We caught up with West Mill Event Manager Shannon to chat all things wedding planning. With 12 years of experience, Shannon really knows her stuff. From special moments with the couple to entertainment, here’s Shannon’s top tips for a fab wedding day.
How long have you been planning weddings, and what continues to inspire your passion for it?
I have been helping plan weddings for over 12 years now and I am just as passionate about helping couples have the best day of their lives as I was 12 years ago. It’s such a rewarding job and it’s always a pleasure to be part of such a special moment in people’s lives.
What’s your favourite part of the wedding day itself?
Getting to go and congratulate the couple after the ceremony and sharing a few moments with them in the lift to bring them down to joining guests for confetti. They seem to be over the ceremony nerves and you can see them relax and excited to go and see all of their loved ones!
What’s your no.1 piece of advice for couples in the early stages of planning?
Not to sweat the small stuff and get hung up on the minor details. Your guests are looking forward to celebrating with you and will be grateful for the invite regardless of the plans you have for the day.
What’s a small detail that couples often overlook – but makes a big difference?
Entertainment can make or break the atmosphere at a wedding! It’s always worth investing in good daytime and evening entertainment to keep the atmosphere upbeat and fun throughout.
How do you help nervous couples feel confident and calm?
I find that most couples seem to be mainly nervous about the ceremony. I try to explain that it’s only very quick and it will be over before they know it. I always give them a few words of encouragement just ahead of the ceremony and tell them to enjoy every minute.
What’s the most creative or touching thing you’ve seen at a wedding here?
I think it’s very touching when couples take time out of the day to go off alone and check in with each other to make sure they are ok and enjoying their day.
What’s the first dance song you’ll never get tired of hearing?
I really like to see when a couple has an unusual or original first dance song that means something to them personally but might not be a mainstream song.
What’s your favourite colour scheme?
I do love a monochrome colour scheme but I think that the new trend is earthy palettes with shades of mocha and warm neutrals which look great in our venues!
What’s your favourite flower combination?
I really like the colourful spring blooms including tulips & hyacinth’s.
What’s a dream wedding theme you’d love to help plan?
I think wedding themes are on the decline and we dont see too many here at the venue as the industrial venue itself is the look people are going for!
Enjoyed getting to know Shannon? Head over to The Planning Edit to meet the rest of our Events Team.
Love, Team West Mill x