and resolving problems)

I suppose that’s because it’s not romantic?! Wedding operation isn't exactly a sexy word is it?

Some couples appoint family members to run their day - it’s great if you really don’t have the budget (I never advocate you spending above your means!) but very often this puts undue pressure on them, meaning they can’t relax and this can affect YOUR experience on the day!

Just Because you CAN do something doesn't mean you SHOULD do something.

My standards for my own wedding are extremely high so I'm having a day of coordinator (my business bestie) run my day.

She will be the one to run my day for me so that I don’t have to; So we and our guests can relax, knowing that every-thing is in place but also every-one is in place at the right time.

So if you want to ensure you and your guests have the best day, without on the day responsibilities, email me to book your complimentary 30 mins consultation [email protected] 🌸

18/03/2021

I have the best clients in the world 💛

I love the fact that one of my previous clients from years ago just jumped on the post previous to this one (I posted it literally 10 mins ago) to paraphrase what I said (as seen in this testimonial)

I ran a number of events for Jo such as staff Christmas parties, BBQs and even some of her own personal events.

I will try to share more of these as time goes on 🥰

If you need a wedding pro to help you weave your intricate plans together to make a seamless wedding day, please email me to book your 30 minute complimentary consultation to see how I can help you achieve your dreams 🌸

[email protected]

18/03/2021

Wedding Planners are not expensive!

The other day someone told me what I charge for my full wedding planning service is extortionate

I chuckled to myself because I know planners who won't run a wedding under £100,000 (They charge 15% commission so earn £15k without add ons such as hire items)

I personally charge a starting fee of £3,500 for my full wedding planning service (no hire add ons) and typically attract clients with a £30-50k budget. (I also offer a VIP wedding concierge service, currently at £8,000, but that’s a post for another time)

Expense is subjective: one man's treasure is another man's junk, but let me give you an easy example into why a wedding planner can rightly charge what we do.

Many of us have seen that post - you know the one I mean, a picture of something beautiful and a picture of something similar but inadequate.

It says something like “client: can you do it cheaper?” and then the funny picture.

I’ve even shared a it myself.

And It’s true, but I want to go a step further in educating you in why I can charge what I do....

It's not just a case of “I have been to university and studied event management” for 3 years.

It’s not just the (well over) 10,000 hours required in order to be classed as a professional.

It's not even the 700 to 1000 weddings that I have personally run within hotels, and as a freelance planner...

But it IS:

All of the above, plus.....
Business running costs
and tax (Let’s say 25% for arguments sake)

So let's do the Maths on the £3500.

If I charge £3,500 for my full wedding planning service at an average of 150 hours to plan your wedding, this works out at £23.33 per hour*

Then deduct 25% for business costs, That’s £785 straight off.

So while £3,500 might seem like a chunk of money the reality is, my expertise is an investment worth paying for, because I can save you time, keep you within budget and plan your day to ensure you and your guest can turn up and relax on the special day you envisaged, rather than you trying to coordinate the various elements of the day (continued in the comments)

08/03/2021

Gimme ALL the cake! 🍰

One important part of your day is your cake!

Your cake represents your unique coupledom - sweet, spicy, hidden flavours 😉

You can use your cake to further show off your theme or even pull your style together. An elegant detail and final touch, as well as an important traditional part of your day.

I'm all for breaking tradition, but I mean C'mon, it's cake!!

While we are discussing traditions, there are a few elements of a wedding you will probably want to stick with, even if you do them in an unconventional way!

A typical wedding day schedule would see you cutting your cake before your photographer and guests, a real "you've been papped" moment with all the camera flashes! Before it is whisked away, cut and served to your guests during your evening celebrations.

Of course if you're a bit on the shy side you could could break with tradition, NOT do a cake cutting pic and serve with your cake to your guests as desert.

It's your day, do it your way!

This elegant cake would look divine cut into finger slices topped with some delicious, first of the season kumquats, topped with a seasonal vanilla brandy cream.
⁠

Email me on [email protected] to arrange your complimentary 30 consultation so we can start planning your wedding 🌸
⁠

We are featured! https://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/autumn-wedding-colours/

Credit to our fabulous team:

Lead Planner & Stylist: .fioreevents
Assistant Planner & Styling:
Photography:
Venue:
Cake:

05/03/2021

Just look at the detail and beauty of these flowers! ⁠
⁠
⁠So beautifully rich in both colour and texture to match your autumnal styled wedding. ⁠
⁠
Such naturally rich colours are easy to weave into your wedding day using linens and stationery, and look amazing in any Olde Worlde venue such as a barn.

⁠If you would like help planning your wedding, email me on [email protected]⁠
⁠
PS. We are featured! https://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/autumn-wedding-colours/ ⁠
⁠

With thanks to our gorgeous team: ⁠
⁠
Lead Planner & Stylist: .fioreevents⁠
Assistant Planner & Styling: ⁠
Stylist: .ko⁠
Photography: ⁠
Venue: ⁠
Accessories Bride: ⁠
Bridalwear: ⁠
Groomswear: ⁠
Decor /Florals ⁠
Rugs: ⁠
Hair styling: ⁠
Make up: ⁠
Models-Bride: ⁠
Models-Groom

04/03/2021

The Wedding arch with our gorgeous couple!⁠
⁠
Further to yesterday's post, here's our wonderful couple saying their vows in front of the arch. ⁠
⁠
Your sequel ceremony can be as long or a short as you like as you have no restrictions, other than the celebrant potentially needing to get off to another wedding (something to ask when booking)⁠
⁠
As brief for this wedding was a young crowd and because the weather became a little sketchy, they decided not to use the chairs to create the ceremony.⁠
⁠
Chairs that would fit this ceremony would be eclectic vintage wooden chairs of all shapes and sizes, or if you like things to be a little more uniform, cut log benches. You could go so far as to have more relaxed cushions on rugs, but that would really depend on the age of your guests (can't have granny sitting on the floor) the weather and of course the style you are hoping to achieve. ⁠
⁠
⁠
To start planning your gorgeous sequel wedding, contact me on [email protected] or direct message me to book your 30 mins complimentary call (zoom, or whats app)⁠
⁠
We are featured! https://whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/autumn-wedding-colours/

23/02/2021

Aaarrrgh just love this shoot so much! As featured in the wonderful blog - Whimsical Wonderland Weddings 💜💜💜

23/02/2021

YAY I'M SO EXCITED!!

I've been dying to show you these pics from our shoot at Hillfields Farm back in October.

Here's the first pic and I will be sharing many more later 💜

29/01/2021

A Simple Ceremony⁠:

One thing about choosing a celebrant for your wedding is that you can get married ANYWHERE!

Yolanda and Fabio chose their celebrant for their intimate English country house wedding, because they just couldn't get a registrar to the venue on their reorganised wedding date (back log due to Covid)

In choosing to run with a two part, or sequel wedding, the couple were less stressed, and only needed to spend roughly £500 for both the celebrant (prices do vary) and private registry office ceremony for 6.

That money was also covered as a result of reducing their numbers from 120 to a wedding party of just 12, so they actually didn't spend any more.

With the money they've saved they are even considering organising a big Hispanic wedding party in a year or so when we are able to have big numbers again 💜

⁠To read more about this lovely styled shoot, head over to our feature in the pretty and punk blog! Click here: https://www.prettyandpunk.co.uk/voice.php?page=1&blog=869507213

If you would like to start your wedding planning journey with me, just slide right into my DMs 🙂📲

28/01/2021

The Bride & Groom steal a kiss outside in the crisp autumn sun...⁠
⁠
This is Fabio and Yolanda from the home counties, UK. They met a couple of years ago while working, and their first date was a quintessentially British, afternoon tea. ⁠
⁠
They fell in love and the rest is history as they say!⁠
⁠
When they originally booked their wedding for early June 2020, they were to have 120 guests, with all the trimmings of a hispanic celebration. But the arrival of Covid-19 meant they had to postpone like so many of you out there. ⁠
⁠
Not wanting to wait any longer, Fabio and Yolanda decided to ⁠
cut their numbers and hold an intimate ceremony, with an afternoon tea style wedding breakfast, with just a handful of their key wedding party guests.⁠
⁠
They wed legally, just the two of them in a private office ceremony for 6 in their local registry office, a couple of days before their wedding. With the backlog of postponed weddings, the pair just couldn't get their registrars and their venue bookings to line up, so they chose to spend a little extra on hiring a professional celebrant to conduct the wedding ceremony at the Kings Chapel, in Old Amersham. ⁠
⁠
They eventually wed on a chilly but sunny October afternoon, with their celebrant in the Kings Chapel, lovingly surrounded by their wedding party of 10. ⁠
⁠
Fabio and Yolanda's style reflects their coupledom which is quiet, with understated elegance. Simple yet striking, making thier choice in wedding venue a reflection on themselves. ⁠
⁠
Built in 1677, the Chapel is steeped in elegance and history and exudes the perfect English-country vibe, perfect for a vintage afternoon tea wedding. ⁠
⁠
Stay tuned to follow more of Fabio and Yolandas' story this week...

27/01/2021

What works well when planning your tables:

Ok so weddings will likely be smaller this year and you will have less tables to worry about than pre-covid.

But you still want them to look stunning and you still want them to be functional.

What do you mean by functional, Jenny?

A functional table is one where your guests don't need to move anything in order to eat or communicate with each other.

Posh venues have a habit of serving food on beautiful ornate crockery. Or wooden boards, or slate (you get the idea)

One challenge I used to come up against alot in my luxury hotel days, was when the beautiful ornate starter was served on an oblong plate. Typically the couple would have 3 courses, but sometimes included 5 courses and very rarely 7!

That my friends is alot of cutlery on the table, even with switching cutlery out and using inventive ways to deliver extra cutlery to the table!

When we first got those plates, chef planned the look of the desert with the plate width ways, but the reality was, the first couple of times those babies were served was length ways as it's the only way they would fit on the table! 🙈

The guests didn't know and it wasn't a major deal to us in front of house, but chef wasn't happy (and there's nowt much worse than an unhappy chef!)

The other thing that makes a table functional is its centrepiece.

All too often I would see floral centerpieces gifted from a family member, who hadn't really discussed with their florist that they would be used on a table with guests.

Your centre piece, whatever it is needs to be below or above average head height so your guests can communicate without moving them.

Finally, paper stationery and napkins, on your table v tealights and candles.

It's very easy for your guests who are having a great time possibly had a bit of alcohol to absent mindedly put a linen napkin on a lit candle (yes I know! 😭)

If you choose real tealights, place them away away from each other..I've put many a fire out on guest tables!!

I hope those tips have been helpful?

What else would you like me to write about? Leave a comment below or DM me 👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾👇🏿

26/01/2021

Why are you so expensive?

This is me. This is why I'm worth what I charge:

🌸 7 years of education up to masters level IN EVENT MANAGEMENT, CATERING AND HOSPITALITY
🌸 1 BIIAB retail license to sell alcohol & up to 50 Temporary event notices a year
🌸 22+ years experience in weddings, events, hospitality and catering
🌸 I personally ran 70 weddings in one year (many Friday, Saturday, and Sunday weddings, mostly between March to October) and that's without the added conferences & other celebrations in between!
🌸 Assistant manager of a conference and banqueting department that turned over £2million that year alone, never mind the rest of the hotel
🌸 Logistics queen: managing supervisors to run events in 12 rooms over 3 floors, day in and day out sometimes with turn arounds
🌸 The most expensive wedding I personally ran: £120,000
🌸 2 years as the director of an outside catering business at just 23 years old, turning over £250,000
🌸 Wedding operations manager at a small family hotel in Essex
🌸 Further learning with business coaches and event education such as the wedding academy
🌸 Business insurance
🌸 Storage for hire items
🌸 Customer CRM system to streamline my customer process and give my clients that VIP feel from the outset
🌸 Other business costs such as website, advertising, design tools

DM me to work with me 💁🏻‍♀️

24/01/2021

Let's talk about buffets...

I'm in a few Bridal groups as you can imagine, and one question I see time and again is: "Is this [insert wedding item here] tacky?"

The question this time was, "I want a buffet at my wedding, but my MOH told me it would look tacky, what do you think?"

Listen now...

🗣️ ONE MAN'S JUNK IS ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE!

Some people will always say something is tacky. I say, do you and stuff what the others think. Are they really your people if they're bitching about your wedding? Are they paying for it? No? Then be quiet and accept the privilege it is to be invited to a wedding (especially in these times!)

Some of my best training on running luxe weddings came whilst working at a small luxury hotel. We generally had two types of wedding clients; Those that had enough money to make various demands of us and we would just 'get it done' and those who had saved up their entire working life to have their dream wedding in our dreamy venue. I loved working with both types for different reasons, but that's a post for another day.

The best training I ever received was this:

Ask the bride and groom what is important to them, and get it done, but don't just get it done, go above and beyond and go the extra mile.

There was never once a question on whether a buffet was tacky, because we produced Pinterest ready buffets!

Here's a visual representation and some pro tips to ensure your next buffet looks the part.

Compare the bottom photo to the other two. Notice how uninspiring it is, even though the actual food looks well put together? Now look at the top photos. They have all the elements I describe below:

🌸 Pro tip one: Utilise the height and shape of different foods next to each other
🌸 Pro tip two: Use different size, shape and texture (food grade) receptacles to display the food
🌸 Pro tip three: Place some receptacles at different heights to create more texture on the table.

These little tweaks are so, so simple yet so effective. They are the difference between a stunning Pinterest ready buffet and an 80's serviceman's club buffet.

If you would like more tips like this, join my new Facebook group,

23/01/2021

Thought I'd just drop this lovely testimonial from Jo here.

This goes back to my time as company director of an outside catering business between 2004-2006.

I was fresh out of my event management degree and making waves, converting about 80% of the contracts we quoted for.

We worked with this venue for nearly 2 years organising the various functions and was one of my favourite past clients.

"As functions organiser at my previous place of work, [Private Education Establishment] I was expected to put on high quality, fantastic functions ranging from Leavers’ Balls to House Dinners and Staff Christmas parties. I loved working with Jenny and her team. Jenny was a wealth of knowledge and always seemed to know ‘someone’ who could fulfil even my craziest wish list from magicians to musicians and makers of amazing food, drinks and even ice sculptures! Jenny is warm and efficient and nothing is too much trouble for your function. I would highly recommend her."

Credit List:

Planner & Styling:
Photography:
Venue:
Florals & Table Decor
Tablewear

20/01/2021

I'm in the middle of dreaming up some styled shoots to add to my portfolio and show the types of weddings I want to plan in the near future.

For one of them I'm dreaming of a lush antique-rose, overhead tablescape with gold rimmed glass charger plates and vintage crystal glassware 😍

How are you planning on decorating your table/s?

16/01/2021

Take me to a magical land where the fairytale never ends ✨

This year will undoubtedly see many outside weddings continuing as a trend as we prepare to marry and celebrate in smaller family and friend circles.

One things for sure, we've had a massive realisation this past year of the things that REALLY matter to us, and nothing means more than family. (Not forgetting that friends are the family we choose for ourselves)

Smaller weddings need not be any "less" than their larger counterparts.

A smaller headcount usually means the spend per-head can increase, meaning couples get to explore their unique coupledom creativity more and include elements within their wedding that may have been ridiculous to try and achieve with bigger numbers.

For example, that extravagant cocktail that reminds you of your favourite holiday, that your previous venue said was too difficult to replicate well for 150 people, can now be made with ease for your smaller number of guests.

That opulent overhead tablescape is a certainty, AND you can heavily personalise favours and gifts for your special attendees!

Celebrating your love may not look how you initially envisioned it this year, but together we can make your wedding extra special.

DM me today to start planning your wedding 🌸

*Caption inspired by DJ Sava feat. IOVA - Magical Place (DJ Dark & MD DJ remix)

01/01/2021

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a good one? Personally I found it a bit weird and I very much look forward to seeing in future new year celebrations around my loved ones again!

I'm just sitting here working and it's got me all excited about this year's wedding season. (sounds weird I know, with so much uncertainty) However and weddings will be going ahead, most likely in the summer months and now is the ideal time to start planning if you haven't already.

In terms of wedding trends this year, I think we can be sure that 21 will follow closely to 2020 in terms of guest numbers. Most of my bookings for larger weddings are in 2022, but I think many couples have had time to re-evaluate what they really want from their special day should they not wish to wait another year.

One thing we can be sure of is that most of us will reduce our numbers.

Some of us will do a two part-er (my own wedding has been postponed and we want the big party still, so will probably do a sequel wedding ourselves!)

One thing all of us will do is look to how we can make our cosy wedding gatherings extra special for those in attendance using decor and little extras.

Organising a smaller, more intimate affair doesn't mean you need to compromise on guest experience.

I have over 20 years experience in weddings, events and hospitality and I would love to help you design your special day!

My website is currently being rebuilt so you can message me here to see how we can work together.

Wishing you every joy, love and success this year.

With love,

Jenny
Dellicate Events 🌸

31/12/2020

Walking into your 2021 micro-wedding journey like: 😍👌🥂🍾
Lofinda Blog - Christmas shoot 🌲
With thanks to our gorgeous team 😍✨

Venue:
Events Planner & Styling: .fioreevents
Events Planner: me!
Styling: .ko
Photography: .by.liz
Decor: .ko
Make up: .mua
Hair:
Dresses:
Accessories:
Suits:
Stationery:
Cake:
Female models: landaslabrynth
Male models:

30/12/2020

I'm not sure who wrote this, but I couldn't agree more!

I suspect we will have a few more waves of lockdowns to go yet before normality, but I look forward to being proved wrong 💕

22/12/2020

As we head into the last few days before Christmas, I can't help but sit here and reflect upon the year we've had; both as a covid bride myself and as a wedding and event planner.

I count myself lucky that it has only been my income and some of my sanity that's been affected. I haven't lost anyone close to me, but I have witnessed many people lose their loved ones. My heart truly goes out to all of you.

I have said this many times over the last 9 months or so, and I will keep saying this until things go back to normal.

Don't be afraid to have a small ceremony now and prepare for a big bash and vow renewal later.

Why? Below are some key reasons, legal, spiritual and financially why it might work in your favour:

Being legally married you have so much more protection in place financially than if you were common-law.

Spiritually (for all you believers out there) you have a greater divine protection because "a three-fold cord is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Financially - in the UK you can get a registry office legal marriage ceremony for less than £150. This cost is for both marriage licences, 2 marriage certificates, and there is 6 of you in attendance (2 registrars, you both getting married and 2 witnesses)

If you are already legally married ahead of your future ceremony, you have one less thing item that's utterly dependent on being in place on the same day, should you have to move it.

You can instead hire a professional celebrant (or choose a special person) to conduct the ceremony for you, and you can go ahead and choose your venue without needing to sync dates with a registrar.

This way currently provides more freedom in your venue choice as it no longer needs to be licensed.

In the mean time, for those of you choosing to go ahead with an elopement or micro-wedding, we wish you the very best and huge congratulations

22/12/2020

Our Christmas Shoot as featured in Lofinda

With thanks to our amazing team 😍🌲✨

Venue:
Events Planner & Styling: .fioreevents
Events Planner: me!
Styling: .ko
Photography: .by.liz
Decor: .ko
Make up: .mua
Hair:
Dresses:
Accessories:
Suits:
Stationery:
Cake:
Female models: landaslabrynth
Male models:

07/12/2020

Now this is exciting!

I reached out to Merihan earlier in the week to see how she was doing, as I was writing up some copy for my new website, and I had really enjoyed running her wedding, and we had become quite close, right from her menu tasting, all the way through to her special day.

Well, I have a full testimonial coming later which I'll share but for now, here's a lovely word from one of my past clients during my time at a rather lovely small, luxury hotel.

Referring back to my post about being baptised into the Coptic Orthodox Church, what I didn't mention then is that I could speak a little bit of Arabic (shway shwaya) (Also, I'm rusty now, please don't test me lol)

Merihan and her family speak Arabic so as a surprise I got the words 'congratulations' or rather 'Alef Mabrook!' Piped in chocolate on the rim of hers and her new husband's desert plate.

I love thinking about ways I can go the extra mile for my clients.

If you are looking to get married and would like the extra special touch, please message me so I can find out all about your dream day and how I can help you 💜

28/11/2020

I'm so pleased to finally share photos from our styled shoot from October, where I had the pleasure of assisting my good friend Sommy, the owner/director of M.Fiore Events. (read more about her and M. Fiore in the blog)

Although I've been working in weddings for 22 years, this was my first styled shoot (where have I been hiding, right?)

Just 2 weeks into organising this particular my partner and I had to up and move quicker than previously expected as the house had been sold! (I mean, what could possibly go wrong?!) Thankfully nothing, but it meant I couldn't be there on the day, but could instead concentrate on the other two shoots we were also organising for the week after.

Have a read and I hope you enjoy. I'm very much looking forward to sharing our other styled shoots once they have been published. I will share a few sneak peaks in the lead up to this (expected mid to late January 2021)

Huge thank you to all the wonderful suppliers we had the pleasure to work with, and also to Lòfinda Wedding Directory for featuring us.

If you need help organising your wedding, please send me a message and I'll be excited to hear all about your wedding plans.

With Love, Jenny
Dellicate Events x
https://www.lofinda.co.uk/blog/m-fiore-events-event-wedding-planning/

M.Fiore Events is a UK based Wedding and Events Planning company, specialising in "making your individuality become reality", showcasing who you are

26/11/2020

Today's latest announcement means wedding *ceremonies* can go ahead in all Tiers, up to 15 people (not including workers) from 2nd December.

This will be reviewed bi-weekly.

In Tier 2. Hospitality businesses selling food or drink for consumption on their premises are required to:

*Provide table service only, in premises which sell alcohol
*Close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, transport services and motorway service areas are exempt)
*Stop taking orders after 10pm

In Tier 3, Hospitality businesses must close completely, meaning that wedding *receptions* can no longer take place whilst in Tier 3!

We know this is going to be a blow to many of you, and us suppliers alike.

It's getting tiring saying this, but we are so so sorry again.

If anyone wants to talk and just have a wedding pro just listen, (I won't try to sell you anything) please message me and we can speak on the phone.

Wishing you love and comfort in this time.

Jenny Dell

Dellicate Events