Thomas Talks to… Natalie Hewitt Wedding Planner

Award-winning wedding planner Natalie Hewitt popped in to Thomas Towers last week to make some pies. She came to spend a day with us to understand a little more about what we do here at Thomas the Caterer, so I took the opportunity to chat to Natalie about her fantastic business too.

As a full-service wedding and event planner, Natalie Hewitt is the fairy godmother of wedding planning; calm and uber organised, she sprinkles a little magic onto everything she touches. Using her expertise and vast industry knowledge she creates beautifully styled and perfectly planned weddings that ooze sophistication. Oh and she makes a mean pie too!

How did you get started as a wedding planner?

It all began when my now husband Ben proposed and I started my own wedding planning journey. It was 8 years ago when wedding planning wasn’t a big thing, it never crossed my mind to hire a planner. Like many brides I became my own planner; making all the classic mistakes such as doubling my budget and not delegating any responsibility. I was taking calls and dealing with changes/ questions right up to the morning of the wedding! I realised the hard way the value of having a wedding planner who could take control of all those things.

Even though I had taken on so much myself, I absolutely loved the planning process, everything from the design and styling to co-ordinating suppliers.

I’d always wanted to start my own business and wedding planning ticked all the boxes; combining all my favourite things – gorgeous venues, beautiful dresses, Champagne, cake and flowers. I’m literally obsessed with flowers. I’m also extremely organised and love a list. Above all, I’m a real people person and have always had a passion for customer service so giving brides and grooms their perfect, (stress free) day is my dream job.

Tell us a little about your background.

I completed a degree in Law and Criminology before working in Business Development where I covered everything from sales, customer relationship management to processes and accounts. When I decided to start my wedding planning business I wanted to hone my skills so spent two years studying for a Diploma in Wedding Planning. At the same time I took classes in everything from cake decorating to flower arranging to understand as many elements as possible and give me a sound understanding of all aspects of the industry.

How long have you been trading as Natalie Hewitt Wedding and Event Planner?

I took the plunge in 2014 and officially launched as a fulltime Wedding and Event planner and I’ve not looked back.

And what exactly do you do?

Anything and everything to make the bride and groom’s day the best that it can be. My philosophy is to make everything as stress free and fun as possible – saving them time and money too. Most of my clients book a full planning service which includes: design; supplier searches and negotiation; budget management; guest management; personal assistance; form filling; all supplier consultations and meetings; hiring, collecting and returning props; set-up and on the day co-ordination.

I also offer standalone services such as supplier searches and on the day co-ordination. Although my ideal is to support throughout the whole planning process as I can really get to know the couple and ensure everything is perfect every step of their journey.

I get as involved as possible in the design and theming, that’s a huge passion for me. I create mood boards for florists and wedding stylists and absolutely adore styled photoshoots where I get to bring together some phenomenal suppliers to create something magical.

On the day itself, I’m the couples’ right-hand woman; overseeing all suppliers and ensuring we run to timings but also helping out wherever I’m needed. This can be anything from picking up guests from the train station to building giant doughnut towers. That’s why I love my job, every day really is different.

What inspires you to do what you do? What really gets your gears going every day?

I love seeing a vision come to life. Making the couple’s day amazing and building strong relationships. When you see them relaxed and enjoying their wedding day with no stress, knowing everything is under control; that’s the best feeling in the world.

What do you love most about your job/business?

Every client is different, and every day is different. As a self-employed business owner, I love that I work for myself and can see all my hard work pay off. I get to meet and work with so many talented people – it’s inspiring to see the level of creativity in our industry across everything from styling to the food. I’m always learning something new and work hard to ensure my business is growing and evolving; giving more and more brides and grooms their perfect wedding.

What advice would you give couples on their journey wedding planning?

Book a wedding planner or at least delegate to a member of the wedding party. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Think carefully about your budget and be realistic from the very beginning. Allocate your budget accordingly and focus the lion’s share on what is most important to you as a couple.

Get at least three supplier quotes and double check what is and isn’t included in each quote, so you can be confident that you are comparing like for like. Be mindful that cheapest isn’t always best though. Ask for recommendations and client testimonials to help you make your decision.

What’s hot and who’s hot in your industry right now?

What’s hot? Neon signs are going to be huge as is Pantone Purple (Ultra Violet), expect to see a lot of large neon signage in 2018.

Who’s hot? Wow there are so many, I guess I have to mention this awesome caterer I’ve worked with called Thomas. He is on fire at the moment, having just published his second book ?

What ambitions do you have for your business?

To keep growing my business and expanding the profile of wedding planning across the industry. I want to push the boundaries in terms of design on my styled shoots and be the best wedding planner that I can be. To keep exceeding my client’s expectations and giving them the best wedding day possible.

Are there any bucket list activities you have to tick off or weddings you would have loved to plan?

Oh wow, so many….I’m going to be working in a marquee with a glass ceiling this year which I’m very excited about and a secret wonderland inspired wedding would be amazing. My absolute dream would be for a client to give me an empty walled venue and a great budget to dress however I’d like. Where the couple trusted me to surprise them – letting me unveil the finished look it at their drinks reception.

Cameron Diaz had what looked an amazing wedding – lots of vintage sofas and stunning outdoor seating, very quirky, I’d have loved to be her wedding planner.