Image courtesy of The Ultimate Wedding Planning Party

As an experienced event planner and publicist, specialising in planning media events for unique food products and associated businesses within the lifestyle and luxury sector, 2011 threw me a curveball, when I announced my engagement! Suddenly it was going to be about me. To be honest, I had not put a huge amount of thought into this prior to my mid 30’s. Initial thoughts were when, what, where and how were we going to pull this off! Luckily I have a wonderful fiance who has total trust in me and gave me full reins in planning this wedding, to an agreed budget of course. 😉

After agreeing on a date, finding the reception venue was not easy at first. Initially, I wanted a garden wedding out of Sydney so guests could come and stay over and we could all have a mini holiday. The place I found on NSW’s central coast called Bells at Killcare ticked all my boxes, but unfortunately could not accommodate us for a Friday in November.

Each year I conduct the ‘Ultimate Wedding Planning Party‘, a fairytale playground for soon-to-be brides and grooms at the Sydney Opera House, where everyone can learn from Sydney’s leading wedding experts during a glamourous, interactive and fun evening … then the idea clicked! Let’s host our wedding at the Sydney Opera House! Hence, venue decided and hard part done. Sydney can be unpredictable with all the elements, therefore we decided to also conduct our ceremony within the Opera House, which we hope will be lovely.

Choosing a dress designer was my next big step. Important to me and for all brides. My lips are sealed on this detail as I’m sure you can understand!

I am slowly securing all my suppliers for my wedding. I have long working associations with Planet Cake and gm photographics, so both were the natural choice for my cake and photography, but I had to get in quick, as both suppliers book out quickly, especially in November. For everyone out there planning their wedding, the things that you need to decide upon and secure quickly are your desired celebrant/church, make up artist and wedding planner, if you want one.

All in all and only due to my work contacts, I am finding it a little easier than most to plan my wedding. For those of you however doing it for the first time you should consider attending Ultimate Wedding Planning Party for ideas (and not just because I’m conducting it!). The event allows brides and grooms to mingle with Sydney’s wedding industry elite and listen as they share their wisdom.

Picture this. You walk down the red carpet and enjoy Yarra Burn wines and St Germain cocktails and canapés served by Opera Point Events. Simon Sandall is the head chef and his food is delicious! You can then stroll through the interactive and visually stunning booths and meet the suppliers face-to-face to discuss their upcoming weddings. The marquee is themed as a mock wedding so there’s plenty to look at and gain inspiration from! There’s a Bridal Fashion show featuring 5 amazing bridal designers including Lisa Gowing, VELANI by Nicky and Colette Dinnigan plus UK star, Sarah Janks who will show her first collection on the night. There’s even a Funbooth photobooth!

Afterwards, the wedding suppliers take to the stage to share their advice. To finish off the night, guests can mingle more with the industry experts and enjoy the entertainment. We have the Press Club Band playing live and you can enjoy some pampering from Jo Malone or even a Bobbi Brown make-over. With all this going on our guests last year didn’t want to leave but when they eventually did go they were all carrying their amazing gift bags and some had even won a lucky door prize. (This year’s gift bag is shaping up to be pretty amazing).

Back to my wedding planning, I am currently in the process of choosing a bridesmaids dress design with my girlfriend designer who is making them and designing invitations … its all very exciting. My best advice is to enjoy the process of planning your wedding, trust your chosen  suppliers and have fun with it. We are also enjoying watching some wedding shows on Foxtel for light hearted entertainment.

Best Wishes,

Kim xx

Ms Gingham says: I think that even the grooms will be happy attending this one and what better way to plan your wedding than at an event where the best suppliers and industry experts are gathered. Thanks go to Kim for sharing her knowledge with us! You can find out more about attending the Ultimate Wedding Planning Party here.

About Kim: “The producer of the annual Ultimate Wedding Planning Party – a glam bridal planning event showcasing all the best of Sydney’s wedding suppliers and designers. The UWPP is held every Spring at the Sydney Opera House!”