Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

Being awarded Wedding Planner Of The Year and receiving recognition from Bridebook has been one of Pamella’s highlights since launching her business nearly 10 years ago. One of the questions she frequently gets asked is why do I need a wedding planner, and as we are about to launch our brand spanky new website we thought we’d share our thoughts on why you need a wedding planner.

Hiring a wedding planner …..

Well the truth is, not everyone does, so we put together this article looking at areas to consider when planning your wedding. Which we hope uncovers some of the mystery surrounding the role of a planner.

Candles and cake …

Where you begin your personal wedding planning journey really depends on how you visualise your marriage taking shape. Most of us live in an era where we struggle to find extra hours as we rush from one demand on our precious time to another, where often just finding time to even think about what you might like for your significant celebration is tricky.  Consider this short list and step into the magical world of wedding planning confident you are heading in the right direction.

Wedding Dress Dreams

6 key wedding planner questions Pamella asks:

1 – Have you chosen a date, place and venue?

Wedding Venue Searching …

Wedding Venue Searching

2 – Have you a budget you will work to?

When your venue is a blank canvas

3 – Are you a creative looking to DIY your wedding, with support from family & friends?

Creative wedding decor lighting

4 – Do you need help with the design and styling?

Pamella shares her vision for wedding designing

5 – Do you need help with the administration, the coordination and on the day management?

When it all comes together on the day …

6 – Have you identified key suppliers who you can work with?

Wedding Vendors sent with love

These considerations will help you highlight where you will want additional support, advice and guidance. The answers will be quite different for every couple, but using the services of experienced professional planners for all or part of the above will allow you those moments to reflect, and take in the whole experience confident in the knowledge you are in safe hands.

Wedding Planning, Saving You Time And Money ….

Book a complimentary consultation …

Wedding planning with expert advice is the secret, book a complimentary consultation you’ll be pleased you did!

Pamella x

My Wedding Business Course: The London Edition

The world of weddings at PD HQ has always been a sparkly one, but when Charlotte Spain of highly commended blog Redamancy came in to our world a little over a year ago it got a whole lot sparklier. There has been a liberal sprinkling of luxe shimmer, a twinkling glow of sass and style that lights up our world. We love her and here she shares the inside story of the My Wedding Business Course at the BLoved Hive.

Redamancy Blogger Charlotte Spain

Hey ….

I’m here to share some truths about the business training and a little behind the scenes goss on the my Wedding Business Course.

B.LOVED.HIVE

Having been an instant success since its beginnings in December 2015, The My Wedding Business Course is incredibly close to celebrating its first birthday. And before we bring out the white and gold birthday cake (so on-brand for the Queen of Weddings, and founder of ‘My Wedding Business’, Pamella Dunn) and blow out the candles on a successful year of mentoring, coaching, and making dreams come true, we wanted to give you the full lowdown on My Wedding Business’ first trip to London. Undoubtedly, the first of many.

Amy Scott of Something New Wedding Planning

120 existing, and budding, wedding professionals will have attended one of these courses before the end of 2017. That’s 120 inspiring men and women who will continue to shape the face of the wedding industry from this point on. From wedding planners to florists, couture dress designers to wedding bloggers – anyone who is anyone has walked through the door of Pamella Dunn HQ and been met with the, now, iconic “Hi Darling!” and a massive hug. Pamella’s excellence in customer service and throwing a great event, has meant every single delegate has left her course with a burning desire to make their life, and their business, exactly how they want it. Because she’s just shown them how.

Your vibe attracts your tribe

And so it wouldn’t be fair to keep this beehive of success up in the North of England, where it began, when there are wedding professionals far and wide who would love a bit of brand-PD fairy dust sprinkled upon them. As well as a dusting of realism for good measure, because the great thing about Pamella is that she wants you to succeed so much that she’s not going to fob you off with glossed-over non-answers. So, September 22nd 2017 marked My Wedding Business’ first trip to London. Now, if that sounds to you like some sort of school / university field-trip then I assure you that the amount of giggles had over the course of 24 hours was very much the same. Because you cannot recreate the vibe of the original series in Yorkshire without bringing along your trusted Photographer, and friend, Amanda Wilcock from Cream Photography to take some professional headshots and make everyone roar with laughter. And a couple of us My Wedding Business Day One-ers wanted to come along for the ride too.

Networking over lunch

After much deliberation and window-shopping through venues, there was only one place that would capture all of the creativity, excitement, and inspiration that these courses bring. The B.Loved Hive, based in The Biscuit Factory at Bermondsey is a space that every Girl Boss / Femtrepeneur / whatever you like to call it, would feel like they could conquer the world from. And if there’s one thing that these courses try to instil in every delegate, it’s that. Even the colour-scheme inspires! Millennial pink captures the essence of the industry’s non-existent glass ceiling (hallelujah!) whilst complementing tones of black and grey really demonstrate the grit and determination required to get the job done.

ALEX

ALIA

AMY

HANNAH

JADE

CHARLOTTE

RANA

I have attended a few of Pamella’s courses over the last 12 months. I was there right at the very beginning when creating a mini-styled shoot was on the agenda, and I’ve since delivered blogging workshops after my win at The Blog Awards in April this year. But, you could just tell that the group of beauties that walked through the door of The Hive last Friday morning meant business and were here to learn. All currently studying with The UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, and all aspiring Wedding Planners themselves, it was clear to see that each and every one of them had something so valuable to bring to the industry.

Fizz & Bloom business branding

Alex, of Fizz and Bloom, already has the whole style, customer service, and luxury living thing down to a tee having run her own Beauty Salon since 2009. And it was whilst beautifying the ladies of Norfolk that she realised she would love to channel her creativity into producing stunning weddings under her namesake, Fizz and Bloom (pretty cool, huh?)

Jade having fun for her professional photography shoot

Jade of Jade Leung Weddings and Special Events already has style in abundance (check out her insta if you haven’t already) and yet her biggest hurdle coming onto the course was the fact that in North Wales, where she lives, Wedding Planning has not yet become commonplace. Although, seeing her passion, enthusiasm, and gorgeous attitude on the day, it’s clear as day that she will certainly find a way to become one of the big names.

Hannah Thomas

Hannah is another future superstar of the wedding industry. You can tell that she has what it takes to push through any boundaries that any of us have to face in the industry, and her desire to learn shone through the whole day. If she ends up being your wedding planner in the future then you’ve done good!

Alia wedding planner and stylist, Dubai and London

Alia hails from Lebanon and spends half her time in London and the other half in Dubai. Like all strong business women, Alia came onto the course keen to get her pricing right and perfecting her business model before going all guns blazing over in the UAE. Ladies and Gentlemen, watch this space…

Rana

Rana is extremely well travelled and has lived all over. It was obvious to see from the very start that she has the style and flair to make all of her dreams come true, with that gentle sophistication which makes for all of the best planners and stylists. Keen to seek out networking opportunities, she is ready to launch and there will be no looking back!

JADE

My Wedding business course September 2017

So now you have met the truly inspiring gang of go-getters that we all got the pleasure of meeting a week ago, and they got the pleasure of hearing Pam lead them through a whistle-stop tour of the industry. What does it cover? What doesn’t it cover! How to price your business, how to utilize social media to gain bookings, discovering your ideal client, how to network your way to the top of your game. It’s all there – a guide of how to achieve everything you could want along with coffee (I’d turn up to any event for that alone most of the time), lunch, and the invaluable opportunity to meet people who are just like you.

Sharing stories ..

This time, in addition, we had the genuine pleasure to hear from Louise Beukes who founded not only The Hive, but the infamous B.Loved Blog which shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. In fact, Louise is more in-demand than ever! Having recently launched her own courses, styling shoots for big-name brands, and running her popular Facebook Group ‘Meet, Learn, Thrive With The Hive’. She spoke to the delegates about her own story – where she started, how she made it work, and the legacy that she has now built with her own two hands (and a dose of that signature style).

Blogging workshop

That was just the morning! And the afternoon passed with similar gusto – a blogging workshop delivered by myself, and headshots and product shots taken by the fabulous Amanda. There was just enough time for us all to flick through the incredible collection of magazines displayed around The Hive, and get to know each other and our stories a little bit more, before we realised the time and couldn’t believe that another My Wedding Business course had just wrapped up.

Because we can’t go anywhere without some styling magic …

And it’s with an enormous amount of pride that I am able to write this summary. Not only because I can look back and see how far my own business has come since I attended that very first course back in December ‘16 – and the enviable opportunities that have come my way because of the advice that I gratefully received from Pamella. But also because the lady right at the helm of it all has become more than a mentor; she is a friend. And seeing your friend living her dream up-and-down the country, all the while inspiring more wedding industry pros to live their own, is something you cannot help but feel in awe of.

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2018 marks the year that Pamella will accomplish everything she set out to achieve 7 years ago, when the business brilliance that is Pamella Dunn Events was born. She will host a 3 day International styling retreat in Australia for those who want to learn about creating weddings with killer effects and exquisite details from the very best. And the best part about it all? She will be inviting you along for the ride – yes, you! But until then you can still book on another My Wedding Business course and join the likes of Alex, Jade, Sarah, Alia, Rana and a whole host of other graduates who now have all the tools they need to go hell for leather with their businesses.

Pamella, thanks for having me! Until next time folks…

My Wedding Business Training

My Wedding Business Training

At Pamella Dunn Events we like to make dreams come true. Not in a clichéd fairytale way but in a way where we take your desired vision and make it a reality. With a touch of glamour, of course. Although, there is always a happy ever after for our brides, grooms and other clients too.

Delegate Laura enjoying the photography workshop as Cream Photography work their magic ensuring everyone is comfortable in front of the camera

We tend to talk about dreams coming true a lot in the wedding industry, in reference to the wedding day itself – when everything comes together to produce a fabulous result that kick-starts your long-term future. However, there’s another side to the industry where exactly the same thing happens… Business.

A Specialist Workshop with Marquee Experts Village Farm Marquees

The My Wedding Business Course is perfect for anyone who has ever dreamed of working with weddings. It’s a day packed full of inspirational advice that helps bring everything you need together for a successful business, coaches you in order that you produce fabulous results for your clients, and kickstarts your long-term future as a budding entrepreneur. Alongside like-minded go-getters you will learn everything it takes to succeed in the glamorous world of ‘I do’s’.

Personal branding images and head shots are included on the one day course, here are Susanne from Beamsley Blooms business cards and marketing material

The course is an absolute must for anyone who has dreamed of owning a wedding business, those who already run a business but want to branch out into the world of weddings, and anyone who wants to up their wedding-game and aim for a whole new target market. Maybe you’re recently married and fell in love with a certain aspect of your wedding day that you’d now like to pursue as a career. Nothing great ever came from staying in our comfort zone so now’s the time to step out and strive for what you want. Run by the highly-acclaimed, award-winning wedding planner Pamella Dunn, you will leave the course with everything you need to hit the ground running, including a luxury gift bag full of exciting goodies.

Professional branding images are included for each delegate

With a track-record in running an incredibly successful luxury wedding business and a background in coaching, Pamella knows just what it takes to make your business stand out as a market leader. The course covers everything you need to know from social media to styled photoshoots and you’ll also leave with a professional headshot to put straight on your website. Pamella’s little black book of the hottest wedding industry contacts means she’s extremely well-placed to suggest connections and help you network your way to the top of your game.

Bridebook UK Award Winning Wedding Planner 2017 Pamella

Former course attendees have gone on to successfully launch their businesses, connect and collaborate with similar businesses to produce applaudable results, and comfortably find their right target market to work with. Now it’s your turn… Whether you’ve got an idea for a business and want to make it happen, or you want to take your existing services to the next level then the My Wedding Business Course is exactly what you need. With the next course taking place in Leeds on August 30th, followed by our London date on Friday September 22nd at the B.Loved Hive there is no time to waste. Book your place on the course today and start making those dreams come true.

A date for your diary August 30th 2017 My Wedding Business Course

Huge thanks to Charlotte Spain of Redamancy for this fabulous guest blog, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Also for those that missed our Instagram post we are excited to have opened up applications for this years internships. If you’d like apply, and we’d love you to, email over your CV and covering letter to pam@pamelladunn.co.uk we love hearing from you.

Best wishes

Pam x

Should I Hire A Wedding Planner?

5 key questions:

Pamella Dunn

Where you begin your personal wedding planning journey really depends on how you visualise your marriage taking shape. Most of us live in an era where we struggle to find extra hours as we rush from one demand on our precious time to another, where often just finding time to even think about what you might like for your significant celebration is tricky.  Consider this short list and step into the magical world of wedding planning confident you are heading in the right direction.

• Have you chosen a date, place and venue?
• Have you a budget you will work to?
• Are you a creative looking to DIY your wedding, with support from family & friends?
• Do you need help with the design and styling?
• Do you need help with the administration, the coordination and on the day management?
• Have you identified key suppliers who you can work with?

These considerations will help you highlight where you will want additional support, advice and guidance. The answers will be quite different for every couple but using the services of experienced professional planners for all or part of the above will allow you those moments to reflect and take in the whole experience confident in the knowledge you are in safe hands.

Pamella

Shortlist planners who fit your brief and arrange a consultation. These are invariably complimentary and will give you a good idea if you are a good fit. Personality, compatibility and a good close working relationship will be vital. An experienced planner will have all the answers, and more that arise during this exciting time, and will often not only be the planner, but your designer and stylist too. They will save you hours of research and add value to your budget. Their advice and support will be invaluable, they will be the calming confidant, fully understanding how you are feeling at each stage. They will be inspiring and thought provoking, discussing ideas with you that have meaning to you both as you celebrate your love for each other.

Your Wedding Planner Does More Than Just Wedding Planning

As the considerations are seemingly endless the earlier you discuss your plans with a professional the less likely you are to encounter any issues that were so important to you. These could be restrictions at your venue that don’t allow naked flames or even insisting on their preferred suppliers, it could be crazy weather, your timings, the additional costs that squeeze your budget or noise restrictions that exclude your favourite band. Saving precious time early in the process could be the best wedding decision you make.

Design & Styling

And one of the best pieces of advice I could give would be to carefully consider any decision to style your own wedding. It is an exciting time and if you are a creative with passion and vision for how your wedding will look I know you will be tempted to enlist the help of your bridal party to place your pretty details in your beautiful venue. You will want to oversee the proceedings whilst liaising with your hand picked suppliers, but the reality is you rarely have the time and your photographer and hair and makeup team will be calling you. Your closest friends and family will want to shower you with love and attention, and you will feel under pressure. A talented team of stylists will bring calm and joy to your most memorable of occasions. Enjoy this magical time and don’t be afraid to ask for expert advice.

Looking forward to hearing from you x

The Devil Is In The Detail

Would you vote for us – We Have Been Shortlisted!

For the ‘Best Wedding Florist’ in The UK Wedding Awards 2016 – sponsored by

You & Your Wedding, hitched & Perfect Wedding Magazine

 

I started the business with big dreams and huge goals. I dreamt of planning, designing and styling fabulous weddings for lovers all over the globe. I wanted to share my love of fresh flowers and passion for stylish accessories and blow the minds of our clients. I wanted to take their ideas and exciting plans to the next level, giving first class customer service using the freshest most beautiful blooms.

And through meticulous planning, hours of hard work and so much support from my gorgeous family, amazing friends, wonderful clients and fabulous wedding industry professionals I have seen my small Yorkshire based business grow and achieve so much in just 5 years. This year we launched International consultations, meeting our gorgeous brides and grooms face to face across the globe and I couldn’t be more excited.

 

We have a small cutting garden where we can pick the freshest seasonal flowers with the most beautiful perfume. The David Austin Country Garden Roses are our favourite.

Roses cut from the garden when in season have the most amazing perfume, they remind me of being a little girl.

This is the first award we have been shortlisted for – ever; and I am so ridiculously excited and honoured to be nominated along with 11 other wonderfully talented florists. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our exciting, and at times very scary journey, if you have voted already you’re superstars and we appreciate so very much.

It is now all down to public vote and those businesses you feel deserve to win the awards in each category. If you feel we deserve your vote it takes just a second, and if you could share with your friends and family I would be over the moon. As a small business in the north we need all the votes we can! I am so proud and this award would really mean the world to me.

You can vote in as many or as few categories as you wish, just click submit votes when you have finished.

 

Click the link here: VOTE FOR US and someone will win a fabulous holiday to Mexico too.

Thank you so much x

On location in Dubai

 Burj Khalifa

Our exciting plans for the destination wedding consultations kicked off at New Year in Dubai. Staying at the Radisson Blu Dubai by The Creek and then on to Waldorf Astoria on The Palm. It was an amazing opportunity to meet face to face with our clients and really understand their ideas and plans for their dream wedding. We chatted design, style and colour, how the event would feel and how we would create the atmosphere. We discussed venues, complimentary vendors, cake, food, flowers and timings. Planning a wedding is exciting but time consuming, get in touch with us before you do anything. We are always happy to share initial ideas and our experience, saving you time and money whilst our little black book of luxury vendors is a who’s who not to be missed.

Image by Walker & Walker Photographers

One of our 2015 weddings styled with indoor trees and pretty glass hanging baubles

 

Further dates and destinations for 2016 will be announced shortly but will include, New York, Greece, Ibiza and India. More opportunities for our clients planning their dream wedding outside the UK to meet for a personal consultation in some of the most beautiful destinations across the globe. Travel and adventure are at the heart of the business and my passion for bringing you beautiful props, unique accessories, and sensual fabrics continues to take me to the most stunning places on earth, and I get to meet you in person too.

It’s a dream job!

So whether you live outside the UK and are planning to travel to England for its stunning scenery, and historic venues, or you are a UK resident with a beautiful destination wedding in mind we will be confirming dates very soon, and would love to hear from you if you would like to add your destination to our travel plans.

 

Dubai a vertical city with high rise iconic buildings, it’s simply breathtaking set against the blue skies. Dubai Marina – Rolex Towers – Dubai Mail Fountains