In the Press – UKAWP Member Focus
Today I am very pleased that Roseberry Weddings has been featured by the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners as part of their Member Focus. To read the interview, head on over to their blog here.
The UKAWP was founded in order to promote professionalism within the wedding planning industry and I am very proud to be a member alongside some fantastic peers.
Linen & Silk Weddings Interviews Kim Price
Elisabetta from the lovely Linen & Silk Weddings Blog recently got in touch and asked if I would be interested in being interviewed. It was a pleasure to share some thoughts on the use of wedding planners in the UK. Head over to Linen & Silk Weddings to read the full interview here!
An Enchanting Sunday at Fetcham Park
Last Sunday I had the privilege of being invited to the launch of Parallel Venues at Fetcham Park in Surrey. When I was first asked to attend, I didnt quite know what to expect. But then when my gorgeous invitation arrived in the post (made by the ever talented team at Cutture), I knew I was in for something very special. And very special it was!
Fetcham House. Image by Juliet McKee Photography
As I entered the enchanting house, the beautiful Laura Caudery of Parallel Venues welcomed guests with a loving smile and open arms. We arrived to a very buzzing room filled to the brim with talented people from all parts of the wedding industry. It was great to catch up with many friends and finally meet lots of the lovely people I have connected with on Twitter but had yet to meet in person. The cocktails & champagne were flowing and we were treated to exquisite canapes by At Home Catering.
L-R: Me, Marianne from Marianne Taylor Photography and Julia from Modern Photographic
Image by Juliet McKee Photography
The fashion show was simply stunning! Penny from Tigerlily Weddings and Emma from Miss Bush Bridal Wear did an outstanding job of showcasing “The Sirens Collection” in a beautiful and sultry way. Dresses from Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Jesus Peiro, Stephanie Allin, Cymbeline and Ugo Zaldi were showcased down the grand staircase which was adorned with orchids provided by the wonderful Leanne at Wild About. Suzanne Neville has a special place in my heart because it was she who designed and fitted my own wedding dress 5 years (and 3 dress sizes) ago! I’m sure I am not alone when I say my absolute favourite piece was Suzanne’s black dress which earned a huge round of applause from the guests (love the awesome skull bag by Bloomin’gayles).
Images by Juliet McKee Photography
All in all I had a wonderful time chatting away with great people, swooning over gorgeous dresses and soaking up the party atmosphere. Here’s sending out a huge thanks to all the talented people who made the day so fantastic. Bravo to you all!
The images above were captured by the talented Juliet McKee Photography. Please visit her blog for many more photos of the day. Other fabulous photos have been posted by EFC Photography and Eddie Judd Photography.
Meet The Bespoke Wine Company
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Gavin Smith from The Bespoke Wine Company to talk about what their team can provide for couples before, during and after their wedding. In addition to their core services to wine merchants within the UK, The Bespoke Wine Company works closely with couples to help choose and supply wine for their wedding celebrations. They also provide a wine gift list service, perfect for couples wanting to start their own wine collection together.
What makes The Bespoke Wine Company special in my eyes is that each client gets a very personal service from a team who are committed to sourcing quality wines. Roseberry Weddings shares the same approach to ensuring each couple’s unique needs are met to a high standard.
Here are a few words from Gavin himself…
What can a client expect when working with The Bespoke Wine Company?
“I provide a one-to-one consultancy service where I listen to exactly what my clients are after and work closely with them to establish the perfect wines for their wedding celebrations. A couple’s wine needs will vary according to their personal tastes, their budget, the number of guests and their food choices. I take all of these factors into account and we then taste and talk through a range of suggestions. I also provide food and wine matching advice.”
(Note: The Bespoke Wine Company arranges delivery and collection of wines free of charge to events and can supply wines on a sale or return basis.)
Why not just head to a wholesaler for wedding wines?
“I am a highly qualified (Diploma in Wines and Spirits) and experienced wine buyer who has been purchasing wines for merchants and individuals for many years. I also source wines from merchants all across the UK so I really can put the best wines forward at every price range, rather than a limited selection from one wholesaler.”
Why are wine gift lists growing in popularity?
“More often than not, couples these days are living together before marrying and so they tend to already have the household items that were traditionally put on wedding gift lists. Wine has been growing in popularity in the UK over the last twenty years and now people are getting really excited about the range available here. Tasting and exploring beautiful wines is a great hobby for couples since a bottle of wine is the perfect accompaniment to a romantic dinner or even simply for adding a little excitement to a normal meal. Most importantly, a good bottle of wine is always one shared, whether that be as a couple or at dinner parties with friends and family. Wine is synonymous with good times and by having your own collection you will always have the right wine for the right occasion. A wedding gift list is the perfect opportunity to really kick start that collection as it enables you to instantly have a wide range of wines at your fingertips for every occasion.”
What advice do you give couples when building their gift list?
“It always depends on individual budgets and where the couple are on their individual wine journey. It is important to create the right unique cellar for each couple. It’s also important to have a balance of wine ranging from everyday drinking to celebration wines. Buying the most expensive wine out there is not necessarily going to give you the most enjoyment and everyone is at different stages of their wine development. Speaking to individual couples on what they enjoy drinking helps me understand what they are looking for. Whether you are just at the beginning of the journey or well on your way, there is something for everyone.”
What does The Bespoke Wine Company provide over and above the wine gifts themselves?
“Once your wine gift list has been finalised we put together a bespoke booklet for you to keep, outlining all the wines in your collection along with tasting notes, peak drinking times, food and wine matching ideas and a personal message from your wedding guest who bought that particular wine. We also offer an after-sales service where couples can re-order any of the wines, or seek advice on styles or producers they have enjoyed.”
I got so excited hearing about the lovely wineries Gavin has visited, I asked him to put together a mixed case for me. He didnt disappoint and the extensive notes on each wine in my case makes the drinking experience even more enjoyable. Thank you Gavin!
Image credits: Wine glasses via The Gift of Wine, Wine Tasting courtesy of The Bespoke Wine Company
Wedding Fragrances: For Your Wedding Day & Beyond
My husband and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary this weekend and what gorgeous weather in London for us to spend celebrating! We spent the day visiting our venue Syon Park, watching in amazement as our 21 month old son happily ran around where we had one of the best days of our lives. One day I’ll blog the wedding but for now I wanted to share something that struck me this weekend.
Every anniversary we look back on our photos (currently only on film so I can’t share them with you…yet) and watch our wedding video and try to relive the fun of our wedding day. One thing we also do is each wear our wedding fragrance for the day which helps us to remember and reflect on our wedding memories.
I find that every year when I apply my perfume, I am transported to the excited and happy nerves of getting dressed and ready for the ceremony. And when I smell my husband’s wedding fragrance, I am instantly taken back to the moment when I joined him with my father at the front of the ceremony to begin our vows. What an incredible moment that was and, five years on, smelling the scents of the day bring me right back to the actual feelings we felt, even more so than the photos.
For my wedding, I chose “Love in White” by Creed, which I was kindly treated to as a wedding gift from one of my bridesmaids after a fun visit to Les Senteurs, which is located in the heart of Belgravia. They helped me pick out the perfect scent for me, and perfect it is!
So, that’s one of my top tips. Your wedding fragrance will not only scent your entire day but will bring back beautiful memories for years to come!
Are you wearing a new fragrance for your wedding? If so, which one?
Image credit: Creed
A Roseberry Baby Shower
In addition to planning and coordinating weddings, Roseberry Weddings also plans other private celebrations in London, such as a milestone anniversary or birthday, a christening party and, as I did on a lovely Sunday this August, a baby shower. This baby shower was an absolute joy to be involved in. The sun was shining bright for Maddi to celebrate with her family & friends the impending arrival of a little girl (still cosy in the “oven” as I write). A back garden English Afternoon Tea Party was the brief and the day came together beautifully. Much like when I plan a wedding, few things are as heartwarming to me as seeing family & friends gather with love, and happily celebrate with one another. I do hope you enjoy these images from the afternoon.
Photography by the talented Annelie Johansson, Flowers by Tom Flowers, Tables & Linens from Options Hire, Food from Laura’s Bakery + contributions from family & friends, Drinks and Glassware provided by Highbury Vintners, bunting from The Cotton Bunting Company. All images copyright of Annelie Johansson.
Roseberry Weddings Featured in You & Your Wedding
Roseberry Weddings are proud to be featured in the Sept/Oct issue of You & Your Wedding magazine! Jane & Michael’s wedding at Botleys Mansion looks stunning gracing these pages with all images beautifully captured by the uber talented Marianne Taylor. Jane is a knock-out in her Vera Wang gown while all the beautiful bouquets and arrangements for the day were created by Vayle Spring Flowers. It was such a pleasure to work on this wedding with such a lovely couple, amazing suppliers and a stylish & fun brief.
To see more images from Jane & Michael’s wedding, please visit the Gallery section of the Roseberry Weddings website.
The Receiving Line: What to Consider
Traditionally, a receiving line provides the bride, groom and wedding hosts with an opportunity to personally greet and thank each of their guests for coming to the wedding. More often than not, couples are now taking tradition and adapting it to suit what they want for their wedding, and what they feel their guests would appreciate. This often means the receiving line no longer makes an appearance. Some couples feel their parents would rather have one but they themselves are concerned with their guests standing waiting for “face time”. Some see it as proper etiquette and the most appropriate way to ensure you thank all your guests.
My view? Its 100% up to YOU!
There’s no question that every effort should be made to see and thank your wedding guests. But I believe that a couple, together with their parents if they are hosting, should decide what way they feel is most appropriate to do this for their own occasion.
Image credit: Tatertots and Jello
Here are some areas to think about:
Number of guests: Fewer guests undoubtedly make the receiving line much more manageable, but may also open the door to being able to greet guests during other parts of the day, without having to budget time for the line itself. Mingling during the champagne reception, visiting tables in between meal courses and finding people during the evening reception are all times a couple can spend time with individual guests.
Time needed: Consider the time it takes to say “Hello” and “Thank you” to a guest, give a hug, kiss or handshake and hear them rave about how beautiful the ceremony was. I would be realistic and allow for 20-30 seconds per person. Apply that to your guest numbers and use it as a guide for how much time would be needed for your receiving line. Consider any time constraints; for example some venues require a late start or there may be time consumed by travelling from ceremony to reception venue.
When & Where: Traditionally receiving lines are held either immediately after the ceremony, or as guests enter the reception. Consider the location and space needed to hold your receiving line. For a wedding of 120 guests, you will have a group waiting to be greeted for up to an hour. It may not be ideal to have them waiting in a hallway before entering the reception.
Who: Think about who you would like in your receiving line. If parents are hosting, it makes sense for them to also greet and thank the guests along side the couple.
Keeping it fun: As important as it is to give your wedding guests a personal “Thank You”, I also feel its important to keep them occupied and happy. If you expect guests to wait a while for their time with you, ensure they have a drink, that they are not hungry (cranky guests remember being hungry or thirsty more than they do a conversation!), perhaps some entertainment or maybe provide some personal photos to look at. Think of how to make it enjoyable while they wait.
The key is to be realistic about how a receiving line will impact your day. It should be a happy and pleasant experience for all! If you decide against having one, there are endless ways to be flexible and creative throughout the day and still give your guests that personal time.
Have you decided whether to have a receiving line? As a guest, how do you feel about receiving lines? Drop in and share your thoughts!
A Treat for Your Guests
London is without a doubt a melting pot of cultures and nationalities. Working in and around the capital has meant that quite often at least one person in the couples I meet comes from abroad. When meeting with these couples, the reccurring sentiment is how grateful they are that their guests will be going to such great efforts of time and expense to join them for their wedding. Being American-Filipino myself, I appreciate first hand what it meant to have friends and family come from all over the world for our wedding. Most couples I meet are looking for ideas on what they can do to show their gratitude and spoil their guests.
As a wedding planner, I see many opportunities throughout the run-up to the wedding, and throughout the celebration itself, to go that extra mile for your guests. Guests always appreciate receiving all the essential detailed information for their travels, or you can push the boat out and provide them with an Oyster card ready for their arrival or splurge further still and have pre- and post-wedding events. I will cover many of these ideas in posts to come.
Today though, I want to look at putting together welcome boxes to await your guests in their hotel rooms. For many guests, it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the UK. Here are some gift ideas below that you can treat your guests to, giving them a warm welcome to the country by going all out and showering them with some British treats. You can custom make your “Best of British” boxes with these and many more lovely gifts at Happy Box London.
Dont forget you can create Happy Boxes to thank your parents, Best Man, bridesmaids and ushers too!
Left to Right: 1. A Happy Box 2. Mrs & Mrs Smith travel book: the definitive guide on the best places to stay in UK and Ireland 3.”Morning After” tea from London’s Tea Palace 4.Oatmeal and honey organic heart-shaped biscuits from the Daylesford Organic Farmshop 5. The finest Delamotte champagne, as historically served on Concorde 6. Dove-grey cashmere gloves from Johnstons 200 year old Scottish mill at Elgin. 7. Prestat Marc de Champagne milk chocolate truffles, by royal appointment 8. Scent Library from Penhaligons.
All products and images from Happy Box London.
Roseberry Weddings Blog Debut
This post marks the start of the long overdue Roseberry Weddings Blog! Here’s sending out a very warm welcome and ‘hello!” to my lovely readers. I hope that this blog will allow us to get to know each other more by sharing thoughts & ideas on all things wedding. Please bear with me as I find my feet. I hope to get a feel for what types of posts will best reflect what I am interested in and working on, and what you as readers may enjoy.
For those who don’t already know me, my name is Kim Price and I am the founder of Roseberry Weddings, a bespoke wedding planning & co-ordination company based in London. Although the website already says a lot about Roseberry Weddings, I thought I should use my first post to tell you a bit of background about myself.
The BASICS: At the core of who I am is being a loving wife to my wonderful husband (and my partner in crime since the tender age of thirteen) and adoring mother to our incredible little boy. I am every day grateful for the precious people in my life.
The BACKGROUND: Originally from Florida, I moved to England in my teens and later graduated from the London School of Economics. I spent just under a decade of my career working in bond markets at two of London’s top tier investment banks. About half way through that stint, I had come to realise that I wanted to be more creative, I NEEDED to be more creative, and I needed to put all the skills I had gained to work in a field that reflected the love and warmth of people. Unsurprisingly, the financial markets didn’t quite fulfil that for me. I kept the hope of starting Roseberry Weddings very close to my heart for a while.
The BUSKING: In the meantime, I found a creative outlet through busking in the London Underground. For about 5 years, I was “Businesswoman by Day, Busker by Night” and I LOVED IT! I got to sing, play my guitar and meet tons of interesting people from all walks of life. I think I have a lifetime of stories now from my hundreds of hours playing in tube tunnels!
The BUSINESS: It took me a few years to make the move but, as soon as I did, I felt instantly at home. I knew that this was where I should be…. and so in early 2009 Roseberry Weddings was born.
When a couple chooses to work with a wedding planner, they will spend a great deal of time together during a significant stage of their lives, entrusting them with key involvement in a momentous occasion. I believe it’s essential to find a planner who is just right for you. Alongside Roseberry Weddings, there are some extremely talented colleagues of mine out there, all with such different styles, personalities and qualities. When meeting with a couple, I do emphasise the importance of having chemistry with your planner, finding an individual who is “on the same page” as you and who equally shares your enthusiasm for creating an incredible celebration.
I hope that, over time, this blog will provide a window into the type of person and planner that I am, and in turn allow prospective couples to begin to get an idea of that all important “fit”.
Please drop me a comment here and say “hello”!
Image credit: Joanna Ruttner Check out her super sweet collections!
I am Kim Price, founder of Roseberry Weddings, a bespoke wedding planning and coordination company based in London. We pride ourselves in creating memorable and seamless events with the same care and attention to detail as if they are our own.
