I’ve worked with Bernadette Chapman of Dream Occasions since she first started in the wedding planning business. We’ve worked together on so many occasions and whenever she’s involved I know the wedding will look amazing! Her attention to detail is fantastic, any bride hiring her is guaranteed a gorgeous stress-free day.
I caught up with Bernadette and got her to spill the beans about her love of all things wedding…
How long have you been a wedding planner?
Since 2002
How did you get into wedding planning?
I used to be an Executive PA for a large American corporation and many of my US counterparts hired wedding planners; I was intrigued and started investigating the market here in the UK. I discovered there were not many planners around (bit different now!) so slowly started researching the industry. I soon realised many of my duties as a PA crossed over into wedding planning so launching my own business seemed a natural progression.
What’s changed in the industry since you first started?
Well the number of wedding planners for a start! When I used to meet clients in 2002-2004 I very much had to sell the service of a wedding planner to them and how it could benefit them. Nowadays clients have done their research and know what they want from a planner, they know what questions to ask before deciding. Many of them have found me via the www.ukawp.com which is an alliance of wedding planners in the UK.
Describe your favorite weddings.
I tend to specialize in beautiful country weddings, especially marquees, probably due to my location in East Anglia. I therefore love creating stunning, romantic themes that suit not only the couple but the setting they have chosen as well.
What’s the best bit about your job?
Working with Kerry Morgan! Ha ha ok, it’s getting to know the couple and their families really well and because so many of my weddings are at the family home I begin to feel part of the family. I also love watching a bride’s face when I explain the design to her, and seeing the transformation on the day is rewarding. So many hours are dedicated to planning a client’s wedding so it’s always a strange feeling once its over, all those hours spent on the design and within a few hours no-one notices any more!
What is the worst bit about your job?
Dealing with the emotional trauma caused by families. Sometimes they don’t realize the stress it puts on the bride and groom, my heart truly goes out to them as we try and reach a compromise to please everyone.
How do you get the inspiration to make each wedding unique?
Each wedding has a USP, for example one bride’s Father worked for Tiptree Jam so we incorporated the fruits they use within the design, another wanted a bohemian edge so we used bright linen and candlelight. So although the setting is sometimes similar, the transformation inside and around the marquees or venues are always different.
What pearls of wisdom can you pass on to anyone who’s planning a wedding?
Read my planning guide on my blog! To begin with find out what you can afford to spend on your wedding, now isn’t the time to start married life in debt. Then break down the tasks into manageable blocks and learn to delegate, you can’t and shouldn’t try and do everything yourself.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
To stop time for 2 weeks and spend it on a tropical island with no blackberry or computer. With just my husband for company and a good book, that would be bliss. Or and maybe the odd drink and never ending ice cream!
Thanks Bernie! For more about Bernadette and the wonderful Dream Occasions visit her site and blog
Watch this space for my next ‘Inside Weddings’ interview – the woman at the helm of London’s top catering company, Bovingdons.
by Kerry Morgan
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