Continuing our new Q&A series with the wedding industry experts, I've been lucky enough to secure an interview with wedding co-ordinator Anna Oliver from Down Hall, pictured above, where reality star Jade Goody wed last month. Here, Anna tells us a little bit about what it's like to organise a high-profile celebrity wedding at short notice, Jade's last minute wedding requests and about the venue's very important eco commitment.
Hi Anna. Tell us a little about your role as a wedding co-ordinator for a high profile venue...
My role as a wedding coordinator involves working with the brides and grooms to plan the day right from the start. I sell the venue initially, then I am on hand throughout the planning process for any advice. I run group menu tasting evenings for each couple and their families before starting a series of planning meetings approx three to four months before the day. I am then there on the day to coordinate all of the external suppliers and to act as a calming influence for the bridal party.
Jade's wedding was pulled together in just 10 days, was it easy to pull off such a big event at short notice?
I actually only had about four days! It was certainly stressful what with having to deal with lots of different groups like Jade’s agents, publicists, OK! Magazine, the crew from the Living TV documentary and the security team, of course, but everyone pulled together to ensure Jade and Jack had a special day to remember.
What details did you particularly love from Jade's wedding?
The singing waiters were excellent and the flowers made our lounge look amazing.
Did you experience any 'argh! Can I really do that?' moments for Jade's wedding and how did you deal with that?
Jade’s agent called me on the Saturday and said that Jade wanted some bouncy castles! That was certainly a challenge to try and find someone at such short notice but we came through and managed to get an excellent face painter and children’s entertainer as well as the bouncy castles.
Is there anything that is not OK for couples to ask a wedding co-ordinator to do or find?
I’m not a wedding planner so although I am here for advice and recommendations the booking decision ultimately lies with the Bride and Groom. I’ve had a few mad requests but a lot of them involve quirky jokes like a couple who wanted to name their tables after fly fishing tackle so we had to find pictures of some very strange things!!
What has been the biggest problem you've experienced at a wedding and how did you overcome it?
The biggest problem I’ve had to deal with is the staff removing the cake to cut it before the Bride and Groom had done their official cutting ceremony! They had done their mock cutting shot for the photographer and the staff thought it was the real thing. By the time I had realised it was missing they had already cut the top tier. I had to grovel to the B&G but they found it hilarious! I’ll never do that again!
What is your most essential advice for couples preparing to get married?
Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. Find a venue or someone who you can trust who understands your wishes and can carry them out for you.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite weddings or moments from weddings held at Down Hall?
I’ve heard some excellent bands including Westlife, these always make for a good party. I always look forward to the speeches especially if I have had a long journey with the couple and we have almost become friends.
The trend for eco weddings is on the rise, can you tell us about Down Hall's green commitment?
Down Hall has a clear focus on going carbon neutral. We have our own 'going green' project whereby we are one hundred percent committed in improving our impact on the environment and reducing our carbon footprint.
Tell us why Down Hall is the place to get married?
Down Hall is a fantastic place to get married because it is just as beautiful inside as it is outside and is perfect for photo opportunities We have many of the elements that couples look for in a venue like beautiful accommodation, a ballroom that has a bar inside the room with the dance floor, buffet etc. we are also exclusive to one wedding per day.
Thanks Anna!
If you want to check out Down Hall, they are holding a wedding fayre on Sunday, 8th March where you can check out the venue and a number of suppliers. You can find more details here.
Look out for more Q&A interviews with industry experts soon.
Comments