Saying I Do Wedding Planning (2024)

19/01/2022

Colour schemes don't have to be wild to make a statement! A subtle variation of shades in the same tone with a few careful contrasts can create a striking finish!

What's your favourite colour combo?

Photographer
Planner
Florist .florist
Stylist and Coordinator
Stationery

12/01/2022

Looking back on the most magical day of blue sky, flowers and more flowers!

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Florist .florist
Marquee
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Second Shooter

17/05/2021

Who's SO ready to step out looking this fabulous? What a busy few months of planning with and the most amazingly talented group of wedding suppliers to create the magic that went down at Thicket Priory last week!

The good old English weather was on form, and we grabbed a glorious window of blue sky before a literal thunderstorm in the afternoon! But hey, who doesn't love a plan B and C for the weather right?! What a truly wonderful day!

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24/02/2021

I hope you're enjoying planning again! The last few days have been a whirlwind of rescheduling, rejigging, re-planning and new planning for me! A very exciting, emotion-filled whirlwind though!

If we haven't met yet, hello, I'm Cat!

😁 As a planner, I'm at my happiest when I'm planning (you'd expect me to say that though right?). But my passion is truly making others happy, lovingly bringing your vision to life – and seeing the smiles all round when it happens. That’s the real joy for me, and why I became a wedding planner, and that’s what I want for you too.

📑 Planning is in my blood. My background is over 15 years in events management and interiors, planning large scale events all over the world. I always believe in expanding my knowledge and skills. That's why I'm a member of , an approved supplier, and will continue to train with . All so that I can bring you the very best advice and support for planning your incredible day, help your ideas to flourish, and connect you with the very best suppliers to bring your vision to life.

✨ So, if you’re dreaming of a beautiful, understated, timeless day, that is style-led, SO much fun, and creates incredible lasting memories – then we’ve got a shared vision in common already!

👣 As your planner I'm there to take precious care over everything from start to finish, but by the time your day arrives we'll feel more like good friends - and that's the best bit!

💍If that sounds good to you, why not book a complimentary, no obligation consultation with me (which is really more of an informal chat about you really). Simply pop me a DM or complete the form on my website contact page. I can't wait to hear all about your plans!

Cat x

22/02/2021

FINALLY! A light at the end of the tunnel. To all couples who've been in limbo for so long, I hope you feel optimistic and genuinely positive about actually being able to plan your day with more certainty!

How's everyone feeling?

We've still got a little way to go, and there's still yet to be an update on any support for events and wedding businesses. But it's onwards and upwards, and we hope our creativity and campaigning across the whole wedding, arts and events sector will keep weddings as an important part of the roadmap - hopefully to be treated the same as hospitality venues! 🤞

Beautiful moments, in beautiful venues like this WILL happen very soon with the spotlight fixed firmly on YOU - we can almost touch it! 🙌🙌

Bring on the summer!! 🍸
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21/02/2021

I'm so proud to be part of this amazing collaboration with Sean Elliott Photography and the best team of wedding and arts professionals in support of the whole wedding, events and arts sector. It carries such an important message which we hope will help to give one final push ahead of tomorrow's announcement!

Photography & Concept: Sean Elliott Photography
Venue & Production: Newcastle Theatre Royal
Planning: Saying I Do Wedding Planning
Dress: Accent Original Bridal Wear
Florist: Wild & Wonderful Flowers
Stylist, Props & Furniture: Birdcages and Dragonflies
Hair: Wedding Hair by Lisa Cameron
Makeup: dani.mua
Hair Accessories: Accent Original Bridal Wear What Katy Did Next
Jewellery: Accent Original Bridal Wear
Suit: Shelby Menswear
Models: TTM Management

18/02/2021

I know how frustrating it is when you're not sure how much something costs. When you can't find any guide or start prices online, or information on how it all works.

We've all been there, suddenly realising the price of something, and hurriedly trying to back out of the shop or conversation! Luckily there's something for everyone thinking about working with a wedding planner.

For expert help at every stage of your planning journey - known as 'full wedding planning' (usually spanning 12 to 18 months) - most planners charge a 10/12% investment of your overall budget, and there's usually a minimum fee that applies.

But if you just want a little bit of help in a few key areas, that's where 'partial planning' can be a good option. Usually a fixed price representing just a few month's of support, where everything can be entirely tailored to you.

Alternatively booking support 'on the day', is also a fixed price service and more cost friendly way of ensuring that all your plans are lovingly taken care of and your day runs seamlessly. Some planners also offer hourly services for things like supplier searches or advice sessions.

I'm an open book, and you'll always find everything laid out on my website, so take a look if you fancy. I love answering your questions too, so feel free to drop me a message if there's anything you're unsure of!

Cat x

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15/02/2021

WHO ACTUALLY HIRES A WEDDING PLANNER?

There really are no fixed rules or reasons! But here are just a few:⁠

✨ 1) You’ve got an incredible vision but a very busy lifestyle, and you’re looking for someone to connect you with the absolute best suppliers, inject fresh ideas, and make it all happen.

🔨 2) Your dream venue might be a marquee, blank canvas or non-traditional wedding space. But with no dedicated event staff, you literally have to build the whole structure/setting from scratch and hire in absolutely everything from the butter knives to the electricity! So you really need the help of a trained professional.

🌎 3) You may live a fair distance from your venue and need a trusted expert to handle everything locally – or equally you may be looking for support with your destination wedding.

Every wedding story is different - and how much help you need is absolutely up to you too.

For some couples, it’s full planning support from day one, with expert advice at each and every stage. For others, it’s just a little help bringing their aesthetic together, or help with their admin and scheduling. Or some couples simply just want peace of mind and someone to coordinate their day.

Above all, working with a wedding planner is all about creating an easy and enjoyable planning experience with YOU at the centre of it all. Not forgetting creating the most exquisite, unforgettable wedding day which you and your guests will cherish forever.

If you have any questions on how it all works, I’m always here and happy to have an open, honest chat.

Happy planning, Cat x
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11/02/2021

DETAILS! When it comes to planning your wedding, it's not just all about making it look amazing. It's important that you get a firm handle on all your figures too. Yes, that means creating a wedding budget!

👰 When you first start thinking about planning, you'll likely talk with your partner about your vision, your priorities, what kind of venue and ceremony you'd like, and how many guests you want to invite.

📝 You'll likely have a rough figure in your minds for what you're comfortable spending on your day. At this stage it's good to start to allocate it across your key wedding categories, so that you know what you can spend and where, and so that things don't get out of control.

💰 I always advise to start with your big ticket items. Your venue and catering costs can be anywhere from 40-50% of your overall budget. Photography around 10-15%. (of course every wedding is different, but a general guide can be a huge help to get you started!)

I'll be chatting about budget a little more over the coming weeks as it's a big subject. So if you haven't already - like and subscribe to my page for more top tips.

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08/02/2021

WHAT IS FULL WEDDING PLANNING?

Put simply, it’s the most special, memorable, best looking fun you’ve ever had – with your own ‘personal planner extraordinaire’ to make it all happen!

Perhaps you’re short of time and need expert help bringing your incredible vision to life? Or maybe you’re planning a marquee or blank canvas wedding, or even a wedding away from home?

Whatever your story, my full service wedding planning starts by getting to know you!

💛 I always take an unlimited amount of time to really to get to know your personalities, your story, and what matters to you most - so that I can guide you to the very best suppliers for your vision, with lots of fresh ideas and hidden gems along the way. From your photographer to your florist, your cars to your cake, your makeup to managing your RSVPs - and even finding your dream venue if required.

💯 Everything is always 100% your decision. Simply think of me as bringing you the absolute best of the industry to choose from.

✍️ Alongside this I’ll create an entirely bespoke design concept for you, which will ooze sophistication and wow factor, along with hand drawn digital wedding sketches so you can see exactly how your day will look and feel. FYI – I’m a huge fan of amazing florals!

📋 All your admin, budgets, timelines, appointments and supplier contracts will also be expertly managed for you – removing any hint of stress!

⌚ Of course I’ll be there on the day too, ensuring that everything goes to plan, so that your only job is to relax, enjoy yourself, and create wonderful memories.

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My DMs are always open if you’d like to chat about your ideas and how our journey together might unfold - even if you're just a bit curious. I’d be delighted to help you create the wedding of your dreams.

Cat x

04/02/2021

Hi! If we haven't met yet, I'm Cat. Wedding planner, country lover, huge fan of incredible floral displays, and over-user of exclamation marks!

Hello to all you wonderful wedding couples, wherever you are in your planning journey. No doubt things might seem a little uncertain at the moment, and just an impossible time to be planning a wedding?

But there really is so much that you can be getting on with, even if you don't know how things will fully unfold. Carrying on planning also keeps the joy and excitement flowing right now too.

(Secret, I'm a bride-to-be as well as a planner - and I'm onto my fourth date now! But it's keeping positive and carrying on planning where possible that's really kept me going on a personal level).

So speak with your suppliers about your options and any worries which you might have. They will only be too glad to chat to you!

Of course I'm always here to guide you too. To help you create solid plans, and get everything ready and waiting to be put in place for your incredible day.

My DMs are always open if you'd like to chat.

In the meantime, here are 3 things I love!
Let me know if we have any in common!

1) Incredible views
2) Anything fluffy with four legs
3) A café with good breakfasts! (having serious withdrawal symptoms right now!)

Cat x

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Photography

03/02/2021

If like me you're crazy about all things floral, and a bit picky too, you'll agree that choosing the right wedding flowers for your day is a very important part of your overall plan.

It's so true that your wedding flowers really do help to set your style and bring everything to life. But with the right plan in place, getting that perfect look couldn't be easier.

With this in mind, I caught up with the talented Moira J Floristry to talk all about the best ways to choose your wedding flowers.

Moira is incredible - just look at that fire place display, please!

I've captured her top tips in a handy blog over on my website - it's one you'll not want to miss.

Head on over to my website to take a look.
https://www.sayingido.co.uk/five-tips-for-choosing-the-best-wedding-flowers/
Incredible images all by
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Venue

01/02/2021

This might be controversial, but here's why I think we shouldn't aspire to 'Pinterest wedding trends'.

I'm a great believer in things being unique and true to you.

When I see something that's been done 100 times over, it just doesn't feel special to me.

Pinterest is great for gathering inspiration, which is a key part to any wedding planning process. But that's where it should stop.

From here on out, it should be about working with your suppliers to make the look your own, adding personal touches into your day, and planning things that will create a really memorable experience all round.

Don't worry, I still love Pinterest, its just about being authentic with it! 😂💛

I'd really love to know if you agree or not?! 😬
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31/01/2021

I'm incredibly excited to share this beautiful collaboration which I was part of creating late last year. Captured and conceptualised by the talented Sean Elliott Photography in new wedding venue Dalton Old Pump House, this is stripped back beauty at its best. Perfect for couples looking to get married somewhere with a difference. Check out the amazing team in the credits! Can't wait to share more.

28/01/2021

Ever wish there were two of you some days, or that you could take a shortcut to the perfect wedding?

Planning a wedding is time consuming. Even for couples who have most of their ideas and plans nailed down, having a second pair of hands to help put everything into action is worth its weight in gold - not to mention the stress it saves, and the time it gives you back!

That's where working with a wedding planner on a partial basis is a great way of getting expert help only in the areas that you need it.

For example I have couples who just work with me for vision and style planning, supplier sourcing and on the day coordination.

Or some just want help with the more admin related tasks; budgeting, project planning, bookings, and timelines.

Put simply, it’s whatever you want it to be.

To find out a bit more, drop me a DM and let’s chat about your day, or head over to my website to read more.

Cat x

27/01/2021

You don't realise how much you value the best things in life until you're longing to get back to them!

It seems obvious but the main thing I really miss is people!!

Spending time with amazing uplifting friends, laughing, making memories and feeling really good!

And making new friendships too! I'm such a people person, and I just love meeting people where you instantly click! You know, someone who’s open, smiley and down to earth, and within five minutes you’re telling each other your life story?

I hope I sprinkle some of this around as I go! It costs nothing to smile, say hello and give a compliment 💛.⁠
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I’d love to know what you're missing and can’t wait to get back to!? Hit me!

Cat x
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25/01/2021

That moment you find your dress...when you really feel like a bride, and you know you've found the one! Some lucky brides find it first time, for others it can take a little longer.

But if you’re a bit stuck, I’d always recommend doing your research on which bridal brands you like first before just booking an appointment at your nearest boutique. Get to know your favourite designers, and look into who and where their stockists are based. This will save you a lot of time and potentially disappointed shopping trips.

I always find that you discover new designers by following other like-minded wedding suppliers too, and observing the designers that their brides choose.

Of course your planner can give you advice too. It always makes my day when one of my brides finds her perfect dress based on my recommendation!

I’d love to know which designers you’re loving at the moment, or what you’re wearing on your day!
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21/01/2021

Who’s your appointed task master on your wedding day? The last thing you want to be doing is running around doing ‘things’ on your wedding day.

Have the tables been set up the way you’d planned? Have the name cards been put out properly? Who’s handing out the confetti? Who’s making sure that the ceremony florals are moved to the right place in your reception? Who’s looking after the gifts? The list goes on!

Often couples will appoint tasks to a trusted maid of honour, best man or parent. It’s such a lovely way for them to feel involved.

However many couples also book an ‘on the day coordinator’ to oversee all of this with full and undivided attention. Leaving your wedding party to enjoy your day too, and leaving you calm and reassured that everything is perfect and that nothing has been forgotten!

Tag your wedding helpers! Or drop me a message if you’re in need of reliable support – I’d love to hear all about your day.

Cat x
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20/01/2021

Possibly one of my most asked questions is "what's the difference between a wedding planner and venue coordinator?" Especially when it comes to understanding the two roles 'on the day'.

Put simply, your wedding planner is there for YOU and to look after everything you've planned. Your venue coordinator is there to manage your venue operations and venue staff - but both can actually work together quite seamlessly.
WEDDING PLANNER
On the day, your planner is there as a trusted, personal support for you and your guests. They manage your overall timeline, including supplier arrivals, hire deliveries and set up, and ensure that your vision and styling is executed perfectly to plan. Not to mention someone to calm your nerves, straighten your dress, look after your gifts, hand out the confetti, ensure everything is cleared up, and so much more!

VENUE COORDINATOR
Working alongside your planner on the day, your venue coordinator will make sure your venue is perfect; managing the kitchen, meal timings, bar timings, serving staff, bar staff, changing over of areas, and all the facilities on site.
Every wedding day is different. So if you’d like to chat more about on the day coordination or have any questions, drop me a message. I can’t wait to hear about your day!

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Photography

18/01/2021

I just love beautiful, timeless florals with loads of impact!

Your wedding flowers can really help to set the tone for the overall style of your day. So it’s worth chatting to your florist about all the additional ways you can use florals in and around your venue to really bring it to life!

Anyone else as obsessed (and as picky) with florals as me?
Incredible florals:
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14/01/2021

I know how hard it can sometimes be to visualise how your wedding day will look.

I’d always recommend asking your stylist for a pre-wedding mock-up session, and try to visit your florist to see examples of your blooms in person.

If you’re hiring specialist linen, it’s really important to ask your planner/stylist to see samples of these too. Believe me, it’s often really difficult to get an accurate representation of colour on screen, as every device is different. Not to mention that it’s nice to see and feel the quality too.

As a planner I also offer a bespoke digital wedding sketching service to really help my couples visualise exactly how their wedding will look.
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13/01/2021

On the day coordination, or ‘day of’ wedding coordination, is designed to give you complete peace of mind and allow you to relax on your day.⁠
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Perfect for couples who have handled most of the planning themselves and don’t need full wedding planning support, an ‘on the day coordinator’ comes in closer to the time, to take hold of your plans and ensure that they are executed flawlessly. ⁠
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As one of my main services, on the day coordination includes:⁠
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• A consultation about 6-8 weeks before for day to understand everything you have planned⁠
• Checking and finalising every last detail with all your suppliers, and securing contingency plans too⁠
• Detailed timeline creation of your day with individual responsibilities for each supplier⁠
• Ceremony rehearsal coordination (if required) and managing your venue set up⁠⁠
• Managing all suppliers, timings and personal tasks, so that everything happens exactly when and where it should⁠
• Personal support for you and your guests on the day⁠
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To enquire about On the Day Coordination, drop me a DM or head over to website to read more.

11/01/2021

It can seem really daunting knowing where to start with choosing your wedding photographer.⁠ I caught up with the amazing who shared some really open and honest advice for couples at any stage of their planning journey.⁠
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📸 A good place to start is looking at other people's wedding photos. Really get to know what you like and how you want your photos to feel. ⁠
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📸 Consider your priorities and how much you want to capture – this will determine the level of service you need.⁠
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📸 Does your potential photographer fit your budget?⁠
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📸 Get to know their work and what their couples say.⁠
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📸 Do you feel comfortable around this photographer? After all they’ll likely be with you most of your day.⁠
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Head over to my website to read the full article with even more amazing guidance! ⁠https://www.sayingido.co.uk/how-to-choose-your-perfect-wedding-photographer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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07/01/2021

My favourite moment at a wedding has to be the speeches! You might think it would be the first look down the aisle. As special as that is, I just love nothing better than the whole room coming together to share love and usually lots of laughter for the happy couple. The stories really connect everyone, and create a joyous, relaxed atmosphere, with huge smiles all round!

What’s your favourite wedding moment?
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06/01/2021

WHICH WEDDING SUPPLIERS TO BOOK FIRST:

This can be really subjective, and it can differ depending on your priorities. But I'd advise getting your main suppliers secured quickly to avoid disappointment later down the line. Then you can relax a little knowing that you have your dream team behind you!

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VENUE: First and foremost it’s crucial to secure your venue as soon as possible. Many are booked up to 2-3 years in advance.

REGISTRAR/CELEBRANT/CHURCH: Once your venue is secure it’s important that you have the legal part pinned down too.

PLANNER: If you’re considering hiring a wedding planner, it’s best to connect early as they can save you a lot of time with sourcing suppliers. Or if you’ve got everything in hand, hiring a planner to coordinate everything ‘on the day’ will ensure that you can relax and that everything goes to plan.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Once you have your foundations set, your photographer is very important to book quickly. Like venues, photographers can be fully booked years in advance.

CATERING: If your venue doesn’t offer in-house catering, it’s a good idea to get this secured early too. Your venue will likely offer you recommended suppliers as a good starting point.

BAND/MUSIC: It’s important to note that bands/performers always get booked up very quickly, especially for weekends in peak season – so snap up your favourite artist before it’s too late.

FLORIST & STYLIST: If the style of your wedding is important to you, then it’s really important to book early with the talented individuals who will make your wedding look incredible.

P.S. Don't leave your cake and stationery too much longer either, as supplier demand is at an all time high right now!

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Good luck with your supplier sourcing! Do tag any fellow brides or grooms who may find this useful!
Planning
Photography
Stylist

04/01/2021

Finding wedding suppliers who get your vision: The best advice I can give you is be really clear on what you want to achieve first. Your style, your expectations, what you like, and exactly what you don’t like too! Even if it’s just a few pictures.

Start to hunt out like-minded suppliers, where you really connect with their work. A good supplier should ‘get your vision’, and should enhance your ideas even further. You shouldn’t need to lead the conversation.

Top Tip: Instead of just doing an internet search for ‘florists near me’ for example, start to look at who your favourite suppliers also work with. This is a great way for finding talented professionals who are already on the same page as you.

Of course if you need any help to get going, my supplier sourcing service is available to refer you to some of the best in the business.
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Saying I Do Wedding Planning