2:30PM, Nov 09, 2009
We spoke to wedding Expert Jane Dayus-Hinch, the star of Wedding S.O.S. to find out about her and to get some tips on planning a wedding!
Why did you decide to become a Wedding Planner?
I didn’t really decide to become a wedding planner, I was an events organiser – with a passion for weddings.
I have spent my life organising birthdays, parties etc on a family level, and huge corporate events on a business level. I went to the States in 1985 and helped organise a very large wedding over there, as they had no clue with the tent/marquee and outdoor catering, electrics and water problems. After the wedding, the wedding planner asked me if I would like to work with them, so I did and then returned to the UK to start my own business called ‘Occasions’. Twenty five years ago in the UK there wasn’t one wedding planner – only me, and from there I have built my reputation and served over 1000 Brides.
What’s been the most outrageous wedding you have ever had to plan?
I don’t really get asked to plan outrageous weddings, just weddings with lots of problems – but I did once have to organise a wedding for a Bride who wanted the Pyramids in her wedding photos, so we flew all 600 guests to Giza in Egypt and I had to organise everything for the 3 day celebration. It felt outrageous at the time, as I was at one point in a swimming pool trying to float candles before dinner.....
What are the most common mistakes, or errors of judgement, that people make when planning their wedding?
The couple book a vendor or a service, and don’t get all details of the service that they are offering in writing in a detailed contract, no matter how small the booking is. They trust friends as musicians, DJ’s, MC’s, but never give them a contract or sometimes never check them out as to how good they really are. This leads to misunderstandings and then they are let down on the day. The couples don’t go into enough detail regarding what can go wrong, and plan for it e.g. Weather – having a rain plan. Vintage car breaking down. Photographer not showing up etc. The couple will always assume that everything will ‘turn out ok on the day’ - it never does, and that leads to disappointment
Have you ever encountered any stereotypical “Bride-zillas” or interfering Mother-in-Law’s? How do you handle them?
Of course I have had many Brides that become very stressed and demanding, and Brides Mothers, Grooms Mothers, Aunts – they all have a role to play – and so do I. I always find it best to be calm, diplomatic, and always listen. Take on board their points of view, and then reference the Bride – is it what she wants – and then I become a mediator. Compromise is always an answer. Write everything down, as at a later date, when things happen, you can remind them why something was done in a particular way. Never argue or disagree with a Bride, it's her day, her way. Give your advice and expertise as an alternative – giving her choice, then it's her decision.
Celebrity weddings are always big news, are there any high profile weddings that have recently caught your eye for all the right, or wrong, reasons?
I try and follow most weddings and read every Bridal magazine to see all the new trends and fashions, new ideas in UK and in Canada. Celebrity weddings always make the headlines like Mark Wahlberg – they have been dating for over 8 years before tying the knot – a good reason to get married. For the wrong reason – maybe the Catholic Priest Father Alberto Cutie (40) who has a relationship-advice TV show - weds a divorcee with children and he leaves his Church and faith after 15 years. For weird and wacky have a look at Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz wedding with a theme of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ - Ive never done that theme for a wedding – but theres always a first time....!
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