Image by Evermore Photography

There is no amount of training that will prepare you for the rollercoaster ride of planning and styling a wedding …

Wedding planning and styling is an extraordinary job. I get to meet people from all over the world, visit new venues in Perth and quite simply … I get to play with shiny, pretty things. It’s a very satisfying job and I enjoy building relationships with my brides … I like to think of myself as the proxy bridesmaid. At the same time, I live and breathe weddings and in order to produce FANTASTIC ones, a lot of time and effort goes into ensuring our weddings come off without a hitch.

Image by Michelle Kiddie Photography

I’ll be honest with you …

At no stage in my career as a wedding planner and stylist have I ever felt (or unfortunately looked) like Jennifer Lopez in ‘The Wedding Planner’ with my neatly pressed Chanel Suits, Manolo Blahniks, executive audio device in my ear and pristine white swans flapping their wings according to schedule. Although I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jennifer Lopez being woo-ed by the one and only Matthew McConaughey, you will more likely find me trudging through beach sand in my Nikes setting deck chairs at a wedding ceremony on a 42 degree day at 7am in the morning. Cue windy weather and sunburn. Not to mention the mobile phone uncomfortably positioned in the back jean pocket. Not quite the glamorous situation portrayed in the movie! Let’s also not forget the fact that in the movie J-Lo steals The Groom.

Image by Annetta Banham Photography

So after many years in the events industry …

I have discovered that if I live by the following three pointers, I am usually on the way to producing a successful wedding, no matter what situations I am faced with. So here you are:

1. Be realistic. Everybody would love to spend a billion dollars on their wedding day, but let’s keep it real. Create a realistic and affordable budget that you know you can stick to and base your design on this amount.

2. Listen to the professionals. The professionals have organised many a wedding. Ask them for advice and listen to what they have to offer as their prior experience is invaluable.

3. Stay calm. Things may go wrong – it’s Murphy’s Law! Take everything in your stride and go with the flow – sometimes (more often than not actually) changes in your existing plan can work out for the better. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that this is yours and your partner’s time to shine! As long as your loved ones are around you, the day will be spectacular and one to be cherished.

Image by Michelle Kiddie Photography

Ms Gingham says: Plan, be realistic and have fun! Great advice and who better to take advice from than a professional. Thanks to Edwina for sharing her wisdom with us today.

About Edwina Milford: Matt & Edwina Milford are Perth’s Premier Event Stylists. Since 1991,their successful Events Company ’Bridal Creations’ has been assisting couples with planning & styling their special day. Together with their young and enthusiastic team, they combine valuable experience and stylish design with a wide selection of quality hire products to create the perfect atmosphere for any event.