Planning Diaries bride weds in chic Glasgow city centre location

Despite growing up in the wedding industry with a dressmaker gran and a mum who owns a dress shop, Louise didn’t envisage a large bash for herself and husband-to-be Mark.

"We knew we didn’t really want lots of guests during the day,” she says. “Our ideal scenario when we started planning was a small dinner with our closest family and friends, before a big party in the evening. That didn’t change – we ended up having 40 guests during the day and 180 at night.”

At one stage they had been convinced they’d escape to Greece, where they’d gotten engaged, to say I do. But after booking Citation for their wedding party, they’re glad they chose to spend their whole celebration there.

"It’s an amazing city-centre space and is gorgeous inside and out,” says the bride. “It has a lovely relaxed feeling – my parents knew I’d love it before I did! I’m so glad we booked it as our guests raved about it, telling us it was the best food they’d ever had at a wedding.”

Their friends also loved all the little details Mark and Louise had incorporated into their day, such as theming their tables and favours around some of their favourite places (think Fortnum & Mason tea caddies for London or cute little iced biscuits for Paris), and hiring a talented artist (What Hannah Does) to sketch the guests.

There were a few surprises, both good and bad, in the planning and on the day too, as the bride recalls: "A year and a half in advance, I booked an Airbnb to accommodate everyone, and then two days before the wedding it fell through. It was such a worry, especially as we couldn’t find a like-for-like replacement.”

All was not lost, though; after the booking was rearranged to a smaller space near the majestic Mitchell Library, the bride and her party had photographs taken there before the ceremony. “These are actually really lovely photos that I wouldn’t have got otherwise,” she smiles.

Other surprises were nicer, such as delighting the guests by arranging for the GeO Gospel Choir to per­form on the day. Perhaps the best, though, was saying yes to a dress (by her favourite wedding designer Justin Alexander) that she had initially counted out.

“The fact that my mum works in the industry meant I did have a different experience to most people,” says Louise. “It’s funny how my mum knew what I’d want, despite me originally not being keen on the dress. But as soon as the zip went up, I had that OMG moment! And later I actually got to meet the designer Justin himself! That was so lovely and is such a special memory.”

Still looking to find your own dream dress? Have a look at some Scottish boutiques here

After a “fun and down-to-earth ceremony” led by Thomas Slavin, the couple and their guests danced the night away to Glasgow band Man From Delmonte (but not before Louise had removed her shoes: “I think I lasted all of 30 minutes in them!”)

"A huge part of being able to do that was having suppliers I really trusted. Letting them roll with it really made all the difference.”

Finding trusted suppliers is the key to planning the perfect day, she believes. “I work in events full time, so I didn’t want the day to feel like work for me. I wanted to be in bride mode, not event-planning mode. A huge part of being able to do that was having suppliers I really trusted. Letting them roll with it really made all the difference.” Keeping on top of decision-making and planning milestones was crucial too, with Louise crediting mobile app WeddingHappy with helping her stay on track.

It took two years to make this day happen – so would the bride change anything about it now? “Honestly, I loved everything about it. Getting to spend time with Mark and everyone we love was really special. But if I had a do-over, I’d make sure I got to taste my wedding cake and the evening buffet!”

Venue Citation, Glasgow 
Photography Strad Photography
Wedding dress Justin Alexander Signature from Wedding Wise
Shoes Mach & Mach
Headpiece and veil Wedding Wise 
Rings and earrings John McKay Jewellers
Bridesmaid dresses Romantica from Wedding Wise
Mother of the bride’s outfit Karen Millen
Mother of the groom’s outfit Molly Browns
Groomswear Kilts 4 U
Celebrant Thomas Slavin, Fuze Ceremonies
Cake Anne Carlin Bakes
Flowers and decor Flowers in Thyme
Stationery Caledonian Cowgirl 
Drinks reception music GeO Gospel Choir
Reception band The Man From Delmonte
Live painter What Hannah Does
Transport Palladium Executive
Hair Laura Slaven Hair
Makeup Helen Matthews Makeup
Nails Camilla Rose