As a wedding and event planner, I had the opportunity to be a part of countless special moments and create unforgettable experiences for my clients. From intimate weddings to grand corporate events, I have been fortunate enough to turn dreams into reality. Today, I want to share with you my journey and the invaluable lessons I have learnt along the way, taking me from my wedding and event management roles to the VA I am today.
Finding My Passion
My love for event planning started in 2001 whilst watching the film The Wedding Planner with J-Lo. I know, it's hardly an accurate account of what being a wedding planner is all about, but nevertheless that's when I decided that was what I wanted to do. I was always the go-to person for organising gatherings among my friends and family, and loved sourcing venues, finding places to eat and putting the finishing touches to anything we were doing. The thrill of bringing people together and creating magical moments fascinated me and it was during my university years that I decided to turn my passion into a profession. Whilst studying I had a 12-month placement at a stunning castle venue in East Yorkshire where I got my first taste of working with weddings and events, spending 6 months with the front of house team and a further 6 months with the admin team. I felt a deep connection to working within the industry, and with every project, my love for the industry grew stronger.
Creating Unforgettable Memories
Being a wedding and event planner meant being a part of some of the most important moments in people's lives. It was an honour and responsibility that I took very seriously. From the first meeting with clients to the final execution of their vision, every step was crucial. I have had the privilege of bringing joy to couples on their special day, witnessing tears of happiness and the creation of lasting memories. Those memories for me will always hold a special place in my heart.
Dealing with Challenges
The hospitality industry was not without its challenges. Timelines, budgets, and the unforeseen often made things stressful. However, it was in these moments that my problem-solving skills truly shone. Over the years, I learned to adapt quickly, remain calm under pressure, and find effective solutions. Building strong relationships with suppliers and keeping open lines of communication with clients was key to overcoming these obstacles.
Lessons Learnt
Through my experience as a wedding and event planner, I learned invaluable lessons that continue to shape my approach to my new business as a VA. Here are a few key takeaways:
● Attention to detail is everything. It's the small touches that make an event truly memorable.
● Flexibility is key. Being able to adapt and think on your feet is a must in this fast-paced industry.
● Building strong relationships with suppliers is vital. Reliable partners can truly make or break an event.
● Effective communication is crucial. Regularly keeping clients informed and involved helps build trust and ensures their vision is fully realised.
● Learn from every event. No matter how perfect an event may seem, there are always lessons to be taken away for improvement.
The Reward of Creating Dream Events
Being a wedding and event planner was not just a job for me; it was a privilege. The joy and satisfaction of seeing my clients' smiles and knowing that I had played a part in creating their dream event was truly invaluable. While there definitely were challenges along the way, the rewards far outweighed them.
My journey from a wedding and event planner to a VA has been filled with moments of joy, challenges, and growth. Through it all, I have come to appreciate the importance of attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication. This profession is not just about organising events; it's about creating lifelong memories. And I am grateful every day to be able to support wedding professionals to do what they love most, and be involved, even slightly, with creating these memories.
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