Meet the supplier: Laura McCranor Weddings and Events

Deciding on a career path is a struggle for a lot of us. Not for Laura McCranor. The art of event-planning has always come naturally to her. With nearly 15 years of industry experience under her belt already, she has been in the business for nearly half her life. 

How did Laura McCranor become a wedding planner?

After graduating in 2016 with a degree in business and events, Laura’s love of planning merged with her love of weddings as she took on the role of wedding coordinator at Glasgow’s glamorous Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel.

In 2021, she went solo, launching Laura McCranor Weddings & Events, and there’s been no looking back since. A self-professed “control freak”, Laura prides herself on guiding couples down the aisle and giving them a dream day from start to finish.

She only recommends suppliers she has worked with before or personally taken the time to vet in advance. Ask her what she loves most about working in the wedding industry and her answer is simple: “Creating happiness.”

And if the smiles of her newlywed couples are anything to go by, it’s clear to see she’s succeeding…

Laura curated Jilly Isabella and Andy Halliday's 'Father of the Bride' inspired home Glasgow wedding

Luxury wedding planner Scotland

Hi Laura! What do you reckon are the key benefits of hiring a wedding planner? 

"It’s all about the wealth of experience and expertise we bring. This will typically be the first time you have ever planned a wedding and had to think about the logistics, or the timeline of the day, or how to decorate a large venue, so having someone there to guide you through the process can be extremely helpful.

"On average, more than 300 hours go into planning a wedding" 

"Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking – yet lots of couples have such busy lives they don’t have much spare time for all the research and organising that’s required. We are here to hold your hand to make sure you have everything covered."

What does a wedding planner actually do?

Talk us through your planning service. What can couples expect by booking you?

"I offer four areas of service: full planning; partial planning; final-details planning; and on-the-day management. We will always start with the venue search first, followed closely by finding a caterer and a photographer.

"So for the full planning service I will propose eight to ten venues, which the couple will then narrow down to three for an in-person visit accompanied by me.

"Partial planning is just as popular and great for couples as they look for suppliers to suit their style and budget. As I take over communications with all suppliers, this means you only have to deal with one person.

"I review contracts, track budgets, create timelines and offer unlimited contact in the lead-up to the day." 

Read more: how to choose the right wedding venue for your big day 

How to allocate your wedding budget

How do you help couples stay within their budget without compromising the luxury and quality they’ve been dreaming of?

"The very first consultation call is when we establish the budget. We then input estimated costs into our client portal, tracking what has been paid and everything that is still to be paid for along the way.

"I always suggest dedicating roughly 50% to the venue and catering costs, and then we can divide the remainder according to the couple’s priorities."

5 top tips from a wedding planner

What are your top five tips for wedding planning?

1. Visit more than one venue. Even if you fall in love with the first one, seeing others gives you something to compare it to.
2. Set a realistic budget early on.
3. Once you’re married and walking back up the aisle, pause for a kiss halfway. You’ll get a fabulous photo!
4. Have a moment to yourselves near the end of your drinks reception by coming in to see the room all set up for dinner. It’s an opportunity for a breather but also to see everything before the guests sit down.
5. Prioritise what matters most to you both, not what others think you should do.

Day-of wedding coordinator Glasgow 

What does the wedding day itself look like for you and your team?

"On the day, two operations assistants and I are on hand for everything and anything you need. You’ll always find me managing the timeline, overseeing the supplier load in and making sure the two of you are having the best time.

"One assistant will be busy setting up your personal items (such as place cards, menus, guestbook, table numbers and the seating plan), while the other works as ‘the runner’: do we need more ice? Has there been a spillage on the dancefloor? Does someone need something from our emergency sewing or stain-remover kit?

"Anything you can think of, we’ve got you covered!"

Thinking about a marquee wedding?

What is one element of wedding planning that most often surprises couples?

"Marquees! It can be hugely rewarding to build your wedding from the ground up.

"But alongside the added expense, it can often also take up to an extra 50 to 100 hours of planning work."