Originally posted on Polka Dot Bride on January 24, 2009
Cathrin D’Entremont is a Perth based wedding planner who owns CD Weddings and wedding blog The Wedding Nut. With a wicked sense of humour, Cathrin also runs workshops “The Wedding Workshop” for Western Australian brides packed full of tips and hints from vendors and suppliers to help couples plan their wedding day.
Tell me about yourself?
I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany. One day, I was bored, I packed my suitcase and arrived in Sydney. I just fell in love with Australia and decided to stay. I got bored a few more times and moved to Malaysia and Canada, but always returned to Australia and have now settled in Perth.
I created CD Weddings four years ago with one year of intensive research. It was the right time in my life to create a business in doing what I have done for most of my life throughout the world – creating events.
I also created The Wedding Workshop. Bridal expos are great but often don’t give the bride and groom the information they need to put such a huge event together. The workshops are a step by step seminar guide. 10 of the most important vendors a bride and groom need on their day will talk about the “do’s and don’ts” in their field – what questions to ask and where they can save money.
Working together with talented people, musicians, florists, caterers and many more, keeps my day to day routine interesting and creative.
I love every aspect in my business – well almost, I hate accounting!
What influenced your decision to become a wedding planner?
It was like a chain reaction of events. I wanted to create a business in event management. Organising corporate events was just not me. I thought of doing themed kids birthday parties at first, as I have 3 children of my own and I saw potential in it. Then one close friend said I should do weddings as I would be perfect for that!
Photo by NK Photography
How has living and traveling in different countries influenced your style?
Every culture has different values and traditions. It helps me to incorporate solutions for a bride and groom even through they are not from that culture. For example: The bride had no family in Australia and did not want to walk down the aisle by herself. I suggested doing it the German way and walk together down the aisle. We ended up that the groom walked half way down to meet her in the middle. So much fun to create unique wedding!
Do you feel this gives you an ‘open-ness’ in interpreting new ideas from overseas, for Australian brides?
Being exposed to so many different cultures one has a far greater horizon.
What inspires you? How do you keep your ideas fresh for each wedding?
Blogs! I am a blog addict. I visit Polka Dot Bride every day! I love looking at wedding photos, interior decorating books, landscaping books and I shop a lot. Window shopping mostly, as I am not a very rich person! When I shop I create for my clients. It works for me!
Do Australian brides and grooms have a distinctive style?
Yes they do. They love their outdoor weddings. Of course we are lucky to have such a great climate. Australians have a very relaxed attitude and do not take things too seriously.
Photo by NK Photography
What is your number one tip for brides?
Create a budget and stick to it! Don’t do another cookie cutter wedding. Incorporate your personality; do not be afraid to have some great entertainment at your reception.
If money was no object, how would you style your dream wedding?
I know too much! I would not be able to choose! I like everything – garden weddings, lavish ball room weddings, getting married in a beautiful resort! If I had the money I would like to get married to my husband once or twice a year with a different theme. I love my job and I just love creating together with my clients their weddings and I get to spend their money. ?
What are your favourite wedding ideas?
I love monograms designed for the bride and groom and incorporating it throughout the wedding. Later they can use it for their personal stationery.
Candy buffets. Guests absolutely love it. Never any leftovers for me to eat not even one Smartie!
What do you love about Australian Brides?
Australian brides often not so restricted through their culture traditions and have fun in creating the day they love.
What should brides start with when they come to you to start the planning process?
Cutting out from magazines or printing from the computer of all the photos they love and like to see at their wedding, no matter how wild or far fetched they are. I like to get their vision into my head so I can then find everything they need. It starts out as a huge collage which will turn into their perfect wedding.
Photo by Samm Blake
What was your most memorable wedding moment?
Oh, there are so many, but one still sparks emotions in me. It was a groom’s speech! He started to say:” On behalf of my wife and I”, he stopped and then said with tears in his eyes ” I have waited so long to say that, may I say it again?” And he did with so much power. Everyone felt the love for his wife and started reaching for tissues.
Cleverest ideas you’ve seen?
Every time I see a product that is unique, a new one comes on the market. I love what Pink Frosting has done. They have search the world for unique items and brought them to Australia like the monogrammed parasols and Wedding Graffiti. No excuses not to personalise your day anymore!
Five things a bride must get right?
1. Set a budget and stick to it
2. Balance the budget
Don’t spend most of the money on your dress, leave some for the reception.
3. Get organized and keep a ring binder with tags. Carry it to every vendor meeting.
4. Do not leave things to the last minute and allow more time on the wedding day. Some things will take a little longer. Don’t rush!
5. Simile, breathe, relax on your big day. Enjoy it!
Oh, can I add No.6. Hire a Wedding Planner.
Thank you for sharing your advice on Polka Dot Bride Cathrin! You can find Cathrin at CD Weddings, her blog The Wedding Nut or at her workshop site The Wedding Workshop
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