GoHen asked some of the UKās best wedding planners for a few top wedding planning tips to help keep things under control for your big day.
Donna Hartley-Redfearn
While North East Wedding Planners are very much in big demand around their native North East, over 20 years Donna Hartley-Redfearnās team have become experts in destination weddings having planned events in the US, Morocco the Middle East and Asia.
Whatās the craziest thing youāve ever seen at a wedding?
Well over the years Iāve seen pet dogs and swooping owls being the ring bearer, toddlers just up on their feet stumble and tumble down the aisle while the congregation holds their breath! But in all fairness the craziest has to be brides who insist on wearing skyscraper heeled shoes and simply can not walk in them, the wobbling, unbalanced walk is not gracious or glamorous at all.
Have you got any handy tips for bridesmaids?
My number one tip for bridesmaids is to eat breakfast, go to the loo and although these are everyday tasks on a wedding day they seem to forget to do them! The implications are immense, fainting and bouncing in church is not a good look. In addition I always suggest bridesmaids carry tissues, lipstick in the brides colour and sticky plasters for when those designer shoes start to pinch.
What is your top tip for someone planning their wedding?
I guess my top tip is good old common sense, remember why you are getting married and who too. Many brides often get lost in the fairytale of the dress, the must have makeup artist or the table centres etc and forget itās about two individuals committing to each other and publically declaring their love.
Over 20 years in the industry Iāve seen some strops and tantrums in my timeā¦ And normally itās over nothing. I have had bride send out emails telling (not requesting) female guests not to wear cream/ ivory or the colour of their bridesmaids. On a day to day basis though I love my job and still see romance, love and genuine desire to marry.
