Surround yourself with the stunning gardens and historical features of Whirlowbrook Hall in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Whether you are looking for a lavish get-together or something more intimate, all wedding’s are fully bespoke to meet each couples individual needs. We caught up with their amazing wedding co-ordinator, Lucy White, who tells us of the joy wedding planning brings her.
1. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been a wedding co-ordinator for nearly 12 months and previous to that I was a food and beverage co-ordinator, working on wedding food and drink menus.
2. What made you want to become a wedding co-ordinator?
I always wanted to arrange and manage events and I love weddings so the two naturally came together and led me to the role I’m in now. I have a creative eye and attention to detail is my forte, so they really helped me choose this career as it’s what you need to be a really good wedding planner.
3. What is your favourite part of being a wedding co-ordinator?
I love creating bespoke weddings for each couple and seeing the joy and love in their faces as they get married and then start the celebrations afterwards. It really is a feeling like no other.
4. What makes planning weddings at your venue exciting, unique, or different?
Whirlowbrook Hall is truly unique. The history of the building, along with the stunning gardens that surround it and the fact that it’s an exclusive space where no other people are around on the day makes it really special. The rooms in the hall and the space that we have gives couples a fantastic venue to work with and it can be decorated in whatever colour ways/style the couple want. We have the flexibility to offer every couple a truly unique experience for their wedding day which is what they want. No two weddings are the same at Whirlowbrook and that’s what keeps it so exciting. Our choice of food and drink is very high quality and our vegan offering and English wine have become very popular. The versatility and quality of our offering and the experience of the team is second to none.
5. What is the best advice you would give to a couple planning a wedding?
We always advise our couples to approach their wedding planning with an open mind – yes have ideas on the themes and colourways etc but don’t rule out any other options…and try and always have your budget in mind when making decisions.
6. Share some details from one of the most memorable weddings you have been a part of.
Every wedding is memorable in its own way and I love seeing how happy the wedding couple are on their special day. It’s hard to pick out specific ones as they are all so lovely and romantic. We’ve had some amazing themed weddings including Star Wars with Darth Vader walking a bride down the aisle which we all loved to the inclusion of pets in the big day. This is becoming more and more popular every year. We’ve even had alpacas, owls and reindeers involved in weddings which again we love as it creates that very special ‘wow’ moment that guests will never forget!
7. What are the biggest trends you are seeing in weddings right now?
2020 is set to the year of sustainable weddings, vegan menus, balloon walls, fairy tale wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses in lots of different bright colours. Pre-wedding day rehearsal dinners are going to be even more popular.
8. What have been your favourite or least favourite wedding trends you’ve seen during your career?
We loved the coral trend this year and the use of wildflowers in bouquets and table decorations looks gorgeous. In terms of least favourite trends – black bridesmaid dresses on young children didn’t always look great and very long speeches as the guests just get bored and switch off after a couple of minutes.
9. What is the strangest thing you’ve seen at a wedding?
An Alpaca being involved in the big day – however it really worked and the wedding couple and the guests loved it!
