I asked the lovely Lydia at Ella Parisa some questions that I thought would help you as you consider a wedding planner. It reinforced to me that each couple is completely unique and they all need unique things to help make their wedding right for them. Read on in a conversation with luxury wedding planner Ella Parisa.

As a luxury wedding photographer I am connected with a select few wedding planners – they help make wedding days smooth and unique to each couple. Although I always recommend a wedding planner, especially for big weddings, I love photographing each wedding whether it has a planner or not. Here’s what Lydia had to say in this conversation with luxury wedding planner Ella Parisa.

So Lydia, do you prefer your role as overall planner or on-the-day coordination?

While on-the-day coordination is important for ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day, my passion lies in the meticulous planning process that full wedding planning entails. Building a strong relationship with the couple, understanding their preferences, organising every aspect of their special day and overseeing the entire journey from the initial planning stages, is what I truly love.

It’s incredibly rewarding to witness every detail come together, knowing that I’ve played a part in turning their dreams into a reality.

How do you help couples choose the perfect venue for their luxury wedding in the UK?

Firstly, I begin by understanding the couple’s priorities, style, and vision for their dream wedding through an initial consultation. This helps me to understand the logistics of the day – if it is a multi-day celebration, for example, it will involve understanding the number of events they wish to include. I carefully consider the couple’s personal itinerary and then evaluate the venue’s location, capacity, ambiance, and amenities to ensure each venue aligns with their vision.

Next, I present a shortlist of options that meet the couple’s criteria.

Once we narrow down the choices, I arrange site visits for the couple. These visits are crucial for experiencing the venue’s spaces firsthand and assessing details such as layout, accessibility, amenities as well as logistical considerations.

What creative ways do you help each wedding look and feel bespoke to the couple?

As a multicultural wedding planner, I strive to make each wedding a truly bespoke and unique experience that are reflective of each couple’s diverse backgrounds, personalities, style, and love story. Here are some creative ways I make each wedding feel special:

Ensuring traditions and rituals are respectfully and thoughtfully integrated into their celebrations

Incorporating personalised touches that are meaningful to the couple, ensuring each detail represents their unique story

Selecting entertainment options that celebrate and blend their cultures, providing guests with an unforgettable experience that resonates with both sides

Designing bespoke menus that feature the couple’s favourite cuisines or incorporating dishes that carry sentimental value

How do you manage the budget for a luxury wedding while still ensuring a memorable experience?

In order to deliver a luxury wedding and a memorable experience within a given budget, it definitely requires a very thoughtful approach with a lot of careful planning, prioritisation, and creative solutions.

I start by understanding the couple’s priorities and what aspects of the wedding are most important to them. Whether it’s the venue, catering, entertainment, or décor, I help them allocate their budget to the areas that will have the most impact on their overall vision and guest experience.

I advise on how to distribute the budget effectively, focusing on high-impact areas that create a lasting impression.

I offer creative solutions to achieve the desired luxury feel without overspending. This could include using elegant, yet cost-effective décor options or repurposing items, such as floral displays, across different parts of the day, for example.

I regularly review the budget and track all expenses, ensuring that every expenditure aligns with the overall budget.

Can you share any tips for brides and grooms choosing to book or not book a wedding planner/coordinator like yourself?

My top tips for couples choosing to book, or not book a wedding planner would be:

If you decide not to book a wedding planner, consider having an On-the-Day Coordinator – even if you handle most planning yourself, a coordinator can manage the day-of logistics, allowing you and your family to enjoy the day without worry.

Assess your specific needs – if you have a busy schedule or lack experience in event planning, a wedding planner can save you a lot of time and stress.

Consider the complexity of your wedding – for multi-day weddings with multiple events, a planner’s expertise can be invaluable in handling logistics and coordinating details and busy itineraries.

Find the right fit for you – look for planners whose style and approach align with your vision. Check reviews, ask for recommendations, and have initial meetings with potential planners to ensure a good fit.

How do you handle last-minute changes or unexpected issues that may arise on the wedding day?

Handling last-minute changes or unexpected issues on the wedding day is a crucial aspect of my role as a wedding planner. Here’s how I ensure everything runs smoothly despite any hiccups:

I ensure that technical equipment, such as microphones and sound systems, is tested beforehand and have spare items like batteries, music devices and backup equipment available.

I always have a plan B in place (and often a plan C) for any potential issues, such as bad weather, supplier cancellations, or technical difficulties. This includes having alternative arrangements for outdoor events, leaning on a vast network of industry friends if needed, or coming prepared with a huge array of backup equipment in my kit bag.

I have a trusted assistant onsite with me at every wedding who can help manage tasks and address issues promptly. This ensures that multiple issues can be handled simultaneously without causing delays.

I maintain constant communication with all suppliers in the weeks leading up to the wedding to confirm details and address any concerns. On the day of the wedding, I ensure they have everything they need and are aware of any last-minute changes.

I act as the primary point of contact for the couple, their families, and all suppliers on the wedding day. This ensures that any issues are directed to me and not the couple, allowing them to enjoy their day stress-free.

I always bring an emergency kit that includes items like safety pins, sewing kits, stain removers, first aid supplies, and other essentials to handle minor mishaps.

Are you considering on-the-day coordination or a wedding planner for your day?

Lydia is active on Instagram and is very easy to chat to, feel free to send her a message and see how she can help. We hope you enjoyed this conversation with luxury wedding planner Ella Parisa.

All the best, Tom Keenan Photography, Kent Wedding Photographer