If you are planning a summer wedding, about now is when the sick feeling will start creeping in. “The Big Day” is fast approaching and although you’ve got the major things locked down, it’s the details that are seriously lacking and the ever-increasing fear that it will be quite mediocre is becoming more and more of a reality.
Below we have put together a quick low-down on how to have a beautiful day from start to finish, which smacks of you and your partners stonking taste and floors those guests.
D is for Delegate
Delegation is the key to sanity and getting a good job, done well! If you are planning your own wedding or planning in tandem with your Mum and/or your partner – do delegate. You need to know who’s manning what, what’s the agreed budget for that item and when a solution will be in place (it’s a simple Excel sheet if you are that way inclined), because alongside your normal life and job these decisions can take forever and begin to ramp up in cost as the deadline gets closer. Also there’s no time like now to give your siblings, best friends and favourite Uncle a few little jobs too – they are always keen to help and will give you more breathing space! JUST ASK! *NB some people however lack common sense so do pick your people wisely!
Make It Personal
When you are designing your invite we suggest getting a wedding specific brand identity or logo created. This can then be used across the wait staffs pinnys, menus, above the bar as a bespoke neon sign (to live forever on your mantle? An investment no?), on the order of service or even on bespoke glassware which you can drink out of on the night and give away to guests as they leave.
On The Table
Tablescaping in recent years has gathered some serious momentum, I suppose in line with people Instagramming their food… anyway the tablescape for your wedding can be no less than knock out. The basic things to be considered here are; tablecloth, napkins, place cards, glassware, candles, candle sticks and flowers (assuming if you are DIY-ing it your cutlery/crockery will be supplied by your caterer). This year print tablecloths are having a real moment. Long gone are the days that a simple white linen would do. We suggest going to your local haberdashery and picking out a fabric which can be used for the tablecloth and the napkins and then simply getting your local drycleaner to overlock and hem into the desired number of tablecloths and napkins – depending on the fabric and the print you can save a bob here and just fray It (if that fits the look!) then of course these are yours to give to your friends and family afterwards as a lovely memento of the day!
The Floral
Flowers really can be a money pit! At my wedding we used potted kumquat tress in blue pots in various sizes up and down the table which looked really beautiful but also worked as a great thank you gift for friends and family afterwards. Another really beautiful arrangement which will last long after the wedding and won’t require a florist is using dried cotton stems which look very cool but still in their own way a bit bridal.
What will you do for your big day? Do let us know in the comments box or @heaps_stacks // info@heaps-stacks.com // www.heaps-stacks.com
By Keziah Wildsmith
Keziah Wildsmith is a renowned event designer and young entrepreneur on a meteoric rise. She is the founder of event design company Heaps + Stacks. Keziah is on speed dial for some of the world’s best known celebrities and global brands, with her events being known for their unique flare.
Keziah’s career of over 12 years in the industry saw her start as a Fashion PR where she loved the buzz of planning the events and working with brands to bring their brand values and vision to life through events. Over the last 12 years Keziah has worked with some very well respected events companies before launching her own venture two years ago. Last year alone Keziah’s company planned and executed over 150 events globally.
Heaps and Stacks started from humble beginnings as a one man band from Keziah’s kitchen table. The company now employs nine staff and is continuing to grow and expand, their HQ is situated in the heart of London. The company is the leading events company in the UK for global brands with their client list packed with some of the world’s biggest brand names.
Keziah’s events over her extensive career have included her producing a flavour canon over the southbank and merman cabaret with this list growing daily. This year in addition to overseeing events for her clients Keziah will also be launching pop up events such as the ‘Betterment Camp’ for consumers. Keziah’s clients include Google, Youtube, M&S, Soho House and Nike to name but a few.
