Wedding Planner... Lauren Goodman of Bluebird Creative
When did you start in this business and what did you do before?
Bluebird Creative launched in 2017. We are still a young company, but with buckets of passion and creativity. We have been very lucky to have some amazing weddings under our belt already!
Before launching Bluebird Creative I actually came from an entirely different background- Ice Skating! Having been an ice skater for 22 years with the last 12 as a professional ice skating coach. I do still have a toe in the skating world, but it was time to move on and create a new world that fitted around my growing family and desire to run my own creative business
Do you have a particular style or do you reflect the client’s desires?
I would say that we do have a particular style, but we also reflect our client's desires. I think our brand is very much laid back luxury. We are very style conscious and particular love flowers. The devil is in the detail for us at Bluebird and it's about creating precious moments through the small details for someone's day. We like to add lots of romance. I think we attract couples that have the same approach and style we do, which means we really get to create something stylish and extraordinary for them
What can a wedding planner do that a best friend or venue manager can’t?
A wedding planner takes care of all the details - it is our full time job. A best friend will not have the time to do everything that we do. A venue coordinator will help with supplier recommendations, your schedule and the running of the day, but they will not be the person sending and receiving your RSVP’s on your behalf, liaising with suppliers for you and going through all the details with a fine-toothed comb. As planners we will go through the design with you, from conception to completion, making suggestions and creating a full design proposal so you can visualise everything for your big day
Where do you get inspiration and would you say there is a current trend?
I get inspiration all over the place, whether it is from what interior trends are currently in, and what's in fashion, to what's happening over in America (they are usually a step ahead of what's happening over in the UK when it comes to weddings). I look at what the Pantone colour of the year is and how floral trends are developing and what food trends seem to be evolving. It's a case of keeping your finger on the pulse, seeing who's pushing the boundaries and being creative in your own right and not scared to suggest something a little out of the box, because at the end of the day that may become the next trend!
What sort of information do you need to know when meeting with a prospective client for the first time?
When we have an initial meeting with a client we need to find out a few essentials:
When they plan on getting married and an idea of location
How many guests they plan on inviting
Budget
Initial thoughts on style
We then obviously need to go into more depth so we can start putting together their proposal and design concept. But without these gems of information it is difficult for us to work out how we can help and if we are available!
What sort of lead time do you need when taking on a project and can/would you do more than one wedding per weekend?
In terms of lead-time a year is a nice amount of time. However that is not always the case and this past ear we ended up doing both a 10-week and 16 week lead on full planning weddings. So anything is possible providing we are available. The only issue with leaving things later is our availability and supplier availability, but it is most definitely doable.
We currently don't do more than wedding per weekend as we like to focus solely on each client. Plus we love a full weekends celebration, so when we have a client that is having a wedding weekender, we are working with them for the whole weekend anyway!
What is your favourite flower?
Well that's a tough one isn't it! I love really soft romantic flowers, so perhaps scabious are my favourite. I love their frilly little skirts! They featured quite heavily in my own wedding and I have started growing some in my garden this year
Do you have fixed prices or is each package tailored to the client?
We charge a percentage for a full plan. So our fee reflects the full budget of our clients wedding. We do however have a minimum fee.
We also offer 1-1 planning surgeries; which are for our couples planning their own wedding, but need a little help to progress in their planning. these are a set fee and are hugely beneficial for couple to pick our brains and get some of our insight, but still plan their own days.
What is the most important part of your job?
Timings! Being a wedding planner means you have lots of lists, schedules and timings to get through/stick to. Don't get me wrong, the creating, designing and styling are s much fun, but without the timings everything would go to pot!! We have to ensure everything is booked at the right time. That suppliers are arriving at the right time so they can all work as a team and not on top of each other. We have a meticulous schedule on the day with fine timings to ensure everything runs perfectly
What is the most fun part of your job?
There isn't just one thing! I love working with our amazing clients, bringing their ideas and dreams to life to make their days everything they had imagined. It really is an honour to be part of such a big life event for someone. I also love having the opportunity to get creative; I can go into my own little world when designing a tablescape. And last but not least, I love having the opportunity to work alongside my husband. We make a great team and are always having a giggle!
What makes you laugh?
My husband- every day!!
Thank you Lauren, I've loved getting to know you and wish you all the best for the current bump and business in 2019! x
Lauren and Simon Goodman