Sommy Echezona is the founder and director of M.Fiore Events—a UK based wedding and events service designed for creative couples. Sommy prides herself on bringing movie-like moments to life for her clients.

Sommy shares the aspects of her job that always make her smile, predicts next season's trends and recites words of wisdom with the help of an old wedding day tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue...

Something old

After months of planning, the final call/meeting with your couple—going through the wedding day in detail and seeing how their story will unfold—is the best feeling. Everything has come together and your couple is truly put at ease so that they can simply enjoy getting married!

A recent favourite moment was my last couple's first dance. They were so worried but when it came to it, all that mattered was them and the love they shared—they went into the dance with ease. I loved being part of making their day come alive.

Something new

Everyone loves traditional floral displays but for the 2023 wedding season, I think there will be more creative backdrops for wedding ceremonies! Whether that is geometric shapes, marble walls, etc. Pearls are also becoming a big trend, pearl headbands, pearl veils, and pearl detailing on dresses—I can't wait to see a lot more of this.

Something borrowed

The best advice I've ever received: "Just do your best and let the planning plan itself on the day." Listen to your couples, give them advice and ideas, help with their vision and when it comes to the day, breathe and follow the great plan you all worked hard on.

Something blue

I find colour inspiration through the couple themselves, by finding out their passions, food loves, and hobbies

I also find inspiration in movies. So many movies have a relatable feel/moment to everyone's love story so these are the best ways to find creative inspiration.

For my last wedding, I created a colour theme that was vibrant, relaxed and romantic.

‍
‍
Find out more about Sommy's services on her website, or browse an archive of her work on her Instagram.

Jess Sheldon is the founder of wedding design and coordination company, Copper & Bloom.

Jess talks finding inspiration, taking on new clients and creating authentic experiences with the help of an old wedding day tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue...

Something old

It's so easy for couples to get caught up in traditions and what others expect or think their wedding should look like. I am a firm believer in being authentic and creating an experience for your guests that they will remember because it oozed personality from beginning to end.

But one thing that never gets old is seeing the groom's reaction when their beautiful bride walks in. I’m a sucker for love so that always gets me!

Something new

When taking on a new client, the first thing I need to figure out is if we would have a good working relationship. Ultimately, I am being entrusted to plan one of the most important days of a couple's life, so ensuring that we can work well together is key.

When it comes to vendor collaborations, the talent that is out there is second to none. You have to be creative in this industry and anyone who is passionate about their business and creating beautiful weddings is a great ally to have!

Something borrowed

I describe my style as Bohemian Luxury, a mixture of the Boho free-spirited nature with a hint of modern luxury. A lot of my inspiration comes from the 70s, especially with the relaxed bohemian style. My style is always full of lots of textures and asymmetry, I like to call it perfectly imperfect!

Something blue

I take the majority of my colour inspiration from nature. I usually opt for fairly neutral and muted tones with hints of metallic features but I do love mixing these with more stand-out colours to create a modern concept.

My last clients requested a colour palette that was relaxed and whimsical, perfect for an Autumnal wedding.

‍

See more of Jess Sheldon's wedding designs on Instagram, or find out more about her services on the Copper & Bloom website.

Another summer of love draws to an end! Though winter wonderland weddings are growing in popularity, colder days and longer nights generally indicate the arrival of the "slow season" for wedding professionals. The off-season provides an opportunity for a well-deserved rest, but it can also be a super productive period of time for you and your wedding business. We've compiled a bank of ideas to help you grow your wedding business during the off-season, each equipped with a free downloadable resource created by an industry professional. Put these resources to good use and the next wedding season might just be your most successful yet!

Orangise styled shoots

When planning a wedding, most of the creative decisions (aesthetic, colours, flower arrangements, etc.) are ultimately dictated by the couple themselves. However, styled shoots are an opportunity to create the wedding of your own dreams—create without constraints and showcase what makes you and your brand unique. As a result, you'll receive high-quality images that reflect your personal taste and style—a great way to spruce up your Instagram feed and accurately showcase your brand to potential clients.

Styling your own wedding shoots is also a great way to build your professional network. You'll be collaborating with a range of wedding vendors and industry suppliers, take the opportunity to form strong working relationships and figure out who you'd like to work with in the future. And of course, there is always the allure of being published in high-profile industry magazines—an excellent form of exposure.

Resource bank

Candice Coppola has designed over 40 styled photoshoots and wrapped up all her learnings into a styled shoot starter pack. Get creating!

Update your website copy

All those articles you're churning out on your blog will ultimately direct readers to a central hub—your website. Once prospective clients reach your homepage, are they receiving the message you're hoping to communicate? Does your website showcase your personality, your brand aesthetic, and your unique selling point? Another thing to think about, is your website SEO-optimised? The wedding industry is highly competitive, strong SEO could be your ticket to showing up in Google search results and standing out from the crowd.

Resource bank

Website copywriter and brand messaging strategist Kathy Young has put together a copywriting guide, detailing tiny tweaks you can make to your website that make a big difference.

Start a blog

Social media is still a great way to connect with and grow your community, but wouldn't it be nice to take back control of your content from those pesky algorithms? A blog allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise to prospective clients and fellow industry professionals. But the best part? You're in complete control of what content you produce and how you distribute it. Maybe you've spotted an upcoming wedding trend, have found the perfect cake supplier, or simply a place to document a day in the life of a wedding planner—put it all on the blog! The more articles you produce the better—a high volume of content will make you more discoverable to potential clients searching the web.

Resource bank

Award-winning event planner and wedding business coach Krista Olynk has created a downloadable guide to setting up a wedding blog. Krista provides blog topic ideas, a content schedule, and even a step-by-step writing guide. If you're more of a chatter than a writer, a podcast might be the right fit for you! Learn more about podcast marketing for wedding professionals.

Set your goals

The summer season is intense for wedding professionals! Now that you have a little more time on your hands, you should reflect on your achievements and congratulate yourself on your hard work. Once you've finished looking back, set your focus on the future. Downtime is the perfect opportunity to create a roadmap. What direction do you see your business taking? What do you hope to achieve? And why is that important to you? Clear goals keep you motivated, focused, and feeling accomplished. And when your schedule starts to fill up again, you'll feel totally focused and in control.

Resource bank

Sometimes, setting your goals is easier said than done. Lindsay J. Williams has shared the goal-setting formula she used to achieve her own success. Ready, set, goal!

Collect client feedback/reviews

Celebrate your own successes! Tell everyone how great your work is! And spotlight other people who can vouch for the same. Many people make decisions based on the embodied experience of others. That means that client testimonials are an important tool in getting prospective clients to say "I do." No doubt, your clients had a great experience working with you, but sometimes they need a little help in expressing it. Equipping your clients with the right language and asking them the right questions will make a huge difference in the quality and relevance of the feedback you receive.

Resource bank

Thankfully, the Wedding Pro Cast UK has out together an episode all about how to ask for and showcase client feedback, with a handy email template too. Go and find your praise!

Podcasts are a great way to find advice straight from the mouths of industry professionals, who better to offer wisdom than those who have been there, done that? Whether you're looking for social media makeover advice or the perfect response to a pesky client, these podcasts have it covered.  And the best part? They're accessible all the time, from everywhere—to suit even the busiest of lifestyles! Here's our pick of the best wedding industry podcasts on the market, sure to elicit a knowing nod, a few giggles and, most importantly, buckets of motivation to grow and improve your professional wedding business.

Must-listen podcasts for wedding planners

Weddings For Real

Best for: covering all bases

Host: Megan Gilkin

With a bank of episodes spanning 4 years, there's very little Megan Gilkin hasn't covered! Megan hosts interviews with leading industry professionals on topics spanning branding, common pitfalls, client experience, hiring and SEO—a treasure trove of tried and tested strategies to supercharge your wedding business.

Host's recommendation: 11 years of business advice in less than 20 minutes—acquire over a decade's worth of wisdom in less time than your daily commute. Then, if you're hungry for more, browse Megan Gilkin's recommended further listening.

Book More Brides

Best for: boosting bookings (and profits!)

Host: Kate Storey

Book More Brides is a training platform for wedding professionals established by Kate and Nick Storey. By blending Kate's speciality in marketing with Nick's background in sales and business strategy, the Book More Brides podcast is a one-stop-shop to help wedding professionals secure leads, close deals and boost profits.

Visualist recommends: Great at what you do, but not booking enough weddings? You know you're great at what you do, Kate Storey shows you how to make potential clients believe it too.

Evolve Your Wedding Business

Best for: shaking up your process

Host: Heidi Thompson

Heidi Thompson's podcast will expose you to an array of different perspectives, sure to open your eyes to new approaches and invigorate your creativity. All the tips, tricks, and secrets you've been looking for packaged in a playful, enjoyable manner.

Visualist recommend: How To Have A Successful Wedding Business In A Saturated Market—Heidi addresses an all too relatable problem for wedding industry professionals with humour and most importantly, actionable strategies.

Talk with Renee Dalo

Best for: lessons in entrepreneurship

Host: Renee Dalo

Wedding planning is about creativity, empathy, and organisation—but it is also about business! Marketed as "Biz Chat for Wedding Pros and Creative Business Owners", Renee Dalo guides her listeners through the pits and peaks of entrepreneurship.

Visualist recommends: Creative CEO-ship and Pricing for Your Creative Process—creativity comes naturally to wedding professionals, Renee explains how to combine that innate skill with a CEO mindset to become unstoppable!

Refine for Wedding Planners

Best for: handling client relationships

Host: Amber Anderson

The Refine for Wedding Planners podcast is a serving of radical honesty, thoughtful insights and lived experiences. Amber Anderson creates a space for wedding pros to be both encouraged and challenged. Many episodes focus on managing common client scenarios, improving communication and setting boundaries—an aspect of wedding planning not spoken about enough.

Visualist recommends: Handing naughty clients—We've all had them, some might even be springing to mind right now! Amber addresses this frustrating topic with a lighthearted and rational approach.

The job of an interior designer is to transform a house into a home. To achieve this, an interior designer must deeply understand their client. The best way to get to know your client? Ask unique, creative questions—and more importantly, listen to the answers. Though it may seem trivial, your client's favorite meal or dream holiday destination can speak volumes. To build a home that is beautiful, practical, and truly reflective of its residents, you first need to thoroughly understand your client's lifestyle and personality. Here are 10 unconventional questions you can ask to get to know your clients and reveal more than meets the eye...

This article will explore...

• Understanding clients' lifestyles and personalities by asking unconventional questions to create personalized designs.
• Questions to cover topics like travel preferences, favorite meals, hobbies, and historical eras to uncover unique client insights.
• Using client responses to incorporate specific elements like cultural touches, entertainment needs, or storage solutions into the design.
  

Interior design client questionnaire ideas

1. You get given a free ticket to anywhere in the world, where are you going? Why?

Can you incorporate a touch of that culture into their everyday home?

2. It's a Saturday night, what are you doing for dinner?

Are your clients heading out to a fancy restaurant, or do they need an area dedicated to hosting friends? Perhaps they need a big comfy sofa to snuggle down and order a pizza?

3. If you could live in any time period, when would you choose to live and why?

Are there elements of that era's aesthetic that you can incorporate into your design? Retro-futurism, Memphis Design, or Gothic Revival?

4. What festive holiday do you enjoy most and why?

A good indicator of how your client likes to entertain and how this new space will be used. Plus, you might find out where they envision their Christmas tree—think sockets!

5. What album do you play on repeat?

Music is often a good indicator of aesthetic. Additionally, if your client reveals music is important to them, you might want to account for a great sound system in your design.

6. If you were stranded on a deserted island alone, what six items would you need?

It is important to understand your client's fundamental priorities. Also, a good way to start a chat about necessities with a hoarding-inclined client.

7. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Think lighting! Would your client prefer a spot to catch early morning rays or the last of the evening sun?

8. Describe your perfect Sunday...

Put yourself in your client's Sunday shoes. Do they need big kitchen counters to prepare a Sunday roast? A space to wash off muddy football boots? A big screen for a family movie night?

9. What is your favourite hobby?

Is your client a keen rower, a talented artist, or an animal lover? Remember to take into account where the equipment for these hobbies will be stored!

10. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Flying, mind-reading, or the ability to tidy up at 2x speed—if the latter, innovative storage solutions are in order!

Prue Fisher is a London-based fashion stylist. Prue has recently worked with Select Model London and assisted in the styling of famous faces such as Nicola Coughlan and Bimini Bon Boulash.

‍

Meet Prue Fisher

What made you fall in love with fashion?

I have always loved fashion. As far as I can remember, I have always been picturing clothes and outfits in my head. I remember seeing pictures from the Met Gala in magazines when I was younger and finding them so captivating.

Another event that confirmed my love for fashion was writing my dissertation, which focused on the world of fashion and Surrealism. I looked closely at the link between designer Schiaparelli and Surrealism during the early 20th century.

Where do you find inspiration?

If I am ever struggling with a creative block, I always turn to Tagwalk—a tip I learnt from assisting Aimee Croysdill.

I also turn to my Pinterest boards for inspiration. I am forever adding to them and they never let me down.

We asked Prue to share the creative concept that she hopes to one day bring to life...

‍

Surrealist dream

I'd love to stage a shoot that acts as a nod to my studies of the Surrealist art movement. The shoot would celebrate shape, beauty, and a dreamlike world.

The styling would include simple dresses and suits. The looks will be accessorised and styled with large hats, bows, socks, gloves and feathers. I'd shoot against a backdrop of turquoise waters and white sand to bring out the strange beauty and magic of Surrealism, whilst allowing for sleek silhouette contrasting shots.

In a dream world, it would only feel right to work with Schiaparelli. Additionally, I would love to work with YSL, Versace, Valentino, 16 Arlington and Miscreants London—they are all amazing.

Find an archive of Prue's work on her Instagram, or learn more about her services on her website.

Katie Moore is an internationally published makeup artist and hair stylist. Katie. Katie has worked with various celebrities and influential individuals, resulting in her work being featured in the likes of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, GQ and many more.

Meet Katie Moore

When did you decide to pursue a career in makeup?

At university, I was given a brief to create a look suitable for Harper’s Bazaar. At that time, I’d never heard of the magazine and had no idea there were careers in makeup beyond makeovers for private clients—I was in my late teens and had barely picked up a brush!

Naturally, I began my research into the aesthetic and became obsessed with high fashion editorials and beauty campaigns—which is the direction my work has taken ever since.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I consider my sources of inspiration quite conventional. I look to runway archives, my collection of vintage print magazines, and other artists’ work for a boost in creativity. Simply turning to my kit and rediscovering a product that I’d love to experiment with also helps a lot!

There are often time restraints and subsequently a bit of pressure to design looks when working to a client’s brief, so I just get immersed in it.

How do you hope your work is remembered?

But in my reality, I’d love my work to be remembered as an extension of me and my love for enhancing natural beauty in a playful way. I also hope to be recognised for how I made my peers/models feel.

We asked Katie Moore to share her 'bucket list concept'—the creative vision that she hopes to one day bring to life...

Into the wild

I’d absolutely love to create something that combines my passion for nature and exploring with a beautiful shoot concept.

It would have to be in the Galapagos—my dream travel destination. Away from tourist spots, somewhere off the beaten track where the wildlife is thriving with lush exotic plants, flowers and wild creatures.

In every shot, I’d want the model to wear a look that matches the background of the frame. So if they’re bathing by a turquoise crystal waterfall, their full outfit should mimic this. It’s not a unique concept by any means but I’ve never personally shot a colour story like this and have always been in love with the aesthetic. I'd love to collaborate with Stella McCartney because of the ethos behind her brand and her gorgeous ability to colour block! It wouldn’t feel right pulling clothes from unsustainable luxury designers whilst working in a location so under threat from environmental changes.

I'd choose Gisele to model for this shoot because she always seems so lovely and humble and is a compassionate activist—as well as being stunningly beautiful, but that goes without saying. The team is everything on a shoot so all the creatives involved would be my industry friends who are as kind-hearted as they are talented.

This idea stems from my interests outside of work, which are easily neglected in a job so consuming. It would be wonderful to merge the two and produce a true passion project.

Find an archive of Katie's work on her website or her Instagram.

For personal stylists, building a beautiful wardrobe is a great outcome; but watching a client grow in confidence and self-acceptance is the real reward. The key to unlocking that confidence and crafting a perfect style identify for your client is to truly get to know them as an individual. What do they need from their wardrobe day-to-day? What is inhibiting their confidence in their style right now? What do they dream of doing if they had the perfect wardrobe?

Visualist speaks with professional personal stylists to find out what questions they have to ask in their initial client consultations.

Personal styling client questionnaire template

Current situation

1. When did you last feel fabulous?
2. When you look in your closet, how do you feel?
3. When do you feel the most confident about yourself?
4. When was the last time you wore an outfit that made you feel like yourself?
5. When did you last wear this outside the house?
6. Where do you currently shop the most?

Pain points

1. What could make you feel more comfortable trying X type of item?
2. Why do you feel scared to wear bright colours?
3. When do you get frustrated whilst shopping or getting dressed?

Inspo

1. Who do you follow on Instagram and love?
2. What does a typical week in your life look like?
3. On a Saturday night, where do you go for dinner?

Goals

1. How do you want to feel when you show up in your elevated style?
2. Where do you see yourself in the next year if you make changes to your style?
3. What would you like to achieve from our session?

To learn more about the thinking behind each question, listen to what our experts had to say...

‍

Michelle Wright

When did you last feel fabulous?

Your role extends beyond curating the perfect wardrobe, it is also about how you make your clients feel. The way you phrase your questions can help to rewrite your client's narrative from one of self-doubt to one of self-love—so always focus on the positives!

Michelle Wright is a personal stylist based in the East Midlands, UK. Read more insights from Michelle Wright.

‍

Erica Ball

When you look in your closet, how do you feel?

Naturally followed by, "How would you like to feel?" Once you have established your client's current relationship with their wardrobe and what they hope to achieve with the help of your services, the work can begin.

Erica Ball is a personal stylist based in Los Angeles, CA. Read more insights from Erica Ball.

‍

Christen Johnson

When do you feel the most confident about yourself?

With this question, you want your client to open up about their passions and motivations. Their answers should tell you more about how they hope to be perceived in their workplace, and you can use that information to build their style identity.

Christen Johnson is a personal style consultant specialising in styling professional women. Read more insights from Christen Johnson.

‍

Morgan Bienvenue

When was the last time you wore an outfit that made you feel like yourself?

Dressing as your authentic self is the key to feeling great. Identify what made them feel great and then analyse why—that way you can recreate those elements to ensure you find clothes that make your client feel great again and again.

Morgan Bienvenue works in editorial and personal styling. Read more insights from Morgan Bienvenue.

‍

Louise Hall

When did you last wear this outside the house?

This is a good question to assess the current functionality of your client's wardrobe, but their answer is also a great indicator of how willing they are to let things go. It also serves as a good starting point for a conversation about having to be ready to let go of the old to make room for the exciting new.‍

Louise Hall is a personal stylist and colour consultant. Read more insights from Louise Hall.

‍

Lisa Wisdom

Where do you currently shop the most?

Is your client a shopaholic or do they avoid the shops entirely? You'll soon find out! Figuring out your client's go-to brands gives you a good sense of their budget, aesthetic, and where their current wardrobe might be lacking.

Lisa Wisdom is a personal stylist and founder of Style With Wisdom. Read more insights from Lisa Wisdom.

‍

Polly Goodyear

What could make you feel more comfortable trying X type of item?

Asking this question should help reassure your client that they can trust you to support them on this journey. Together you and your client can brainstorm potential strategies to help them overcome their insecurities.

Polly Goodyear is a personal stylist and gift concierge. Read more insights from Polly Goodyear.

‍

Saasha Scaife

Why do you feel scared to wear bright colours?

Wardrobes are more fun with colour! But embracing the rainbow can be hard for some clients, and their reservations are often evidence of deeper insecurities. If you can come to understand your client's hesitations, you can then support them in embracing brighter possibilities!

Saasha Scaife is a personal stylist and colour consultant. Read more insights from Saasha Scaife.

‍

Ginny Hudnut

When do you get frustrated whilst shopping or getting dressed?

It can be difficult for clients to pinpoint what exactly is leaving them unsatisfied with their wardrobe. Instead, it could be useful to identify when the problems arise and work backwards from there.

Ginny Hudnut is a personal stylist and colour analyst. Read more insights from Ginny Hudnut.

‍

Catherine Roberston

Who do you follow on Instagram and love?

An Instagram feed says 1000 words. You're not trying to copy their style icon, but rather use them as a springboard for getting to know your client's preferences and what they may be open to trying.

Catherine Robertson is a personal stylist and founder of CR styling. Read more insights from Catherine Robertson.

‍

Jiovani Cervantes

What does a typical week in your life look like?

What better way to understand your client's lifestyle than to ask for a full run down? Your client's wardrobe needs to be practical for their day-to-day life, so you need to understand what exactly that entails!

Jiovanni Cervantes is a stylist based in Los Angeles, California. Read more insights from Jiovani Cervantes.

‍

Brianna Wise

On a Saturday night, where do you go for dinner?

This question might seem superficial, but a client's answer speaks volumes about their tastes, personality, and lifestyle. Do they need a wardrobe fit for fine dining, or would they prefer to feel comfortable and casual for a home-cooked meal?

Brianna Wise has worked in the styling industry for years and now offers coaching and advice for fellow personal stylists. Read more insights from Brianna Wise.

‍

Shaquanna Chappelle

How do you want to feel when you show up in your elevated style?

Powerful, sophisticated, elegant—if your client can pinpoint a keyword they would like to embody with their new style, that is a great clue as to the style and attitude you're looking to create.

Shaquanna Chappelle is an Atlanta-based image and style expert. Read more insights from Shaquanna Chappelle.

‍

Natalie Daley

Where do you see yourself in the next year if you make changes to your style?

Share in your client's excitement about their future and the clothes that will take them there—it will make the process so much more enjoyable for you both. Plus, speaking your goals out loud is the first step to success!

Natalie Daley is the founder of Style Confidence Daley. Read more insights from Natalie Daley.

‍

Sarah Sullivan

What would you like to achieve from our session?

Before you start, set your goals. It is important to understand exactly what your client wants to get out of working with you. Are they looking for a whole new wardrobe? Or do they simply need advice on styling existing pieces to take the stress out of getting ready in the morning?

Sarah Sullivan is the founder of personal style consultancy, Style Solutions by Sarah. Read more insights from Sarah Sullivan.

‍

Natalie Ryan is a die-hard romantic and CEO of Luna Rose Events & Weddings.

With over 6 years of experience in the events industry, Natalie is able to design, plan, and manage her clients' big day to perfection.

Natalie recalls fond memories, shares words of wisdom, and muses on wedding day colour palettes with the help of an old wedding day tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue...

Something old

My husband and I were married in Skiathos, Greece and we had a beautiful day. We only had 13 guests, which is exactly what we wanted—small, and on a beautiful island that holds many family memories for us. It is important to me that my clients have the wedding that they want, not what is expected of them. A wedding is a chance to not only celebrate your love but to create a day that reflects your relationship.

I don't have a specific favourite memory from my time as a wedding planner, but my favourite part by far is always the first dance. I work with clients who love live music and the first dances are kick-ass, fun, and love-filled.

Something new

My first step when taking on a new client is a deep conversation. I get to know my couples on a personal level, their favourite places to eat, favourite movies, hobbies and passions etc. With this, the blank page quickly becomes filled with design ideas suited to their personality.

We always tweak as we go and make a wedding that reflects them as a couple. Themed weddings are fun, but it's always best to be yourself.

Something borrowed

The best advice I received as a wedding planner is not to copy. In the early days of setting up as a planner, it is easy to look to other planners for inspiration but keep them as just that, inspiration—you will mould your niche yourself. Do not copy and paste. There is room for us all and your clients will find you if you just follow your own ideas.                                

Something blue

I find colour inspiration anywhere and everywhere—I once took a picture of a tree bark because it was the perfect shade of brown/bronze for my client!

Generally, I enjoy a more rustic vibe but I do love a pop of fun in colour or accents at a wedding— think converted barn with dark modern lighting and urban twists.

At my most recent wedding, the colour palette was romantic, warm, wooden, and rustic. The design worked beautifully with the venue and Laurel Designs nailed the vision.

‍

Find Natalie on Instagram or learn more about her services on her website.

After developing a love for shopping at age 12, it was only natural for Polly Goodyear to build a career as a personal stylist and gift concierge.

Polly works to create wardrobes for every style, body, and budget—so that getting dressed is always simple, flattering and fun.

Keep it simple

Polly's client communication often begins via email, and then migrates to text as they get to know one another better. "Most of my clients send selfies via text if they are looking for my input. Alternatively, we simply meet in person."

Crucial first steps

An intake questionnaire and client photos are critical first steps in Polly's process. She also learns a lot about her client during the initial closet edit.

If her process goes to plan, Polly knows her client will love everything she suggests when it comes to new purchases and styling of existing pieces.

Finding the time

Sometimes, finding time in her client's schedule is Polly's biggest challenge—finding a block of 3-4 hours for a client to focus solely on themselves and their closet is easier said than done! "Whilst I don’t need my client to be up to her elbows in her own stuff, I do need her to try a lot on and give me a lot of information about her self-image, how things fit, what works for her lifestyle and what her goals are."|

Client deep dive

What questions make up the initial questionnaire that acts as such a crucial step in Polly's process? We challenged Polly to recreate client intake questionnaire—if she had just ~5 questions to work with...

Who... do you want to embody when you get dressed? Who is your style icon?

What... do you feel are your biggest challenges when it comes to getting dressed?

Which... areas of your body do you like to conceal or flaunt?

When... do you feel great about your style and look? What makes you feel great wearing that?

Why... do you shy away from wearing X? What could make you feel more comfortable trying those items?

‍

Find a bank of styling advice on Polly's Instagram, or learn more about her services on her website.

Morgan Bienvenue is a fashion stylist based in NYC. Her approach to personal styling stems from the desire to help clients find themselves through fashion.

Morgan has worked with iconic brands including Macy’s, Under Armour, and Swarovski.

A friend in me

Outside of a consultation or shopping appointment, Morgan usually communicates with her clients over text. "It’s the most conversational and natural way for them to ask me anything or send me pictures from the fitting room when they’re shopping. I consider it a major compliment when someone is considering buying something and the first person they think to ask is me."

"I never want to discourage that level of closeness because in reality clothing is super personal. Often the things we’ve talked about beforehand involve insecurities or hang-ups so my goal is to function as a best friend that they know will give them honest, but encouraging fashion advice."

Trust your intuition

When first meeting a client, Morgan provides a questionnaire that offers insight into their goals and the lifestyle they lead. However, for the most part, she can sense a client's style identity just from being in the room with them. "I genuinely think that interpreting someone’s style is an intuitive process."

Morgan also uses her client's current closet as a source for clues. "To me, impulse purchases offer great insight into the person you want to become. It is often the fear of change or lack of experience with shapes and proportions that keep you from letting that person out."

If the time is right

"Sometimes you simply can’t convince a client to see what you see. Maybe they aren’t ready to see themselves differently, maybe they just experienced a weight gain/loss and their brain hasn’t caught up to their new body yet, or maybe you just aren’t seeing eye to eye on what style suits them."

Morgan finds these problems arise when a client has put a wall somewhere inside themselves. "Maybe they aren’t quite able to articulate what they envision for themselves, or they don’t fully commit to the process. Either way, when a client tries something on that makes them feel special, it’s apparent. They don’t have to fake it, that feeling just emanates from them. If I can’t get that response from them, I know we might have just met a little too early on in their journey."

Client deep dive

Intuition alone can tell you a lot about your client, but the right questions will help you along the way. We challenged Morgan to unravel the goals of a client who feels disconnected from their true sense of style-if she has just -5 questions to work with.

Who... are your personal style icons?

What... are your goals? What do you want to accomplish that you think updating your personal style will help you achieve?

Where... is your favourite place to travel?

When... was the last time you wore an outfit that made you feel like yourself? What was the situation surrounding that outfit?

Why... have you hired a personal stylist now vs. any other time?

‍

Follow Morgan on Instagram for daily style inspiration, or find out more about her services on her website.

Chris Adnitt worked in the hospitality industry for over two decades before setting up The Wedding Arrangers—a London-based wedding planning business specialising in dry hire and blank canvas venues. Chris and his team produce weddings that are fun, creative, relaxed, and often very food orientated.

Chris recalls his journey into the wedding industry, his take on upcoming wedding trends, and his approach to vendor relationships with the help of an old wedding day tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue...

Something old

I can't recall one particular moment that drew me to event planning. Instead, I experienced a gradual deepening of love for the hospitality industry. It began with my first part-time job in a local pub, grew during my 10 years as a club promoter/DJ, and cemented itself during the 10 years that I ran my own restaurant and catering business. When a flood brought my restaurant to a close, I felt I had reached a serious crossroads in my life. It was time to ask myself where my real passions were. The answer was obvious: food, music and booze! In my mind, that's what all the best parties are built from—so now throwing amazing parties is what I do.

I received some great advice regarding my line of work once: "Relax, have fun, it's just a party!" I relay that message to my staff at every single event we run.

Something new

Given the nature of our venues, we are often asked for very "rustic" inspired decor. However, I am noticing a growing preference for more elegant set-ups contrasted with the industrial setting. In terms of food, I'm seeing more couples opt for super casual street food options at their weddings. These couples are doing away with table plans and formal dining, in favour of food trucks and stalls with a variety of fun bites from around the world. Some are opting for a full market vibe with beer benches, festoons and mismatched antique furniture, while others are bringing in fresh-looking mid-century modern furnishings.

We work with the brilliant Chew That! to put together amazing food and bar options for our couples.

Something borrowed

I'm extremely picky when it comes to the key suppliers I recommend.

First of all, the food needs to be incredible. Once you tie in crockery hire and service, it will doubtless form the biggest part of the budget breakdown. If I haven't had first-hand experience of working with a caterer, we attend a rigorous tasting day and talk to them at length about their experience in dry hire venues—not every caterer can handle this environment!

We run our own in-house bar company, London Wedding Bars in association with the amazing cocktail team at Behind This Wall in Hackney. I take personal control of the wine programme and work with some incredible merchants to ensure our wines are always on point.

We love to bring amazing photographers and florists on board to really put the icing on the cake of our celebrations. I always advise couples to spend some time getting to know their photographers; they're going to be shooting some intimate and emotional moments and you won't be relaxed if you don't click personally with your photographer.

Something blue

That is how I would describe the colour palette for my most recent wedding. Our last wedding took place in an incredible Victorian riverside warehouse called The Chainstore. Our couple chose beautiful bentwood chairs and clean white linen which contrasted beautifully with the muted silver napkins and natural stoneware crockery. Extraordinary floral work by Still Life brought the whole thing to life—Phalaenopsis, Orchids, Hydrangea, Campanula flowers and Ilex trees.

‍
‍
See more of Chris' work on Instagram and find out how The Wedding Arrangers can bring your big day to life on their website.