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.
(9)

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.

On the whole, I'm here talking to couples about how to plan their weddings, which I love to do but sometimes my chats wi...
21/10/2024

On the whole, I'm here talking to couples about how to plan their weddings, which I love to do but sometimes my chats with couples throw up some interesting points for suppliers to consider.

A regular moan I hear is how long some suppliers take to come back to them. I know suppliers often complain about ghosting but this is a problem that works both ways.
A similar issue is that suppliers sometimes say they're going to do something or send something but then don't. Couples often don't want to feel like they're pestering suppliers, but we can all help each other by giving clear guidance on when and how things will be done.
A venue specific complaint, is an inflexible attitude to some aspect of their day; whether it's the use of suppliers, or timings on the day, to menus with no allowance for dietary requirements. Some of these can be dealt with through explaining why things are done a certain way, others might be a deal breaker for the venue so a friendly parting of ways may be necessary.

Some complaints I hear are of course all about the costs, why things cost so much. I love to talk with suppliers about this because by understanding how things work at your end puts me in a better position to share this reasoning with my couples.

I'm here to support couples and suppliers alike. Do you have a wedding peeve you'd like answers to, let me know and see if I can come up with an answer x

It was my absolute pleasure to support A and J on their big day a couple of Saturdays ago. Oh yes the 21st of September....
05/10/2024

It was my absolute pleasure to support A and J on their big day a couple of Saturdays ago. Oh yes the 21st of September.

My first time at this stunning venue and wow. So many beautiful features and gorgeous grounds for photographs.

A and J had my on-the-day coordination package, which had me overseeing final setups and supplier arrivals, starting the ceremony, setting up welcome drinks, looking after the guests and couple, final sorting of room change rounds, coordinating timings at each stage, setting up & portioning the cake, collecting glasses, supporting the bar and catering teams, but most importantly just generally being available and supporting the couple with whatever they needed.

I had a blast working with mum Kerry, who created the flowers and decorations
The ceremony was led by
provided the bar
supplied the delicious daytime barbeque
The glorious grazing table by

And I cannot wait to see the official photographs from

Common wedding questions.Should you tip your wedding suppliers? I'm not a big fan of tipping culture, it's complicated, ...
02/10/2024

Common wedding questions.

Should you tip your wedding suppliers?

I'm not a big fan of tipping culture, it's complicated, and often times used to cover up for poor pay. And sometimes it's forced on you without you realising. So, what is the etiquette for tipping wedding suppliers?
Firstly, I think it's safe to say that in the UK we don't automatically expect a tip for the services we provide, and secondly, I don't know a single wedding supplier who would demand one.
If you feel a supplier has gone above and beyond in the service they've provided then, I'm sure a tip would be very much appreciated.
A tip to the catering and or bar team should be equally split between them, but don't forget that there is probably a team of people in the kitchen that you won't have seen and they deserve to be included.
If you're not sure how many people are hidden away behind the scenes, just ask.

There's no such thing as too much or too little when it comes to ad hoc tipping, everything is appreciated but most especially it's the thought that counts.

And if you can't afford to tip, a heart felt thank you card, or a review on Google or Bridebook or their page, will work just as well.

And if you're still not sure what to do, go with your gut instinct, it was probably right to begin with. x

A couple of top tips if you're about to embark on your wedding planning journey. When making your first enquiries, a lot...
07/09/2024

A couple of top tips if you're about to embark on your wedding planning journey.
When making your first enquiries, a lot of your suppliers and venues are going to ask you the same questions. These are generally:
Do you have a date?
How many guests?
Any other information you can provide?

If you're not yet set on a specific date, it is well worth mentioning a preferred time of year if nothing else. If you're totally flexible, that is also well worth mentioning, so your suppliers/venues can let you know where their gaps are.
Number of guests might also be flexible at the early stages but it's always a good idea to have a ballpark figure ready - you don't want to fall in love with a venue that really isn't going to meet your minimum requirements.

It's absolutely fine in the early stages to not know everything you possibly want for your wedding day, but it's also a good idea to know your comfort points on cost and a few key must haves - these might be more about how you want to feel on the day (low faff, no stress, family oriented) or practical things (wheelchair accessible, all in one place, hotel rooms for all your guests).

If this all feels a little bit overwhelming, don't worry, everyone gets those moments, but you might also consider how a planner like me can take on the responsibilities of searching for your ideal venue or suppliers and dealing with all the negotiations and more.

Get in touch today to book your free, no obligation fact-finding chat. X

Think I'm in denial that it's September already, this year is passing by so quickly. It's nearly the official end of out...
04/09/2024

Think I'm in denial that it's September already, this year is passing by so quickly.
It's nearly the official end of outdoor wedding season. A new school year for so many is now underway and routines need to change again.
I had so many ideas about what I would be getting up to this month and nearly none of them are happening, in a good way. My quiet month after the busy summer isn't quite as quiet as I thought it might be. That said I still have some free slots coming up for my one hour wedding/event consultations. So, if you want to untangle your to-do list, get organised for the next few months of planning, or figure out how to get started, now is the time to get something in the diary. Dm me today to book yours and get back on track x

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

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Your Wedding Friend posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Your Wedding Friend:

Videos

Share

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