Ask The Expert - Wedding Planning in Autumn

ASK THE EXPERT: WEDDING PLANNING

Lydia Gajjar is founder of Ella Parisa, a luxury wedding planning service specialising in beautifully vibrant and distinctive multicultural weddings. here, she gives us an insight into what hiring a wedding planner could help you with for your big day

What does using a wedding planner bring to a wedding?

A wedding planner offers so much – not only do they provide expert guidance and industry insights, they also ensure every detail is meticulously planned and executed. They handle logistics, manage timelines, coordinate with suppliers, all whilst helping couples to stay within budget, making sure the entire journey is stress-free and enjoyable. On the day itself, a wedding planner ensures everything runs smoothly, so couples are able to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the day, knowing everything is being taken care of.

Can you talk us through what you do, and how a wedding all comes together?

The process begins with an initial consultation to understand the couple's vision, style, and budget. From there, I am able to assist in as much or as little as the couple would like – from venue selection, recommending trusted suppliers, and helping with design choices.

Throughout the planning process, I manage the couple’s budget, payment schedules and timelines, ensuring that every task is completed on time. This includes coordinating with all suppliers, tracking guest RSVP’s, completing floor plans, as well as handling contracts and negotiations.

As the wedding day approaches, I create detailed itineraries and oversee final logistics to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities on the day.

On the wedding day itself, I manage all logistics, from setup to clear down, and troubleshoot any hiccups that arise. My goal is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing the couple and their families to relax and enjoy the celebration.

How did you come to be a wedding planner?

I had known for a number of years whilst working in the events industry, that I wanted to be a wedding planner, but the time never felt right to take the entrepreneurial leap. When I started planning my own multicultural wedding, I realised how important it was for us to incorporate both cultures into our special day, and I found I really enjoyed the meticulous planning and organising of multiple events. I decided I’d love to help other couples to plan their multicultural wedding.

With the arrival of my firstborn, everything changed. Maternity leave, coupled with a global pandemic, provided the ideal opportunity to finally pursue my dreams and start building my business. And so, Ella Parisa was born! It has now been 3 years and 2024 is definitely my busiest year to date.

What do you wish more couples knew about wedding planning?

Trends come and go and so I always advise couples to really prioritise what truly matters to them as a couple. Focussing on elements that reflect their personalities and values, rather than feeling pressured by trends or others' expectations is key. This avoids couples looking back at their wedding day with any regrets!

What's been the biggest/most challenging wedding you've ever helped plan?

I don’t have a specific wedding that has been particularly challenging, but since I specialise in multicultural weddings, these are typically large scale, multi-day celebrations. They often entail several events, multiple venues and a diverse team of suppliers. Managing the logistics of these weddings, all whilst keeping the couple’s vision front and centre often presents its challenges. Problem solving and the ability to think quickly is usually a big part of my role on the day. However, the reward of seeing different cultures beautifully woven together and the joy on the couple's faces makes it all incredibly worthwhile.

What would you love to see more of at weddings?

As a wedding planner, one thing I would love to see more of at weddings is personalisation that truly reflects the couple's unique love story and relationship. Whether it's through custom décor that showcases their interests and passions, personalised vows that speak to their journey together, or culturally significant elements that honour their heritage, I love seeing all of the personal touches couples choose to include. Anything that enhances the overall experience and creates unforgettable memories for the couple and their guests has my vote!

Lydia shares her top tips for planning the perfect wedding

1. Prioritise what is most important to you both as a couple and set a realistic budget with your shared vision in mind. This will help guide your decisions when researching wedding venues and suppliers.
2. Create a detailed timeline or checklist to keep track of deadlines, payments, and tasks leading up to the wedding day. This will help you to stay organised and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
3. Communicate openly. Effective communication with your partner, family, and any wedding planner is key. Be sure to delegate tasks if you need to lighten the load.

@ella_parisa

www.ellaparisaweddings.co.uk