It’s all in the planning

If you’ve ever attended a corporate function, wedding, product launch or a formal cocktail party then I’m prepared to bet something will have stuck in your mind. Unfortunately the memories are often negative, something you didn’t like or an element that didn’t work. When hundreds of different variables need to gel to make something look and feel simple, then you need a professional planner, not merely a friend or colleague who fancies having a bash at organising.

Over the years I’ve worked with many planners and event management teams, some good and some very, very good. But it’s always the individuals who quietly work in the background who win through, not the loud and dictatorial drama queens. I’m presently involved in several projects with the highly regarded Penny Merricks at the Tigerlily Wedding Consultancy. Penny’s approach hits the spot by the getting the job done, but also making it fun along the way – something which couples and families sometimes need when preparations are getting a little manic.

Choosing photography is a really good example on how somebody with contacts can cut through the pack and arrive at a shortlist for their client, taking the drudge out of sifting through countless too-good-to-be-true internet pledges and presenting couples with professionals who will fit into their day. I’ve spoken before about how quality wedding photographers are frequently dragged-down by those who dip in and out of the industry, looking for some easy cash to fit in around their ‘day job’. Somebody like Penny sees through this on the client’s behalf, eliminating time-wasting towards the right choice.

It’s my personal preference to leave a portfolio book with Penny so she always has something to flick through if a new client needs to see something quickly. Beyond this it’s a case of deciding if my style suits them. If it does then an informal meeting is arranged, usually near Tigerlily’s offices in Islington, London – and then more often than not it develops into the start of something great, another project to look forward to. 

The tricky part of the modern planner’s role is simply to convince people of their worth. There’s a school of thought that planners are for the rich and famous, cost the earth and dominate proceedings. Nothing could be further from the truth, they are essential cogs in the bigger wheel of making the big day run smoothly. Talk to anybody who’s employed a pro to help with the planning and they’ll tell you the process was an enjoyable and thoroughly productive experience. As with anything in life it’s finding the right people to help you which makes the difference…