Your Wedding Friend

Your Wedding Friend If you're planning a wedding or event, no matter how small, and need a hand getting started, or had your helpers let you down, Your Wedding Friend is here.
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My aim is help out couples who are struggling to plan their special day. Everyone knows time is precious and although everyone has dreams of a perfect wedding day not everyone has the capacity and skills to make it happen by themselves. I also know that sometimes friends and family say they'll help but are suddenly unavailable when the need arises. I'm offering a helping hand, a confidante for tho

se planning a secret, advice and support for those who need it, when they need it. No need to book 2 years in advance. If you suddenly find yourself struggling to get things ready I'm here for you. I am a friend at a time of greatest need. Alternately, if you need a bit more support from the start, I'm available to guide you through the early stage panic (so much to do and where to start!?) all the way to the final dance.

One of the first things I learnt at one of my first weddings was to check that the most important guests were in the roo...
24/08/2024

One of the first things I learnt at one of my first weddings was to check that the most important guests were in the room ready for the ceremony.

The couple and their best people are obvious; you can spot who they are and immediately know if they're missing. But, if you can't go ahead without great aunt Tessy or the grandparents or someone else I'm unlikely to know, then I need to be aware.

It all came about because I was ready to cue the music, the registrars were in position, and then suddenly someone says 'oh hang on, X is missing'.

And now I always ask.

If you have vips that are missing, we can wait if necessary, but registrars will only be able to wait so long. And if we have to go ahead without them I will do my best to sneak them in at the next best moment, to cause the least disruption.

Throwback picture to one of those early weddings back in 2014. X

Oo this makes me so happy. Literally every time I receive a note like this I do a little happy dance. Thank you Kezzie a...
21/08/2024

Oo this makes me so happy. Literally every time I receive a note like this I do a little happy dance.

Thank you Kezzie and Tom you were an absolute pleasure to work with, plus that picture was perfect!

This fabulous couple booked my Helping Hands on the day co-ordination support. A total of about 18 hours of my support in advance and on the actual day. If your budget won't stretch to 10s or 100s of hours of support don't panic. It's perfectly possible to plan brilliant days with just the right amount of support for you.

Congratulations again and best wishes for a long and happy future together x

The power hour is back for September. Do you have a wedding (or other big event) planning problem you'd love to get an e...
19/08/2024

The power hour is back for September.

Do you have a wedding (or other big event) planning problem you'd love to get an expert ear on?

If so an hour with me might be just what you need.

Struggling to get motivated with the planning? Or finding suppliers difficult to work with, if you can even find a good one that's available on your date? Maybe your guest list is giving you sleepless nights; that table plan won't work itself out.

Whatever your current problem, there's nothing my friendly ear and event planning knowledge can't help you with.

Special offer of just £50 will get you set on track and bring back peace of mind.
Message today to book your slot at a time that's convenient to you 😊 x

It's not often I do throw back anniversary posts but with the sun out yesterday, I had to look back to Laura and John's ...
14/08/2024

It's not often I do throw back anniversary posts but with the sun out yesterday, I had to look back to Laura and John's fabulous Lego themed wedding on 13th August 2022.

Happy Anniversary to you both.

This was such a fun wedding to work on and a fantastic couple to work with. But you can tell that just by looking at these photos right?

More of the same please X

Behind the scenes at your wedding, staff have see everything. And I mean everything. More experienced staff will have se...
04/08/2024

Behind the scenes at your wedding, staff have see everything. And I mean everything. More experienced staff will have seen so much that they can tell a lot about what's going to happen next.
Shifty people always raise suspicion early on even when they think they're not being shifty. Body language gives away so much.
But it's not all negative, there's the positive stuff too. My personal favourite is seeing two people who are just starting to get to know each other, the slightly drunken flirting or the people in a corner really getting deep in conversation. It's lovely. And of course it makes for a lovely story of how they met.

The stories we could share about what you don't see on your wedding day. It'd make you laugh. It could make you cry. But if you really want the lowdown, talk to us staff.
But the most important story is the one you tell after all is said and done x

The other day, a lovely colleague introduced me to this fantastical little spot in Redbourn. Not only did we enjoy yummy...
10/07/2024

The other day, a lovely colleague introduced me to this fantastical little spot in Redbourn. Not only did we enjoy yummy cake, but I got to see the upstairs meeting and party space. If you know me at all, you'll know I love quirky spaces, and you don't much quirkier than the Alice in Wonderland themed Queen of Herts.

Swipe through to see some of the fabulous details of the space, and see if you can spot - thanks for the introduction Kelly. Lovely to catch up as always.

Do you own or know of any quirky spaces you think I should check out? Let me know. And if you need help with finding a quirky space for your wedding, please get in touch x

Do you ever look at Pinterest or a wedding magazine and wish they included some approximate prices for creating the look...
08/07/2024

Do you ever look at Pinterest or a wedding magazine and wish they included some approximate prices for creating the looks?
Prices vary wildly around the UK, let alone around the world, so including this useful information is nearly impossible to do with any accuracy unfortunately.
And in these days of ai created imagery, it can also actually be impossible to recreate them in real life. Some images must be viewed with caution. So, if you see something that you love, save it, use it for the feel for inspiration, but don't get stuck on trying the exactly reproduce what you see.

If you need help creating a mood board for your big day plans, I'd be more than happy to lend you my Helping Hands. And I know some amazing suppliers who can make your wedding dreams come true. X

I couldn't just let   pass without note. It is by far my favourite ingredient and I take it very seriously. Are you a ch...
07/07/2024

I couldn't just let pass without note. It is by far my favourite ingredient and I take it very seriously.
Are you a chocolate lover like me? Would you like help planning a chocolate themed wedding? I'd totally be up for that.

There are many ways to make chocolate the main feature of your wedding, even on a hot summer day. Let's talk and turn your choccie wedding dream into a reality. X

A question for you couples. What would you say is the number one thing that draws you to a venue? Is the location? Or ma...
06/07/2024

A question for you couples.
What would you say is the number one thing that draws you to a venue?
Is the location?
Or maybe their accommodation?
Could it be the food options/flexibility to do your own?
Is it the range of all inclusive package? Or the ability to design your wedding just the way you want it?
Is it purely the price?

If you can pin it down, what would you say is the one main deciding factor that makes or breaks you going for one venue over another?

Or is it a complicated combination of factors?

Or just maybe could it be something more intangible, a wow factor, something that triggers your heart?

I'd love to know your thoughts. Feel free to dm them to me or share them below. X

What an utterly brilliant day for Tom and Kezzie. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor ceremony an...
30/06/2024

What an utterly brilliant day for Tom and Kezzie. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor ceremony and lots of outdoor activities. So, many great suppliers involved in this, but all the signs and details were created by the couple and their talented friends and family.

Congratulations to the happy couple and thank you for choosing me to support your big day. X

As we're well a truly into summer wedding season, I thought it was worth touching upon a couple of common questions when...
28/06/2024

As we're well a truly into summer wedding season, I thought it was worth touching upon a couple of common questions when it comes to summer food and who to feed.
If you're planning your food offer around the season, it's worth considering how that will look and feel for your guests. The UK weather is never guaranteed so will your outdoor served bbq still work on a rainy/windy day? How can you adapt it with you caterers so that they don't have to be stuck out in the rain? Awnings, mini marquees or gazebos placed near to your indoor or covered seating will definitely help you and your guests to stay comfortable.
Will your guests really want to eat a 3 course roast/hot dinner on a hot day? Possibly not, but can you offer a cold or light starter and dessert? Something that is less heavy will help with guests comfort.
So, who should you be feeding on your wedding day? You and your guests are obvious, though some younger guests might prefer snacks on the go rather than a full meal. Also, don't forget those suppliers who are also with you all day. Your photographer/s and videographer will be carrying around enough kit, it really is the kindest thing to offer them so food so they're not also dragging that round with them. It might also be in the contract of some of your suppliers so make sure you read those contracts thoroughly.

For more personalised wedding planning advice, message me directly and we can arrange a free 30 minute chat. X

Happy Summer Solstice. Does it finally actually feel summery where you are? It does here, so I've finally had to dig out...
20/06/2024

Happy Summer Solstice.
Does it finally actually feel summery where you are? It does here, so I've finally had to dig out the summer support. The factor 50 lives in my bag now and I can't go anywhere without a fan.

You could diy fans for your wedding using card printed with your order of the day or a fun quiz, and sticks you can get from Hobbycraft. I've seen some lovely ones that were put to good use by some very grateful guests.

I have lots of tips of small and diys you can do for your wedding, and thoughts on how to keep the costs down too. DM me via the link if you want a chat about your x

One of the things about having a wedding planner as well as the venues coordinator is that it means you can have someone...
07/06/2024

One of the things about having a wedding planner as well as the venues coordinator is that it means you can have someone nearby at all times.
I recently coordinated a wedding where I was needed in two places at once, due to an unexpected situation. If you have a venues wedding coordinator, their priority will be focused on venue related issues, whereas my focus will be on you.

For uncomplicated weddings under 150 people, it will just be me you get. If you're using one main room of a venue and things need to be moved around within a time frame, you'll need a team. Whether this team includes the venue coordinator or the catering team, you will need the right number of people to make it happen.

The key is that we all work Together to make it happen - you, me, and everyone else behind the scenes. The point I'm trying to make is, many hands make light work, but only if they're the right hands in the first place.

Ask me. If you think you need an extra pair of friendly hands on your wedding, just ask me. X

What happens if things aren't running to plan? Well, the first thing is not to panic. Things happen. Someone's forgotten...
05/06/2024

What happens if things aren't running to plan?
Well, the first thing is not to panic.
Things happen. Someone's forgotten their tie/the music/the right shoes, or, the caterers aren't ready to serve exactly on time, or it's supposed to be an outdoor ceremony but now it's raining/too hot?

So many things are happening on your wedding day that sometimes something gets missed.
Having a wet/hot weather plan in place ahead of time, just means the plan is put into action.
Forgotten music: is it on a Spotify list? Can you get access on another device? Probably a pretty quick fix if you can get Internet access.
Timings can shift. Maybe do the speeches Before food instead of after, or maybe you built a bit of extra time into the original plan so a few minutes late serving won't dent the rest of the timeline.
Can someone else loan you some shoes for the day?

You get the idea.
Keeping a cool head and having the expert on your side means you don't need to worry. One way or another
things can usually be worked out. X

How gorgeous are these teaser pics from last weekends wedding I helped plan? Toddington Park is such a stunning location...
27/05/2024

How gorgeous are these teaser pics from last weekends wedding I helped plan? Toddington Park is such a stunning location any time of the year but looks especially lovely at the moment.
Thank you Angela Leeding Photography for the preview x

It's been a couple of years in the making, but an absolute pleasure to help Karen and Damon through to their big day on ...
19/05/2024

It's been a couple of years in the making, but an absolute pleasure to help Karen and Damon through to their big day on Saturday. Wonderful weather meant we could make the most of with drinks and canapes served outside.
And I had the pleasure of working with some of my favourite suppliers.
provided the gorgeous chair drapes and lace table cloths, as well as the matching easels.
was our magnificent celebrant - never a boring ceremony with a celebrant in charge.
Flowers and bouquets by the lovely
The marvellous provided the ceremony music, background music for the wedding breakfast, and the evenings entertainment.
Vintage China, napkins and cutlery by Little Vintage Teacup
Food was provided by and .uk
Venue Toddington Park

Centrepieces by our gorgeous bride!

And I absolutely cannot wait to see the results of the work of our photographer

Congratulations Karen and Damon. And best wishes for a wonderful life together x

As I sit here trying to log on to Netflix so I can get going on the new season of Bridgerton, I'm reminded that this tim...
16/05/2024

As I sit here trying to log on to Netflix so I can get going on the new season of Bridgerton, I'm reminded that this time back in 2021 I had the privilege of working with an amazing group of suppliers on this Bridgerton inspired shoot. These behind the scenes shots don't do justice to the final images but it was such a fun day. And I got to push my sewing skills by making our gorgeous grooms cravat.

Organised and designed and stunning florals by
Cake by
Beautiful dress by the awesome
The real pictures were taken by
Tiaras by (may have tried on one or two coz you know).
Celebrant was
Favours by

Loved everything about this shoot and cannot wait for the new season x

I like to keep up with what is trending with weddings so I follow several important industry specialists but I also foll...
14/05/2024

I like to keep up with what is trending with weddings so I follow several important industry specialists but I also follow news updates about weddings. In 9 out of 10 news posts I see there's always some drama attached, even if it's just a celebrity wedding announcement. Some guest dressed 'inappropriately', someone who said something outrageously bad or good, the aita bride or guest shaming, but the rabbit hole that always sucks me in are the ones about guests who refuse to attend a wedding because [insert request/demand/action here].
You see, there are certain guest accommodations that are not unreasonable to ask, such as dietary needs, wheelchair accessibility, family friendly spaces, etc. And then there are guest demands that are just rude, like expecting you to change your entire menu because the two of them are vegan, or asking you to allow just their kids at your child free wedding, or asking you to change the flavour of your cake because they don't like that flavour.

Yes, I've become a bit obsessed but I thought it might be handy for you to know how I've dealt with some of these. Because I can be your bad guy when these sorts of demands come in. I can handle guest replies for you so you don't have to. I can distract difficult guests and be the one they go to on the day with their questions/complaints. I can be the bearer of bad news. I've dealt with my share of moaners and drunks. I've also had to deal with some very unsavoury situations, because that's what I do.

Your wedding should be a fun stress free day, and that is why sometimes it pays to have a planner take on the strain x

DIY isn't always cheaper but it can be deeply satisfying. It can also get overwhelming. If in the early days of your wed...
12/05/2024

DIY isn't always cheaper but it can be deeply satisfying. It can also get overwhelming.
If in the early days of your wedding planning you decide to DIY as much as possible, but then it suddenly starts to get to be too much, you don't have to continue ploughing on regardless. Only you know what you were going to do yourselves so at any time you could find an alternative way.
Maybe find something someone else has made and is selling on a wedding marketplace. Or get some advice from a professional - many decorators will hire things to you on a self set up basis, making the hire fee a little lower than if they'd set it up for you.
You are the only ones that might miss anything you ditch altogether because the budget just isn't there anymore. Borrow, buy or blag, but don't add more stress than you need to x

One of the things we talk about in the business world is how you can't please everybody. The same holds true in your wed...
09/05/2024

One of the things we talk about in the business world is how you can't please everybody. The same holds true in your wedding planning. There will be aspects of your wedding that some of your guests won't like or won't understand. From your theme to your decor, to your food choices, or table placements. You can tie yourself in knots if you spend too much time trying to make sure everyone will be happy 100% of the time. Here's the super power, there's no point in trying to please the unpleaseable. Every family has one; the perfectionist whose opinion seems to matter more than anyone else. Don't focus all your energy on trying to make them happy, do what makes you happy. And remember, if they're the only one whinging about the canapés selection then that means everyone else is happy, and that's what counts. So long as your happy, it's a success! X

In ongoing efforts to make weddings less wasteful, I've been thinking about what happens to all the gorgeous flowers at ...
03/05/2024

In ongoing efforts to make weddings less wasteful, I've been thinking about what happens to all the gorgeous flowers at the end of the day.
Surely, there are better things to do with them than just bin them, like so many people do?
Here are some of my thoughts.
1) make a point of gifting them to specific guests, or
2) let guests generally know if they can take them - making sure that anything that belongs to a florist or decorator is not also taken.
3) break displays down to make bunches that you can take to a care home or hospice - especially if they are connected to you in some way, you could gift them as a thank you to the staff.
4) have them placed on loved ones grave, make sure this is allowed by the cemetery first.

What would you suggest?

Most wedding florals are so fresh that they will have a good 7 days of life left in them (assuming they're kept in a bit of water).
I recently saw a florist breaking down displays and creating lovely new bouquets for guests to take away at the end of the night, which I thought was a great idea. X

Peonys are one of my favourite flowers. This one regularly appears in my garden - though it's a bit behind this year. An...
01/05/2024

Peonys are one of my favourite flowers. This one regularly appears in my garden - though it's a bit behind this year. And that's my top May tip for you today. Seasonal flowers sourced locally are massively effected by the weather and climate. Our local growers do their absolute best to plant and nurture and bring plants on in time for your wedding. But, if you're going for a low carbon footprint for your wedding you just need to be a little flexible about what flowers will be ready on time.

And if you need an introduction to some great local growers/florists for your wedding, get in touch ASAP.

I have a small window of availability this month for 121s, consultations or even on-the-day coordination (10th/11th, 24th May only for on-the-day). X

I don't work with bridezillas. A quick look at any articles that appear in the press would have you believe that pretty ...
12/04/2024

I don't work with bridezillas.

A quick look at any articles that appear in the press would have you believe that pretty much every bride is (or at least has the capacity to be labelled) a bridezilla.

The reality in my experience is that most brides, and grooms, just feel a huge amount of pressure to make sure their wedding day is absolutely perfect in every way. And that pressure can come from a variety of sources - family and friends, social media, the vision they've had of their wedding since they were 12 years old...

The thing is, unless you're regularly planning events, you're expecting to know things that you just don't at this point. And that's ok.

Whether it's how to set a budget, how to engage with suppliers and when, who to trust, understanding what is normal, dealing with family drama/disagreement...

you get the picture.

I've helped with all the above and a lot more besides. The key to it all is lists.

Start with a shortlist if you're easily overwhelmed - stop when you've written down 5 things you need to do. Do those 5 things, then write down 5 more things and so on.

At some point you'll have a big master list that you can refer back to but keep it as simple as possible and delegate where you can. Start with a venue and a date.

It is absolutely possible to find suppliers in under X number of weeks, so don't panic if you realise that something or someone is missing.

I can help you on all aspects of your big day so if you need to rent a friend to keep you from becoming a zilla, just get in touch x

Feels like time for a DIY Wedding top tip,  as I haven't done one for a fair while. If you're planning on designing your...
06/04/2024

Feels like time for a DIY Wedding top tip, as I haven't done one for a fair while.
If you're planning on designing your own stationery with something like Canva, make sure you get someone you can trust to do the proof reading. It's really hard/impossible to proof read things you've written yourself, even if you view it in a slightly different format. One look through my social posts will show you that I don't have someone else proof reading what I write and nine times out of ten I won't spot a mistake until it's gone live or someone else points it out to me.
And don't trust AI to get it 100% accurate either!

And if it all seems too much like hard work, I know some amazing stationers, who work in lots of different styles and can make sure all your stationery matches your theme. Get in touch, if you need help finding the best supplier for your job. X

No April Fool's here. Just honest optimism for hopefully a lovely summer full of gorgeous weddings. I have very limited ...
01/04/2024

No April Fool's here. Just honest optimism for hopefully a lovely summer full of gorgeous weddings. I have very limited availability up to September but I'm always happy to do power hour consultations to run through any problems you might be having with your wedding or event plans, or to research some fab suppliers for you.
So, get in touch if you want to book a one hour unpicking session. It might just give you the biggest sense of relief you've felt in months x

OK which clock did you forget to change? For me it's always the one in the car but given I hadn't changed it in October ...
31/03/2024

OK which clock did you forget to change? For me it's always the one in the car but given I hadn't changed it in October it's the one clock I don't need to fiddle with today!
Anyway, Happy Easter. I've been working most of the weekend but from midday today I am having some down time with family.

Hope you're having some nice family time too. X

OK, I'm going to show off my geeky side and also see if the theory is true that what you put out, you will bring in.I wo...
26/03/2024

OK, I'm going to show off my geeky side and also see if the theory is true that what you put out, you will bring in.

I would absolutely love to help a couple plan a Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit themed wedding. I've got so many ideas on how you could do this in subtle and not so subtle ways. I'm especially keen since my big New Zealand adventure and visit to Hobbiton (amazing) and the sites of Rivendell and Edoras (breathtaking).

So, who wants help bringing their Hobbity/elfish wedding dreams to life? Please get in touch x

Hey all. I'm back in the office today from 10am. Please bear with me whilst I catch up with all the emails. I will get b...
11/03/2024

Hey all. I'm back in the office today from 10am. Please bear with me whilst I catch up with all the emails. I will get back to everyone as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience x

The office is now closed for a couple of weeks. Replies to enquiries will be handled as quickly as possible when I'm bac...
20/02/2024

The office is now closed for a couple of weeks. Replies to enquiries will be handled as quickly as possible when I'm back.
I have a limited amount of availability remaining for this year, mainly in September (nothing in August or October). I will be taking enquiries for 2025, where I currently have lots of availability for weddings so don't panic.

See you in a few weeks x

Apologies for the radio silence this week. I've been under the weather so trying to rest up. I also need to let you know...
18/02/2024

Apologies for the radio silence this week. I've been under the weather so trying to rest up.
I also need to let you know that I'm planning some proper downtime away from t'internet from the middle of next week for a couple of weeks.
So, I've got lots to do over the next few days and then the Out Of Office will go on.

If you need something urgently you better get in quick. X

Ps hope you had a fab Valentines Day xx

Address

West Wing Studios
Luton
LU12TL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447801328639

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My Story

My aim is to help couples who are struggling to plan their special day. I know working and planning a wedding, especially if you have a family, is hard. Everyone knows time is precious and although everyone has dreams of a perfect wedding day not everyone has the time and skills to make it happen by themselves. I also know that sometimes friends and family say they'll help but are suddenly unavailable when the need arises. I'm offering a helping hand, a confidante for those planning a secret, advice and support for those who need it, when they need it. No need to book 2 years in advance. If you suddenly find yourself struggling to get things done I'm here for you. Whether it’s helping to finish a DIY project, or setting up tables and chairs on the big day, I am a friend at a time of greatest need. I won’t let you down. Alternately, if you’d like a bit more support from the start, I'm available to guide you through the early stage panic (so much to do and where to start!?) all the way to the final dance.

We work together on all the elements of your big day and make it happen, just the way you pictured it. Less stress. Less drama. Sanity saved. I’d love to help you so get in touch. X