Emerald Orchid Weddings

03/03/2024

After 14 long years, it’s time for me to hang up my wedding planning hat. I’ve adored… most of it. And I have made friends for life!

But other projects call me.

Plus I’ve missed my family too much, especially every single summer since C was born. That’ll stay with me a while I gotta say.

I have C+A’s wedding in May, then D+T in August. They’re aware of the changes, after all communication is key 🩵thanks for your understanding guys, you know we’re gonna party hard!

Good luck for the future & stay beautiful. Thanks for everything. Bxx

22/02/2024

This isn’t goodbye, yet //

I’ve not posted on here that much recently. I haven’t known what to say TBH. A lot of soul searching has been going on & life has been… I dunno. I’m in a good place don’t get me wrong, but I’ve had to remove myself from the online space & it’s toxicity.

I might come back properly but for now, I’ve chosen to look after me & my closest ones.

You can add me on for dog & shoe stories. or my chronically fabulous membership

🩵be kind to each other, you’re beautiful & loved. Well, most of you are. Some of you are arses & need a word with yourselves 😉gentle hugs. Bxx

17/02/2024

3 Reasons NOT to work with me (& 5 reasons your SHOULD!)

I really laughed putting this together. Why would I say you SHOULDN’T work with me? Well...

🥱If you like things serious & straight laced & boring, I’m not your girl.
🫥If you are happy to compromise on your vision for your wedding day & conform to what others think you should be doing, we’re not gonna agree.
😤If you like things made really complicated & frustrating, then nope. Sorry, not me!

BUT

💚If you love feeling supported & loved & like you’re the most important person in the world, pick me.
💚If you love having your ideas heard & your voice listened to, choose me.
💚If you want to enjoy your engagement & are looking forward to getting your free time back, I’m the one for you.
💚If you know you deserve you deserve your wedding day YOUR way, then PICK ME!

🥰I’m a force for all that’s good & fun in the wedding world.
I love your style, WHATEVER that looks like to you.
And I want to help as many people as I can, so offer a range of services that start at just £47.

There are only 3 reasons not to pick me, but a million reasons why I’m the one, I promise.

So, are YOU ready to say yes to creating a wedding day you’ll always remember for the right reasons? Then DM me to have a chat. I cannot wait to chat! With love always, Bxx

PS/ want to be the next Emerald Orchid wedding planner extraordinaire? Well there’s a way to do that too! Send a DM to chat xx

15/02/2024

💍Just engaged? Hot damn!💕

Already been tagged in 47 posts & been asked when, where & what to expect & been subjected to interrogation by everyone you’ve announced your engagement to?

Yep, I hear that 😂

Enjoy this time, you won’t get it back & there’s ZERO reason to put pressure on yourself to plan all the things right now.

Sure all us wedding suppliers are trying to catch your eye! After all, it’s our busiest time of the year for engagements.

But we’ll still be here in a couple of weeks or months, when you’ve let this fabulous change sink in.

Enjoy.
Don’t plan.
Sit & be together.

And I’ll see you in my inbox when YOU are ready.

Much love, Bxx

Real couple Lou & Oli, back in late May ‘23💕 lovely day with seriously cute couple!xx

14/02/2024

You are dearer to me than all the bats, in all the caves, in all the world 🦇

Morticia+Gomez, still one of my favourite couples! 🖤

who’s YOUR second favourite couple? Your first one being yourself & your gorgeous partner 😉

Bxx

13/02/2024

According to my diary, it's today! Now I don't know about you, but there is ALWAYS music in my office. Actually, in my home in general. Music forms the backdrop to every moment of my day, & to say my taste in tunes is eclectic is an understatement lol. My current obsession is Teddy Swims, plus I still have a big soft spot for Paloma :)
Anyone else have a soundtrack to their life? Or do you prefer the peace & quiet while you work? Bxx

11/02/2024

Rest.
Regroup.
Recoup.
Plan.
All the good things today. I love my Sundays off!

What are you up to today? However you spend it, I hope it brings you peace & joy. Bxx

09/02/2024

I haven't always been a wedding planner - even though it feels that way!

In fact, my background for 10 years was a mix of NHS work & corporate roles. VERY different to hospitality, but it's where I found my love of organising stuff.

When I left school following my A Levels, WAY back in 1998, I went straight into a PA role at a hospital, working for a director & becoming an integral part of the department. Every day was different, some days were infinitely more difficult than others (due to the nature of the dept I worked in) but I LOVED that job, & the fact I worked for a business that centred around care lit up my soul :)

Corporate roles were exciting & well paid, but that need to look after & help people never really got given a chance, so when I was made redundant & could retrain how I wanted... well that was a silver lining.

Going forward, I have a BIG change planned. Like HUGE, but at the centre? Still the need to look after people. That doesn't change.

Are you surprised to hear about my background? Or do some of the things I do, & my approach, now make sense? I'd love to know! Bxx

08/02/2024

I SEE YOU:
🤕Losing HOURS down a scroll-hole of wedding directories & social media accounts, looking for ideas - because let me tell you, you shouldn’t be!
❌Getting constant opinions & “helpful suggestions” from friends & family, whether or not you’ve asked for their input and it’s leaving you feeling more stressed than elated about planning your day.
✍🏻Planning like crazy but have now hit the wall? Unable to pick up your paperwork yet another time at risk of throwing it out the window? This was just NOT what you thought planning your dream day was all about.
🤨More than ever the need to enjoy the process, but all this wedmin is taking over and you'd rather be picking flowers, outfits and that epic playlist to hand over to the band.

Introducing 🌺The Orchid Sessions🌺

This is a service that gives YOU the support that you need, at any point in your wedding planning journey. Something that you rarely get told is that EVERY couple reaches a point while planning their wedding that they go “why the bloody hell are we doing this?? Why didn’t we just elope?!” It’s OK to admit it, because wedding planning can be a little all-consuming!

My active role of working for you starts at any point, &includes 8 weeks of me supporting you with your wedding planning.

Whether you’ve booked 1 or 100 wedding suppliers, I will check contracts for you, then create workable timelines for payments & delivery, removing all the stress from your shoulders.

I will help you to source them. Ones that are in budget, available AND (most importantly) bloody fabulous humans who you’ll get on with perfectly.

I act as the first point of contact, to reduce stress & admin levels. This means you can actually have your life back, without losing hours down a scroll-hole. Winning! (This can be for wedding suppliers, & also guests)

If you have taken up the 2 months wedding planning in the last part of your engagement, then I have an extra treat for you.

During the week before your wedding, you'll receive your very own, personalised wedding doc, which you can give to any member of your wedding party.

Sounds perfect, right? Well, it is! So send a DM & get YOUR 2 month break booked in! Bxx

07/02/2024

It's been a HELL of a week, not gonna lie! Things have been occurring that are outside of my control & I don't like it. I'm a problem solver by nature, one of the good ones, one of the helpers... and my GOD have those skills been put to the test.

It's not been easy, but if I can help just 1 couple find their feet again, I'll do it.

What sets me apart? I will fight your damned corner until I see you take that deep breath again & see the smile return to your face.

And if I p**s some people off while I'm looking after you? Even better ;)

Those who've been checking on on me, reminding me who I am? THANK YOU, bloody legends xx

How's YOUR week been? Any fun stuff to share? Bxx

Photo credit: Kirsty Rockett Photography, Flamingo Bridal, Bombini Studio

01/02/2024

Planning a wedding is a marathon, NOT a sprint.
You cannot do everything all at once, sorry to burst your bubble!

But honestly, you wouldn't want to. Each element needs your attention & conscious thoughts, so give it the attention it deserves.

And remember, you don't need to go it alone.
There's lots of support right here should you want to take that pressure off yourself.

Now, we're in February already so tell me... how many months until YOUR big day?? Let's count down together! Bxx

31/01/2024

Well, it's the end of the month, and WOW what a start to the year! You've made it to the end of January & all of its 56837373 days so big round of applause haha.

Something to look forward to, it's just 2 days until this fantastic Live Lounge Session hits the 'gram, this time I'll be chatting with the brilliant about all things personality & vegan beauty.

Put a note in your calendar - 7pm on Friday 2nd February, and make sure you're following Emeald Orchid on Instagram. It's definitely one to watch!

See you there, until then have a wonderful day. Bxx

30/01/2024

If you've been engaged for a while & been enjoying the process of planning your wedding, then read on.

You've booked the big elements of date & venue, you know your wedding style & wedding vision, you definitely know your budget & are making it work hard for you with solid choices of wedding suppliers.

However you’ve found it frustrating to use your free time of evenings & weekends to solely do wedding planning & consequently hit a wall, wondering why the hell you didn’t elope!

Don't worry. EVERY couple reaches this point in their wedding planning, I promise, you are NOt alone in feeling like this.

So you're looking to hand over the wedmin for a few weeks & to rekindle your enjoyment of your engagement.
To regain your free time.
To stop using their lunchtimes & evenings down a scroll-hole of Google & wedding directories.

You've investigated the art of of partial wedding planning & it's intriguing, more than a little bit suitable for your needs.

Because let's face it - you want to reach your big day excited, not frazzled AF!

I bet you feel proud that you have booked such awesome suppliers & got to this point. Go on, give yourself a HUGE dose of kudos my friend.

And handing over the wedding folder for some downtime makes you feel good as you can see the value in getting that free time back, while plans are still moving forward in the background.

This is where the mini Orchid sessions come in. 4 week's worth of 1-2-1 support from me to you, where your plans are triple checked & moved forward, while you take time to enjoy your engagement again while taking a big sigh of relief.

This isn't forever. It's perfectly timed though. Because you deserve to take some time out, having reached this point.

So go on, get into my DMs & let's give you that break that you've worked so hard for.

DM me, stick the kettle on, & TOGETHER we'll work out the next stage. No guessing, just real guidance.

You ready? See you in the DMs! With love, Bxx

29/01/2024

How to pick your aisle style in 4 easy steps.

1️⃣ Pick 1 - 2 main colours - They could be either 2 shades of the same hue, or colours that compliment each other. Think about your venue & what would set that backdrop off the best, not clash with existing colours etc.

2️⃣ Pick a neutral - this would be white, black, grey, beige, cream...

3️⃣ Pick a metallic - which includes glass, So gold, rose gold, silver, antique silver, copper, glass...

4️⃣ Pick a texture - one that brings interest to all the elements. Think chiffon, lace, organza, even succulents!

These 4 elements are a dream team that together will raise the vibe of your wedding day style. It'll be DREAMY!!

What are YOUR 4 perfect elements? Let's see how many combinations there are! Bxx

29/01/2024

Just casually in today's Metro, talking about drunken behaviour at weddings. Have a read!xx

'The groom and one of the bridesmaids were dancing naked in a fountain together.'

28/01/2024

Ah Sunday! I do love a chilled day with the family. Not doing much, just enjoying being together :)

What are your plans for the day? Are you working? Out & about, maybe at a wedding fair? or hiding out at home just chilling? Let me know in the comments! Bxx

27/01/2024

In a world that has become HUGE with the advent of technology, it can feel like an unending task to create a vision that's truly personal to you, in a SEA of faces & names. Tell me if the following sounds like what YOU'RE experiencing.

I want you to take a moment to imagine that you have a big red button by the side of your bed, &the moment you wake up, you hit this big red button, which opens your door & 100 people rush into your room. All clamouring for your attention, trying to tell you about jeans, or save the bees, or what they ate last night, or to vote for their kid in a competition, or to sell you the secret to a stress free wedding...

You just about shimmy them out, & get on with your day.

Then at lunchtime, you spot that big red button on your desk at work & think "Oh! I wonder if that's the same as the one this morning?" So you hit it and BOOM!! A different 100 people flood the room, shouting & waving & telling you to BUY THE STUFF NOW and that your life is gonna be crap without this floral display or that dress.

Sh*t's sake, this is crazy! You have to eat your lunch but you can't concentrate because you're trying to walk through the crowd while ignoring them AND eating at the same time...

Madness!!

It's finally time to go home & while you sit on the train, you glance down and what do you know? There's a red button on the seat next to you!

Now come on. You've seen 2 of these today so you KNOW what happens when you press it.

So you don't.
For 5 min anyway, then the temptation gets too much & you think "it won't be as mad as earlier!" you press it & f**k sake yet another 100 people CROWD into the carriage!! The noise is RIDICULOUS, the range of things they're talking about is anything from news to fashion to products to people to everything in between....

You can't focus, you can't hear anything specific, & you almost miss your stop because you're distracted...

Read the rest on the blog, link in bio - It's probably one of the best blogs I've written!

Let me know in the comments if YOU have been pressing the big red button recently. Bxx

26/01/2024

Wanna know how to spot a kick ass wedding supplier, who can help you create a day as exceptional & vibrant as YOU? Well here are some quick tips to get you started!

✨A big portfolio of work, demonstrating their vibrant style
✨Dozens reviews & testimonials from chuffed-as-hell couples
✨A well thought out website & social media presence, showing off just what they can bring to the wedding table
✨Easy to see ways of contacting them, whether it's via WhatsApp, phone or email
✨They're keen to meet you & talk about their gorgeous wedding business - whether that's at their workshop, venue, office or online via Zoom or similar
✨Quick to give you their paperwork so you know what to expect
✨Love responding to specific questions about the work involved, to help you put your mind at rest
✨Clear & concise Ts & Cs, so you're confident in everything that's being discussed & moving forward
✨Follow relevant hashtags on social media, depending on your own personal aisle style - eg etc

✅go with gut feeling, that’s rarely wrong xx

What else would you add to this list to spotting those superb wedding suppliers? Please do share experiences below !💕

25/01/2024

TESTIMONIALS

Yeah I'm shouting about my achievements, but why shouldn't I? It's taken me around 15 years (honestly can't remember! the exact amount) but in that time I have created something beautiful.

I adore my jobI do. Every day is amazing, and every single frikking couple take a part of my heart.

I'm actually quite emotional about this, I always worry if I'm enough - I believe that's imposter syndrome - but on reading the COUNTLESS testimonials, I realise that yes. I AM enough. I DO do enough, and then some!

Your wedding, you'll only do this once. And it has to be as you dreamed, but how can you have your wedding cake AND eat it? Well, you slide into my DMs, and make that move to get in touch & chat about me holding your hand throughout.

Reading these & seeing the sheer joy & comfort I brought every couple (plus the MANY MANY more that I've worked with) is pure perfection.

So, as you've heard from just a handful of my couples, I know my s**t! What's stopping you from having YOUR beautiful wedding day? Nothing! Send a DM, I'd love to have a chat. With prices starting at just £50, I'm suitable for any budget.

See you in my DMs soon, Bxx

24/01/2024

Apparently, it's today! Which is nice. I do love giving out a compliment or 5 during the day.

So I am challenging you to TAG a friend below & give them a compliment. Go on, make their day. Bxx

23/01/2024

Thought I'd give a bit of an intro to me today, as not done one for a while! Here's a whistle-stop tour of facts you may or may not know about me 🤩

👠Shoe addict - in particular - I have around 50 pairs & can't get enough.
⚓Tattoo fan - I have a LOT of ink, mainly florals & nautical. This year I want to complete the sleeve on my right arm, I've just got to find someone in Bedford who can match the existing style.
🏎️I can't drive - I failed my test 8 times! There's a lot more to the story but this little headline does make people giggle.
🪱I'm terrified of worms. This time of year is a NIGHTMARE for me because the little buggers are everywhere 🤨 Just the emoji here is making me feel sick! So strange.

So, now you know a bit more about me, share something about you I might not know. I'd love to hear more about what makes you YOU. Bxx

Photo credit with shoes that were a present from a wonderful friend of mine 💚

22/01/2024

// Monday //
A word that many people dread, but I wonder why? I imagine for a lot of people it's because the weekend signifies time away from a role that doesn't light them up.
A job that's frustrating & signifies being at the grindstone, creating someone elses dream.

But how about we reframe that?

We are blessed to have a source of income.
We get to expand our thoughts & horizons by sharing space with people outside our immediate circle.

And if we really find that our job is detrimental to our mental health? Well, maybe this is the Monday motivation you need to find something else that will give you that POSITIVE Monday feeling.

How do YOU feel about Mondays? Let me know below what motivates YOU. Bxx

21/01/2024

LOVE //

It's no surprise to hear that I love my job. I mean, come on, I YELL that constantly! And something I get asked a lot is just *why*.

Every time I answer that question, I have to ponder on it as it's hard to pinpoint specifics, and my answer changes month on month.

But having been asked it this week, I can say that I ADORE my job because in a world full of uncertainty, I am here to provide a steadfast anchor. I am a non-judgmental, gentle support for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the task ahead. To be constantly complimented on my calming influence is ... wow. Humbling! I'm just me. but if just being me can provide you with the guidance & support that you need on this most exciting journey, then hey, I'll take that.

Of course, there are MULTITUDE reasons why I love being a planner, so ask me again next month & I will give you a different answer! No less true, just another layer of appreciation for the role I get to play.

What would YOU like to ask me about my role? Go on, don't be shy, I'd love to bend your ear about all things wedding.

With love, Bxx

20/01/2024

COMPLIMENTARY RESOURCES

I don't often give way my knowledge for free. After all, it's been a LONG time getting to this level!

However, I DO know that sometimes you just need a little helping hand to set you on the right path.

So I have created a comprehensive document detailing all you need to plan a successful wedding. I only want to support you & help in any way I can 💗

DM "SUPPORT" & grab your copy now. Bxx

18/01/2024

Some days, I write & write & all the ideas just flow.

Then other days, I just want to spend with friends & to reconnect with myself.

Balance is ESSENTIAL - so let me ask you when did YOU take some time to yourself? Bxx

18/01/2024

Top 3 wedding planning "uh oh" moments!

1 - setting your timeline without asking for advice from a pro
2 - listening to opinions from others
3 - downloading checklists & not using them

1 - the timeline for your day is an essential piece of kit for your venue & suppliers, but are you sure of how long each element of the day will take? HINT: it's not just an hour for each element! If in ANY doubt, please do reach out to your venue or a planner to get their professional input. Karen from 3 doors down might've been to her daughter's wedding recently, but (unless she's a planner, a caterer or runs a venue) she isn't the best one to ask!

2 - this is a BIG one for me as you know. Your day YOUR way is my mantra, because it's YOUR day. So you gotta do what's right for YOU! Sure people will have opinions but hey. Let it go over your head. Plan your day how YOU envisage it.

3 - I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but... lots of checklists are available when you're planning a wedding, created with you - the couple - at the heart. But it's no use downloading them & not using the professional advice on offer. So, either use those checklists OR explore outsourcing elements of the wedmin, to ensure you're only doing the fun stuff that lights up your soul. there's no shame in admitting that the admin that comes with wedding planning isn't exactly exciting!

Which of these have you come up against? And how will you FIX it going forward? Bxx

PS/ Check the link in the bio FREE resources you'll actually use, and OUTSOURCE support options for ANY budget. In particular, the Orchid Sessions... Let me know what you think!

17/01/2024

I got the ick...

Now, I am SO SO behind "your day YOUR way", however that looks. That won't change! If you're happy, then I'm happy.

BUT I have seen some things that have made me seriously cringe, & figured I'd share, to see if you've experienced these too? Drop me a note in the comments with YOUR wedding ick! (Similarly if you think I need to have a cuppa & to chill then I'd love to hear your thoughts haha) Bxx

🤨Talking negatively about the couple or their wedding choices.
This is never acceptable, & I think I've spoken about this enough over the years for you to realise how I feel about this. When I hear you talking negatively about my couple, it upsets me. If you don’t support their choices ... well I kinda wonder why you're there? (Harsh but I think fair too!)

❌Fighting. I'm a lover not a fighter, and I will do I can to avoid confrontations as honestly? I get panicky & anxious. But I don't get why you'd get so drunk / overwrought that at your friends wedding that you'd start clumping someone! Sheesh. Wind ya neck on & stop freaking out guests & staff.

🤳🏻Taking photos & video during an Unplugged Ceremony.
Seriously, if you've been asked not to do this then turn the tech off!

🗑️Leaving glasses & rubbish in weird & "wonderful" places around the wedding venue. I mean, why is there a cocktail glass & a burger tray in a BUSH?!

🍸When guests hit up the free / tabbed bar with such gusto that you'd think they hadn't been hydrated in weeks. Couples are seriously generous when putting money behind the bar or free drinks for guests, please don't make them regret that decision!

❌Treating the venue & bar staff, and us wedding suppliers, like we're something on the bottom of their shoe. Sadly I've both seen this, AND been on the receiving end of less-than-kind treatment by guests. Don't be a dick, be kind!

16/01/2024

Yeah it’s a kitchen selfie but I had to share - hair genius from Charlotte at ♥️

Love the red refresh!! Now to swish swish around the house 🥰 how’s your day been? Bxx

16/01/2024

Thought I'd share an insight into what's happening behind the scenes at the moment. I was going to do a "day in the life" type post, but as no 2 days are EVER the same that's kinda hard to do!

Today I have on my list:

💚Collate answers to C+A's latest Qs, ready for meeting this week. Their wedding is on 18th May this year, it's approaching quickly! So of course, as many questions are being raised as we're answering. It's lovely to be able to put their minds at ease though.
💚A Zoom with a supplier friend of mine. Purely social! Being self-employed is a great adventure, but it's also a bit lonely, so any chance to catch up with friends is welcome.
💚Complete 3 blogs - all half written, just need the finishing touches then schedule. LOVE creative writing!

📔I keep my lists compact, because otherwise it gets overwhelming & NOTHING gets done. So a free tip from me to you - with wedding planning, keep it simple. 1 thing at a time. And ask for help / support / guidance / time out. It's a marathon not a sprint!

I work on a mix of scribbled thoughts & plans in one of my beautiful notebooks, & a set list with due dates on in a project app. I'm old school though, so my best thinking is done long hand, real paper, & a lovely pen in hand.

So that's how my day looks, how about you? Do you have any productivity tips you can share? Drop them in the comments!

With love, Bxx

Photo credit: the fantastic - Must get another set of pix done as my hair is now red! Oh no. Having a day out with a friend, putting the world to rights & laughing - it's a shame ;) xx

15/01/2024

MONDAY MOTIVATION //

While considering what to talk about today, as always I went with something fun but also I hope something that will motivate you. And this combination of Charlotte & Rich’s wedding pic (you gloriously fun humans!!) along with awesome quote from Katherine Hepburn I hope will give you ALL the motivation.

📏I’m here today to encourage you to break the rules.
🗑️Throw out the traditions.

📔Hell, Rewrite the rule book!

In weddings, there ARE no rules. There are traditions, that may or may not light your soul & find a part in your vision.

I throw no shade either way - as you know, I am all about your day YOUR way, whatever that looks like.

✅But what I AM saying is create a day where every element represents YOU.

💗Don’t want to walk the aisle separately? Walk together! (Char & Rich I’m looking at you! Legends)
💗Want a cake? Order the biggest tasty AF cake
💗Want everyone to do the first dance with you? Just try & stop me from joining you.

Make it YOUR day.
Nothing is set in stone.
Break those rules.

And enjoy the process.

What rules will YOU be breaking with your wedding planning? Let me know below! Bxx

Photo credit: Dan Adams Photography at Charlotte & Richards’ wedding - 14th October 2023 in Old Welwyn. WHAT. A. DAY!! (as you can probably tell lol)