We caught up with Anna Smith at Anna Elizabeth Weddings & Events to find out how a planner can take the pressure off and allow you to enjoy your big day
What spurred you on to set up Anna Elizabeth?
After travelling the world for nine months, I returned home knowing that now was my chance to launch Anna Elizabeth. I’ve always loved weddings and it’s such a wonderful feeling to be part of the most special day in someone’s life. And where better to begin the business than Scotland? It’s not only my home, but it has some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world. There’s a market for luxury weddings here that hasn’t been fully tapped into yet, and that’s what I intend to do.
What services do you offer that other wedding planners don’t?
We’re available for couples 24/7 and we pride ourselves on being luxury and exclusive. We don’t offer a set package and tailor each experience to fit. Brides and grooms are chauffeur-driven to all meetings, where I will always be in attendance and we provide a gift that will help you remember your special day. Each couple is given the choice of two to three suppliers in each field so that they can choose what is right for them.
When should couples get in touch to begin planning their wedding?
As soon as you’re ready to start organising your wedding, get in touch with your wedding planner. Aim to begin talks when you have a destination in mind, but before you’ve contacted any supplier – that’s where we come in. We tend to deal with couples around one or two years before the date, but if you’re keen to tie the knot a few months after getting engaged, that’s absolutely fine.
You also help couples marry abroad. What do you offer them?
Overseas weddings have become really popular in the last couple of years. Not only are you guaranteed good weather, but it can also be cheaper to exchange vows further afield. We take on all the stress so you won’t have to worry about planning your far-flung big day. We search, contact and liaise with all suppliers and venues abroad, so you can sit back and relax. When it’s suitable, we’ll fly out and do all the show rounds and meetings together if possible.
What happens once the guest list has been decided?
Once the couple have a rough estimate of their numbers, we’ll begin our search for venues in the area that have caught their eye and ones that can accommodate their guests and theme. We generally give couples 10 venues to decide from, giving them a chance to narrow it down to two or three that they love most before arranging viewings. Once the venue has been decided, we begin the hunt for suppliers.
Arranging a wedding takes a huge amount of effort, what are your insider tips on planning the big day?
Don’t stress and remember to enjoy yourself! Create the wedding you want, not what is deemed trendy for the moment or what your family want. It’s your big day so it should reflect you and your partner. Make a list, especially to keep track of your budget. Decide what you definitely want and prioritise your spending around this. You can always add on extra details if you have any budget left.
What happens if things go wrong on the day, how can you help?
Sometimes things go wrong, but such issues will be addressed immediately. We always have a contingency plan in place should anything untoward happen. Our main priority is to ensure that if any issue does arise, the couple is none the wiser. We take care of the problem and ensure the wedding runs as smoothly as possible.
What are the benefits of hiring a wedding planner instead of tackling everything yourself?
We have insider knowledge of the local market and we know all the suppliers and venues to help you find the best ones suited to you. We plan every single detail of your day and we can advise and create budgets to keep you on track. We spend our time so you don’t need to spend yours.
To find out more about Anna’s services head to annaelizabethltd.com