If, like a whopping third(!) of all couples, you got engaged during December – February, you are now preoccupied with thinking about your wedding day. But of course, what comes first: booking the registrar? Booking the venue? And what about the dress? And also guests dietary needs? And what if those same guests don’t RSVP on time? Once you start to worry, it’s difficult to see the woods from the trees. Therefore, it won’t surprise you apparently just about a quarter of all couples hire some form of wedding planning for their big day.
In this Bodleian Weddings Journal we’ve been talking to Katie Lou, one of our partner Wedding Planners who specialises in Oxfordshire and Cotswolds weddings. Katie has worked across stately homes, country retreats, Oxford colleges and dry hire historic venues (that’s us!), so she certainly knows her way around unique wedding locations. Katie has even been called a “Creator of Happiness” by one of her extremely satisfied couples. So keep reading and find out all about Katie Lou!
Hi Katie! Thank you for sitting down and talking to us. Can you please tell us how long you have been a wedding planner, and what is your favourite thing about weddings?
Katie Lou: I’ve been immersed in the wonderful world of wedding planning for over a decade now. With a background in large-scale events, experiential campaigns and festivals, my wedding planning journey started in 2010. I wanted a job that required the same can-do attitude and make-happen magic as my previous career, with more flexibility and control. Weddings combine everything I adore – my creativity, eye for detail and logistical mind.
My favourite part of a wedding is the moment the couple sees each other for the first time, there’s an undeniable magic in witnessing their genuine connection and raw emotion. When the wedding draws to a close, it feels very special to have been an integral part of the planning process and I cherish the lasting memories couples and guests will hold dear for years to come.
How did you find yourself running your own wedding planning business?
Katie Lou: Following my training with the UKAWP (UK Alliance of Wedding Planners), I sought valuable work experience and reached out to Isobel Weddings, an Oxford-based planner at the time. Thirteen years ago, my inaugural wedding took place at the beautiful Bodleian Library, marking the beginning of my journey in wedding planning. Initially, I collaborated with Isobel on a freelance basis, gradually assuming a more significant role and running the company. At the end of 2019, I took the pivotal step of acquiring the company from Isobel and whilst home schooling (thank you COVID!) I renamed and rebranded. The decision to take the reins and reposition the company was a defining moment in my career, and as they say, the rest is history.
If you had to sum up your planning style or method, how would you describe it?
Katie Lou: My approach to wedding planning, having organised over 100 weddings, is characterised by a commitment to flexibility, ensuring that each couple’s individual needs and preferences are met. I will stop you thinking about what your wedding should be and help you imagine what it could be. It’s important to me to get to know you as a couple, I place your passions and personalities at the forefront of the planning process, alleviating stress and granting you the freedom to savour every moment of your special day, surrounded by your favourite people, while I handle the details.
For couples that have no idea where to start when planning their wedding, how do you guide them?
Katie Lou: I take pride in guiding couples who are navigating the wedding planning process without a clear starting point. Open communication is key, I first seek to understand their preferences, aspirations and unique style. We embark on a collaborative journey, breaking down the process into manageable steps. From creating a vision board to identifying key priorities and sourcing the best supplier team to deliver their vision on budget. I ensure a seamless and enjoyable planning experience. If you are just starting your wedding planning journey and feel overwhelmed, I have three free downloads that will help you stay on track and feel in control.
What is the largest wedding you have planned for, and what has been the smallest?
Katie Lou: The largest wedding I have planned was a 3 day marquee wedding in the Cotswolds for 250 people and the smallest an intimate wedding in the heart of Oxford for 30.
You offer several different types of wedding planning, can you please explain them for us?
Katie Lou: I provide three different wedding planning services, whether you’re seeking support from the very beginning of your planning journey, or you’re looking for someone you can trust in the final stages, I am here to provide assistance that’s tailored to your needs and requirements. Unlike other planners I work on a fixed fee basis and don’t take any commission from suppliers ensuring your supplier supporting cast is the right fit for your vision and budget.
Full Wedding Planning and Design
Full planning means exactly that, I will be by your side from the first meeting until your last dance.
Partial Planning
This service is for couples who have already started planning their wedding and secured the big ticket items but now don’t know what to do next or have underestimated the work involved and are keen to hand over the reins.
Finishing Touch Support
Refinement of your plans, last minute inspiration and on the day support
How do you help couples stick to the budget they have set aside for their wedding?
Katie Lou: I prioritise financial transparency and empowerment, working closely with couples to establish a realistic budget that aligns with their vision. Through detailed discussions and a thorough understanding of their priorities, I provide informed supplier recommendations. Regular check-ins and budget tracking ensure that we stay on course.
When working with a couple who are looking to hold their wedding at the Bodleian, what advice would you have for them?
Katie Lou: Plan the flow of your wedding day, from the ceremony and reception to evening dancing. Ensure that there is a smooth transition between different parts of the celebration and that your supplies have a good amount of time to set up. Explore the different table and chair options – will you have long or round tables? What is your overall vision and what chairs compliment that – chiavari, cross back, ghost or Louis chairs all have a very different vibe. Maximise all the amazing photo opportunities in and around the Bodleian from the Wren door, Radcliffe Camera, Duke Humfrey’s
Library and not to be missed confetti photo under the Bridge of Sighs.
If you could travel back in time to the first ever wedding you planned, what advice would you give your past self?
Katie Lou: Great question! Here are some pieces of advice I would give to my past self:
● Recognise that you can’t do everything on your own. Delegate and automate
tasks.
● Build a strong network of suppliers.
● Expect the unexpected. Be flexible and ready to adapt to changes. Develop
problem-solving skills to handle any challenges that may arise during the
planning process or on the wedding day itself.
And last but certainly not least, what advice do you have for couples who are noticing that big day creep ever closer?
Katie Lou: As the big day approaches, couples may experience a mix of excitement and stress. Here are my top five pieces of advice for couples who are nearing their wedding day:
Delegate
Identify the most crucial tasks that need attention in the final weeks leading up to the wedding. Delegate responsibilities to trusted friends, family members, or your wedding planner, if you have one.
Create a timeline
Develop a detailed timeline for the wedding day, outlining key events and timings. Share this timeline with suppliers and the wedding part so that everyone is on the same page.
Make an emergency kit
Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with essentials such as safety pins, a sewing
kit, plasters, pain relievers, and any other items that might come in handy.
Have a wet weather plan
Ensure you have a wet weather plan, the Great British weather may have other plans
for your special day and you should be prepared
Stay flexible
Understand that not everything may go exactly as planned and that’s okay. Stay
flexible and be prepared to go with the flow on the wedding day. Remember that the
most important thing is the celebration of your love and commitment to each other.
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Thank you very much Katie for stopping by, telling us all about your style of planning, and also giving us all some helpful tips when planning a wedding!
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