An overview of a wedding Planners life in 2020

I was going to write a post on Instagram with a reflection on the last year but thought there would simply not be enough space to write and would people keep reading all the text in the limited space you have on Instagram?!

So, firstly to confess I am not the world’s best writer but hey, I can put some words down on paper sharing my thoughts and reflections on life as a Wedding Planner in the year 2020. 

2020 has without a doubt been the hardest, most challenging year ever in the history of Susie Evans Wedding Co. I have cried more tears and my mental health has been through the mill over the last 9 months, there is no denying that. BUT, I have learnt so much about myself, those I work with as well as my friends and family. We all have dealt with this in a different way and there is certainly no right or wrong for anyone no matter what people say. 

Photo Credit -Fresh Shoot Studios

NEW WEBSITE AND NEW BRANDING FOR MY WEDDING PLANNING BUSINESS

As I write this, I am sitting in a quiet room after a long dog walk with a good friend and we reflected on 2020 but spoke mainly of the positives. I wanted to put some of my thoughts down on paper (or my MacBook to be precise!) to let you in to my head and share my thoughts and experiences. 

In January 2020 I launched my new website and branding and I still believe it was perfect timing as it was well overdue and I was approaching my ninth year of trading and really felt my brand and website did not reflect me and the work that I was so passionate about. Specialising in marquee weddings at home and exclusive use venues including weekend weddings is what I am all about. I am known as the marquee wedding planner expert and I needed to share this with my audience. 

Photo Credit - Fresh Shoot Studios

  VENUE CONSULATNCY IN SURREY AND SUSSEX

Many of you may know that I also have another arm to the business in my venue consultancy working with The Barn at Botley Hill and The Hyde Estate. Both very different venues but both hold a very special place in my heart. With the first initial lockdown being at the beginning of the wedding season, there were lots of solutions and plans we had to come up with. Obviously, none of us knowing or even thinking we would still be in this position by the end of the year. 

Seeing so many couples including my own private clients as well as all the couples that had their big days planned for the Spring and Summer of 2020 having their hearts shattered and the anxiety of not knowing when this will all end. I think many wedding planners will resonate with me when I say this but our role is to find solutions and make everything work but for once in my career I was often speechless, unsure of what steps to make next without knowing what the future holds. This is probably what I have struggled with the most out of all of this. Not knowing what the best solution is in every scenario. 

Photo Credit - Colin Ross Photography

POSTPONING WEDDINGS DURING A PANDEMIC

However, 9 months later I have now postponed and rescheduled in excess of 100 events and continue to work with couples still going through this. So, I think I can quite confidently say that I am now an expert of planning in a pandemic don’t you think?! 

One thing I did say to myself is that I wouldn’t talk about my income and how it has affected me as to be honest, I think 99% of the population have been affected one way or another and everyone’s situation is different. No, I didn’t get any grants as I had a contract that I was on PAYE back in 2018 but I took the bounce back loan and thankfully due to still having many contracts still in place, I have had a steady income whilst heavily reduced but I am thankful for having that. 

Image Credit - Fresh Shoot Studios Photography

Sorry, I said I would reflect on the good and positives of my life as a wedding planner in 2020….

The biggest achievement I would have to say is expanding my business right at the height of lockdown by bringing on an additional Wedding Planner to be my new partner in crime! Libby joined the team in September. Knowing that 2021 is going to be a busy year and having more enquiries that I could manage, I thought now is the best time to invest in having an opportunity like Libby to join me. With her vast experience in the events industry and the same working ethos as me, I couldn’t have been prouder to have Libby by my side. I am super excited about our future together as we have many exciting plans so watch this space! 

Image Credit - Louise Adby Photography

I have always been known for having the calm, friendly and honest approach to wedding planning and this has become more evident throughout this pandemic. I have taken on so many different emotions and tried my best to be there for each and every one of you. Having an open door and welcoming anyone to call or message me no matter what has shown me that each and every one of us have and continue to deal with this situation in a different way. It has taught me and made me far more aware that we need to respect each other’s decisions and choices. What might seem like a personal attack on you, generally it has been the persons upset and anger at the situation and not at you personally. So, the key is to listen and support. 

At the start of lockdown, I did manage to do my first ever 10K run and lost nearly 2 stone…well we are now at the end of the year and I haven’t run in months and eaten and drunk everything in sight so will get back in a routine as health is so important and it has taken a back seat of late! Maybe this public declaration may help me make some better health decisions?! Maybe next week I will start ;-) 

Throughout the year it has been so sad to see so many businesses struggling financially and emotionally and losing a few amazing ones along the way. It has shown me how collectively so many of us have come together to support and encourage along the way. I have made some amazing friends and met some fabulous new suppliers along the way and for that I am grateful. 

We did a soft launch of our ‘Planning in a Pandemic’ service for couples that have everything in place but perhaps lost their mojo or confidence in planning and may be looking at a postponement and need some extra support from a professional. This has proven really popular and we continue to offer this service as we continue into 2021. 

Image Credit - Colin Ross Photography

I could waffle for so much longer but I guess what I really wanted to say is that yes, this has been such a tough year and there have been times I have struggled and I am sure more to come but ultimately I have continued and grown a successful business and will be stronger than ever when we do return to some normality. Even better that I will have Libby by my side. I am remaining optimistic about 2021, it may start a little later than planned but we will get through this. Please be mindful of how everyone deals with things differently and show respect for others.  I can honestly say, once we have ridden these large waves, the outcome will only be better and boy will we be ready to celebrate.

Oh and we have gained a new mascot….if you haven’t already…meet Bruno! He drives me insane most days but we do love him!

I end this to say a HUGE thank you to all my couples and the couples I have worked with through the venues, you have been amazing. Whilst there have been many difficult conversations, you have shown so much love and support and made my job so much easier. Remember I am here, whilst I don’t have all the answers both Libby and I are here to guide you through the uncertainty and work on the best options for you.  

Enjoy your New Year’s no matter what you have planned…I plan to try and stay awake past midnight but that is a mission in itself! Bring on 2021 with lots of love, smiles and positive vibes.

Lots of Love

Susie and Libby

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