With over 20 years’ experience as an event planner, Juliet Shenderey knows the ins and outs of the meticulous planning and creativity required to create the perfect wedding.
Hi Juliet! As a wedding planner, what does your day typically look like?
Well, it’s definitely varied! The role isn’t just organising events; it’s different activities every day. Whether it’s meeting vendors, going over contracts, scouting venues, communicating with clients, or designing, you manage the whole process from the planning stage right through to putting on the event and beyond. It’s not just a copy and paste job – everybody’s wedding is bespoke.
What’s the most important skill you need for your job?
Everything is about planning, logistics, and organisation. Everything needs to have a contingency plan… and then a contingency plan for that plan! When you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you develop a kind of sixth sense. If something goes wrong, like a supplier stuck in traffic, it’s about knowing how to deal with those unexpected mishaps. Remaining calm and solution focussed is essential so that your clients can enjoy their wedding stress free.
How do you stay on top of everything?
I have a great team of people who work with me. Everything is documented in spreadsheets and planners, and technology can be very useful with that. Everyone, from my team to all my suppliers, knows exactly what’s going on at every stage of the event. I love the logistical part of the process; the behind the scenes work and details that bring an event to life. Guests wouldn’t believe all that has gone on before they even arrive at the wedding!
In such a client-oriented job, how do you ensure you’re meeting their needs?
When you meet a new client, you need to know what their priorities are. It’s their day and it’s crucial that their needs are met. The event is about them and their families and friends. Planning a wedding should be a fun and exciting time for any couple and it’s your job to help them achieve this.
You need to remember that this isn’t a nine-to-five job. Sometimes there’s a time difference when you’re talking with clients abroad – you may have to schedule calls at two in the morning! On the day of the event, you’re there before anyone arrives and you’re there after everyone leaves. And, of course, it involves working nights and weekends.
It sounds tough but rewarding! What’s the best part?
You get to work in a space where your imagination can run free, and it’s great to know you’re turning this tiny idea into something amazing. A guest may have been to loads of weddings, so the question is: how to make this one stand out?
I love watching something develop from the very beginning. Getting to know the clients and working with them to create their perfect wedding all the way to the end. Not many people get to work on every single aspect, most people involved in the event come in and out, but I get to see the whole thing, all the growth and evolution. Seeing my clients happy is the best feeling in the world!
